Page 72 of Little Gray Dress

“Who else?”

“I’ve been really stubborn, and I might have led you on a little. I never do that, and I wanted to apologize before I left.”

“Don’t worry about it. Actually, I should be thanking you.”

“You should?”

“Yes. I asked for a favor in exchange for our deal, and without even knowing it you gave me one.” He pauses with a small smile. “I’ve been playing it safe for far too long, and you reminded me why I shouldn’t do that.” He’s nodding his head, through an almost frown. “Jack loves you.”

“I know.”

“Do you love him?”

“I think so.” I nod at him. For some reason, I can’t say it out loud yet. There is too much unknown.

He laughs with a nod. “There is something I didn’t tell you before I left the wedding last night.

“What?”

“I didn’t realize it until the middle of the blow-up, but, I’ve met Jack before. He came in a few weeks ago, by himself. He sat right here and drank.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. He looked like he was troubled, so I got him talking for a few minutes, and I felt for him. I wish I’d realized it was him sooner.”

“What did he say?”

“He was nervous about seeing the only girl he’d truly loved. The girl whose heart he broke, even though things weren’t quite as they seemed. He felt like it was his fault that you were both miserable, possibly forever. I’ll tell ya, I’ll never forget the way he talked about you. He misses you, and if I’m reading him right, he truly loves you.”

“Thank you for telling me.” My God, I am an idiot. I could have fixed this years ago and saved us both so much heartache.

“My pleasure. You’re a great girl, and he’s a lucky man. I’ve no doubt you two will work things out.”

“Thank you, Liam, for everything.” I hop off my stool and hug him. “You made this weekend a little easier.” I head for the front door. “You have my number and if you’re ever in Dallas…”

“I’m gonna call ya.” He waves as I walk through the door, his face a combo of happy and sad.

Liam is a great guy, and in any other situation I’d have jumped at the opportunity to date him. I’m making the right choice, though. All the leads I have today are all taking me back towards Jack.

To be honest, for the most part I’ve never felt the way I do right now about Jack. It’s almost overwhelming. Like I’ve been struck by lightning from my head to my loins. The only part I wish I could delete from this equation is Greta’s pregnancy. If it wasn’t for that, everything would be perfect.

I jab Lily’s number into my phone before I start my car.

“Hello?”

“Did he come back?” I ask.

“Not yet. But there is something here I think you should see.”

“I’m on my way.” I end the call and pull away from the bar, glad that Evan’s house isn’t far. What could there be? Luckily it only takes two minutes to get to my brother’s house, and when I pull up I see what the something is. Amelia is waiting for me, sitting in one of the two rocking chairs Hannah has out on the front porch.

“Amelia, what are you doing here?” I ask her, a little worried that something has gone wrong.

“Emi, I’m glad you’re here. Have a seat.”

“What’s going on?” I ask her nervously.

“I’m going to assume you know what’s going on between Jack and Greta?” The seriousness of her face makes me squirm uncomfortably in the chair. The good feeling I had fifteen minutes ago is quickly fading.

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