Page 123 of One Little Lie
“You know, I’m sure she’ll be fine if you want to meet her in her room? I don’t think she expects you to go through all this just because she’s here.”
I’m grateful for Colton’s words and worried that perhaps I’m not holding it together as well as I thought I was.
“We have a lot to talk about. We kind of suck at communicating, and I don’t want to leave her side until I know for sure that we’re on the same page.”
“What page is that?” he asks with a smirk. The asshole.
“The forever kind,” I declare without hesitation.
Colton barrels into me, and I’m embarrassed to admit that his embrace eases the panic building inside of me.
“I’m happy for you, Halt. Just remember, she was mine first. You can have your forever, but she’s always going to be my best friend.”
His words are playful, but there’s a hint of sadness behind them, too.
“Colt? Do you really think I’d keep Rylan from you? You’re the one that was there for her when I couldn’t be. I’ll always be grateful for that.”
He smiles and claps me on the back just as our girl burrows into my side.
“I’m going to grab a drink. I’ll check in with you two later.” Colton leans in to kiss Rylan on the cheek, and his whispered words punch me in the feels. “Take care of him, Ryguy. He’s the best man I know, and no one deserves to be happier than the two of you.”
When he steps back, I know he sees the moisture in my eyes but doesn’t acknowledge it. Instead, he tips his empty glass and walks away.
Rylan’s head rests on my chest as she smiles up at me. “How are you doing, Hatty?”
“I’m okay. I love watching you shine out there.” I sweep my hand across the ballroom. “I’m so proud of you, princess.”
“You didn’t have to stay, you know?”
I shake my head. “I wanted to. I won’t always be able to do it, but I’m … I’m seeing Lexi’s therapist, and she prescribed some medicine that takes the edge off. I want to support you any time I can. Tonight, I could. But …”
I don’t want to cut the night short for her, but I know I can’t handle this crowd much longer.
“But you’ve had your fill,” she offers with a brilliant smile.
“Yeah.” Leaning down, I kiss her gently on the forehead. “I don’t want to leave us like this. There are things we need to discuss. Things I need to say, so there’s no confusion. Our communication has sucked so far, and I don’t want to make any more mistakes with you. So, when you’re done here, can we meet up? I’ll come to you if that works.”
“Hatty,” she smiles sadly, and my heart pinches in panic, “I only want to be where you are. This isn’t the life I want.” She indicates the room with her hands. “It was a means to an end for me. If you’re ready to leave, let’s go.”
Staring into her eyes, I see my forever, and happiness overwhelms me. I grab her hand and drag her from the ballroom. We pass Lexi on the way, and she grumbles about the Westbrooks and their caveman tendencies, causing me to pause. Glancing behind me, I see Rylan practically running to keep up with my long strides, and I slow my pace.
I’m ready to start our forever, but I can wait a few more minutes.
* * *
“This is your room?” Rylan gasps, twirling in a circle and taking in the suite.
I shrug sheepishly because I know it’s excessive, but I was hoping she’d stay here with me for a few days, so I splurged.
“It’s amazing, Hatty.” She’s standing at the floor-to-ceiling windows, and my heart thunders in my chest. Moving quickly, I stand behind her.
“You’re amazing, Rylan.” She turns her head, but I step into her space and wrap her in an embrace from behind so she can’t turn around.
“I’m so sorry for hurting you.” The words fight through the emotion, but there’s no mistaking my sincerity.
Rylan leans into me, resting her head on my chest. “Me too, Hatty.”
“I want to be very clear about my intentions, princess. I’m all in. I will make mistakes, but I swear to you, I’ll fight for us until my dying breath. I’ll never push you away again, but I’m going to need help. I’m never going to fit in certain situations, no matter how much I want to. Be my talisman. Ground me with your sunbeams, Rylan. I need you to help me fit when I want to run and love me, even if I do. You’re all the best parts of me. I only fit when you’re beside me, and I never want to live without you again.”
