Listen to Your Heart(39)

She sighs and sits down next to me on the couch.

“Oh, yes. I’m a terrible, horrible person. You picked out your dream gown, and Caleb saw you wearing it. Your stubborn asses needed a swift kick, and from what you’ve told me, it worked.”

“Nothing’s worked yet.”

“He’ll be here.”

“And even if it does work, I will always be the bitch who made him break his engagement.”

“You didn’t make him do anything, Skye. He made a choice, which is what you’ve wanted all along. Stop trying to make yourself feel guilty. When he shows up tonight—”

“You mean if he shows up.”

“When he shows up tonight. You are such a pessimist.”

I shrug and finish my wine.

“Juliana really is wonderful. You’ll like her, Skye.”

“I don’t dislike her now. And since when are the two of you such good friends? You’ve been plotting against us for weeks. Making me pick out china patterns and wedding favors. I thought you’d turned into a greedy, money-hungry bitch by making us keep this account. But no, you simply wanted to torture me.”

“No, we wanted both of you to accept that you can’t live without each other. And now you have. You’ll thank us when you’re walking down the aisle in that gorgeous dress.”

I snort. “I’m not getting married, Lyns.”

“Why not? You’ve already picked everything out.”

It’s official. She’s insane.

“Thank you for the wine. Go away now.”

“You’re kicking me out?”

“Yes.”

Lynsey sighs dejectedly, but there’s a huge smile on her face as she grabs her bag and walks to the door.

“Fine, but you must call me later. Or, first thing in the morning . . . you know, depending on how things work out tonight.”

“Go away!”

After she finally leaves, I busy myself with ridiculous chores that I typically save for the weekend. I vacuum the living room, scrub my shower, fold a load of laundry, and rearrange my closet, hoping the mindless activities will keep my mind occupied.

They don’t.

Is love supposed to be this hard? I have no idea. My relationship with my ex had been ridiculously easy . . . until it wasn’t. I thought I’d loved him, but now I know better. Leaving him hadn’t left a gaping hole in my chest. Walking away from him hadn’t left me sleepless and heartbroken.

I’m in love with Caleb.

I can admit that now. I don’t know how it happened or when it happened, but I love him. Maybe I always have. And I believe what he says. I think he loves me, too. But I’m also an adult, and I know that sometimes, love’s not the problem. It’s a sobering revelation, when you realize that life really isn’t a fairytale and sometimes love isn’t enough.

Could it be enough for us?

A knock on the door makes me jump, causing me to drop the armful of sweaters I’d just sorted by color.

Clearly, I’m mental.

Kicking the sweaters out of my way, I rush into the living room, stopping at the mirror on the wall to check my reflection. My eyes shine with excitement, something I haven’t seen or felt in weeks.

“It may not even be him,” I whisper.

I slowly walk over the door and peek through the peephole.

It’s him.

With trembling hands, I quickly open the door. Caleb’s head snaps up, his blue eyes blazing. His face morphs into a beautiful, hopeful smile as I step back and wave him inside.

No matter what happens, I’m determined to be strong. I will not shed a tear tonight. I’m going to turn around, square my shoulders, and face the music.

He doesn’t give me the chance.

Caleb pushes me against the door, pressing his body into mine as he gently cups my cheek. His tender touch is such a stark contrast to the wild look in his eyes.

“I’m free,” Caleb says softly. “No more secrets. No more fake engagements. I’m free. And I’m yours. If you want me.”

My entire body trembles with excitement and hope. “Because?”

“Because it wasn’t fair to anyone. But most of all, because I can’t stand to be away from you for one second longer. If I’ve learned anything over the past few weeks, it’s that I’ve been waiting for you my whole life. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted, and I refuse to live without you anymore.”

Despite my promise to myself that I wouldn’t cry, tears trickle down my cheeks anyway.

“What about Juliana’s mom?”

“We told her. Jules and I went over to the house, sat down with her dad, and told him the truth. And then the three of us told Luisa. She was so wonderful, Skye. So understanding. She was lucid and smiling and told us she suspected something wasn’t right all along. And then she thanked us. Thanked us for trying to make her happy. And thanked us for telling her the truth.”

I shake my head, trying to make sense of it all.

Caleb’s free. No more fake engagement. No more wedding.

My pulse races as that knowledge settles itself in my heart.

He sighs softly and presses his forehead to mine.

“You are my heart’s only option,” he whispers.

A whimper escapes my throat when his lips find mine. I melt against him, and he lifts me into the air. Wrapping my legs around his waist, I hang on for dear life while he carries me over to the couch. We crash there, all tangled limbs and frantic kisses as I straddle his lap. After weeks of torture, this is bliss, because for the first time, Caleb is mine. He’s truly mine. And I am his.