Page 120 of Say You Remember Me
He watched her like she was his entire world, his love for her written so plainly across his face that it hit me right in the chest.
I didn’t take my eyes off them, but IfeltMaddie lean into me, her shoulder brushing mine in a way that was as subtle as it was grounding. It wasn’t much—just a touch—but it tethered me to the moment, toher.
Carter took Ava’s hands beneath the wedding arbor, their voices soft as they exchanged vows. And as they spoke promises about forever, about building a life together, I couldn’t help but glance at Maddie.
She caught me looking, and after studying my expression and seeming to read what was in my gaze, her lips curved into the faintest smile, her eyes soft and knowing.
And right then, as the string quartet swelled and my brother slid a ring onto his bride’s finger, it hit me all over again.
This.
This was what I wanted.
Maddie. Grant. All of it.
A future where they weremineto love, to protect, to come home to.
My throat tightened, but it wasn’t fear. It was knowing. Clarity.
Because I loved her. Ilovedher.
And maybe, if I could stop being such a coward about it, maybe tonight would be the night I told her.
45
MADDIE
Ava and Carter’swedding reception was straight out of a fairy tale. Lights strung across the garden sparkled like stars, casting a warm golden glow over the guests. Soft music floated through the air, blending with the hum of laughter and clinking glasses. It was magical, the kind of night that made even the biggest critic believe in love stories and happily-ever-afters.
I sat next to Ian at one of the round tables, my heels kicked off beneath my chair for some relief. The energy of the night buzzed around me as I took a sip of my drink and watched Ava and Carter make their rounds through the crowd, hand in hand, completely wrapped up in each other.
The ceremony earlier had been beautiful—simple, heartfelt, and full of love. Even though I didn’t know Ava and Carter all that well yet, it was obvious they were meant for each other. The way Carter looked at her, like she was his entire universe, made my heart ache in the best way.
It was the kind of love I’d always hoped for. I wanted that, too. One day.
Hopefully.
I let out a soft sigh, shaking off the wistful thought as I picked at the dessert on my plate—some decadent chocolate cake that probably cost more than my weekly grocery bill. These billionaires really knew how to throw a party. Every detail was perfect—from the food to the music to the gorgeous floral centerpieces that looked like they belonged in a magazine.
“This cake is insane,” I murmured, glancing over at Ian who sat beside me.
“Worth every calorie.” He grinned, his eyes crinkling slightly at the corners.
“No arguments here.” I set my fork down with a happy sigh, feeling the buzz of contentment in my chest.
Ian was quiet for a moment, his gaze distant as he swirled the ice in his glass. Finally, he looked at me, his expression casual but with a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. “Have you ever heard of the whole ‘right person, wrong time’ idea?”
I paused, frowning as I thought about it, the question catching me off guard. “Like, the book trope?”
“I guess it could be a book trope.” He chuckled softly. “But I meant more like…the concept. In real life.”
His words made me go still. The idea wasn’t foreign, and now that he’d brought it up, I realized it was something I might actually have a bit of experience with. “Yeah,” I said slowly, “I’ve heard of it.”
Ian nodded, his focus still on me. And while his tone stayed light, there was an undertone I couldn’t quite place. “What do you think about it?”
I tilted my head, studying him, trying to read the intention behind his question. “Is that part of Ava and Carter’s story?”
“No.” He shook his head. “They’ve been together pretty much since high school. They only had a minor blip in their timeline.”
