Page 191 of When We Ignite
And just like that, the weight on my chest lifted. My brothers were back in my corner.
And there was no better feeling in the world.
* * *
The wedding was beautiful. One of those rare, perfect events where nothing went wrong. The weather was just right—not too warm, not too cool. Every guest arrived without issue. The wedding planner had her army of workers running things seamlessly, ensuring the day unfolded like a dream.
While Charlotte and her bridesmaids got ready, we stayed with Oliver, drinking and dressing in the comfort of a judgment-free zone. Oliver and I were better than ever, though he still shot me and Ethan the occasional funny glance. Henry, relieved to no longer be caught in the middle of our secret, chatted animatedly about how he had seen it coming all along and had been rooting for us from the start.
Ethan laughed easily, his face unburdened for the first time in what felt like forever. His father wasn’t there, and the absence showed in the looseness of his shoulders, the way he stayed close to my side without second-guessing it. I hadn’t stopped thinking about the pantry—about the way he’d unraveled me completely. It was out of character for me, but I had loved every second of it. Something about Ethan—aboutbeingwith him—made me feel free, liberated in a way I hadn’t known I could be. With him, I could step out of my own head and just feel. I didn’t have to plan everything, control everything. I could justbe.
As we stood, waiting for our cue to head to the church, I glanced down at him, marveling at how seamlessly he had become part of my world. Our world. No one had ever gotten this close. And it felt right, knowing he was here to stay. Even if we didn’t work out, even if things between us changed, this day bound us together forever. That thought gave me an unexpected sense of peace.
The setting was breathtaking, but not because of the ocean sunset or the endless display of flowers. It was Oliver and Charlotte—the way they looked at each other, the way their love filled every inch of space around them.
During the ceremony, I stood beside Ethan, watching as he got teary-eyed at his sister’s vows. My chest tightened, pride and overwhelming emotion mixing together as I watched my brother marry the love of his life. Oliver deserved this. This kind of love. I couldn’t have been happier for him if I tried.
At the reception, as I delivered yet another speech, my gaze swept over the crowd—but I kept finding the same pair of familiar baby blues.
Maya had arrived this morning, and her presence had helped settle him.
I lifted my glass, waiting for everyone to follow suit.
“To finding peace,” I said, my voice steady as my gaze locked onto Ethan’s. “To that moment when your soul finally settles into its home. There is no better feeling in the world than finding the other half of yourself.”
A knowing silence stretched between us before I cleared my throat and turned to the married couple, chuckling at the equally besotted expressions they wore.
“I wish you both all the happiness in the world,” I continued, raising my glass. “To the newlyweds.”
Glasses clinked around us, but I barely noticed. When I met Ethan’s gaze again, his lips curled into a small, secret smile. His look told me everything I needed to know—we had to find a way to be alone tonight, even if only for a little while.
I wasn’t ready to let him in on just how much he meant to me. Not yet. But I was feeling it.The love.
Maybe when we were back in the city, when it was just us and my bed. Maybe then all the white noise would fade, and I’d finally be able to give in.
By the time most guests were well past drunk, and others had started filtering out, we finally found a secluded corner. We didn’t talk much, choosing instead to lose ourselves in slow, heated kisses—his hands in my hair how he liked, and my body pressed against his like Ineeded. Just two more days. Two more days, and we could disappear into our own little world.
I mentioned taking another trip, getting away from the city again, and Ethan was all in. But when I told him I planned to finally make good on my promise to lock him in my room,thenhe was even more willing.
* * *
The next morning, we gathered for breakfast while most of the family nursed wicked hangovers—Ethan included. The newlyweds had stayed at the venue, tucked away in their private suite.
“There’s an article being published on the wedding,” Henry announced, scrolling through his phone.
“Considering the number of pictures they took, I thought they’d take their time with that one,” I said, lazily buttering my toast.
“It wastheevent of the season,” Ethan’s mother chimed in proudly. “They probably had it written beforehand.”
“Henry, hand me the paper,” our father demanded.
“It won’t be printed yet,” I smirked, earning a sharp look from him.
My phone buzzed in my pocket.
Once.
Then again.
