Hitched (Hitched #1)(50)

I wait, breath held, as he looks at my letter. "Well, Ms. Michaels, you're certainly committed to your work. I admire that. I'll read this over, but as my assistant told you, we have already commissioned another company to plan the party."

"Yes, I understand. But I couldn't walk away without giving it one last try."

He smiles. "That will get you far in life. Have a good day."

He closes the door, and my bones turn to Jell-O. I thank the concierge and text Vi, thanking her for the connection, then continue my sales pitch down the Strip.

I've handed out a dozen cards when I stop in front of the hotel. The one I met Sebastian in. I take a deep breath and brace myself, then walk into the cool, air-conditioned lobby.

I expect everything to remind me of him, and it does. And I'm not emotionally prepared.

I bite my lip to keep from crying and walk faster toward the concierge. He’s tall and wiry with a shock of red hair that looks like it's trying to escape his head. He smiles widely as I approach.

"Hi, I'm—"

Before I can introduce myself, he cuts me off. "Mrs. Donovan, yes! I remember you. You and your husband stayed here. It's so good to see you again. I love meeting happy couples after I've had the honor of witnessing their nuptials."

"You were at our wedding?"

He frowns for a moment, then smiles again. "Yes, of course. I helped arrange it and stayed as witness. But I understand it was an exciting evening, and there was much celebrating. It's no wonder certain memories have become a bit blurry."

I keep a smile frozen on my face and pretend I still know how to behave like a normal human being. "Yes—no, I mean, of course I remember you. Thank you so much for all of your help." The words are hard to say, like they're stuck in molasses, but I get them out and hope he doesn't notice how odd I'm behaving.

"It was my pleasure, of course. Oh! Before I forget..." He reaches under his desk and pulls out a manila envelope. "Sorry this took so long. I was going to mail these but since you're here..." He hands it to me.

"What is it?"

I open it up and pull out the contents.

"Pictures from your wedding night."

The rest of the conversation is a blur. I hand him a card, which he accepts enthusiastically, assuring me he will indeed recommend us to everyone he knows, and by the way, he also has friends at other hotels, and he'll make sure they too use Hitched for all their party needs. I thank him, assure him Sebastian and I are still happily married, and I leave.

I'm walking too fast. I know I am. But I can't breathe, and I can't stop, and I just have to get home before I am completely destroyed by what I'm holding.

Somehow I manage the drive home through a blur of tears, and I ignore Tate as I run up to my room, lock my door, blast music and collapse onto my bed.

Because apparently I'm sixteen again, but whatever.

Only then do I allow myself to finish looking at the glossy 5x7 photographs I didn't even know existed.

I expected to look like a drunken mess, since that's how I always pictured the night in my mind. But the reality of the pictures is much different.

I look… happy. So incredibly happy and free and full of life and joy and hope.

In every picture, Sebastian and I are together—smiling, laughing, kissing, loving.

And as I flip through them, the memories finally emerge, strong and unabbreviated. Every moment of that night crashes into me. I remember our talks, how even in one night this man “got me” in a way no one else ever had. I remember the long walk where we bared our souls. Where I cried over my own loneliness and fears, where he confessed his deepest regrets, where we shared every tidbit of our lives.

And I remember why I married him.

Because he made me feel whole. Not because I'm incomplete without him, but because with him, I can see myself reflected in his eyes, and I see how complete I really am. How complete I've always been.





Chapter 34


Another Heart to Heart


The first call I make isn't to Sebastian. It's to his mom.

"Hi, Sylvia. It's Kacie."

Her voice sounds cheerful. Not suspicious and full of rage, as I'd feared. "Kacie, it's good to hear from you. How are you?"

I swallow the lump in my throat. "Um, I've been better. I was wondering if you had time to talk. I need some advice, and I didn't know who else to call."

"Of course, dear. Would you like to come to the house? We can have lunch and relax by the pool?"

"Yes, that sounds great. Would… today work?"

I can hear the smile in her voice. "Sure, why don't you just head out now? By the time you get here, I'll have everything ready."

The drive feels far too long, but I finally arrive and am once again blown away by the majesty of their home. Sylvia greets me at the door and invites me in. "We've got the house to ourselves for a few hours. So no need to worry about interruptions."

"Thank you for agreeing to meet with me. I'm sure you're very busy."

I help her bring our plates and glasses out to the backyard, and we sit by the pool. She's made a beautiful chicken salad with hummus and veggies on the side and fresh orange juice. Everything tastes delicious, and we eat in silence for a few minutes before I speak. "Did Sebastian tell you everything about how we met?"