Listen to Your Heart(50)

“I will.”

We say goodnight, and I head straight to Skye’s bedroom. I slowly push open the door, and my eyes settle on the beautiful woman lying across the bed with her back to me. The sight of her, even in the dim bedroom, stops me in my tracks.

True to her word, she’s naked. Gloriously naked, with her long red hair flowing down her bare back. My breath hitches as I memorize every curve visible to me, thankful that the most important curves are hidden by the satin sheet that’s wrapped around her like ivy.

A man can only handle so much temptation, after all.

Her soft snores fill the air, and I slowly undress before slipping into bed quietly behind her. Skye sighs softly as I pull her close, holding her flush against my chest.

“Caleb,” she whispers.

“I’m right here. Sleep, sweetheart.”

I bury my nose in her hair, letting my favorite scent in the world wash over me as I hold her tight.

Suddenly, she turns around in my arms, and I force myself to look at her beautiful eyes instead of the sheet that’s fallen dangerously low. Her green eyes are clouded with exhaustion and alcohol, but she’s still undeniably gorgeous.

“I’m drunk, Caleb.”

“I know. Why did you drink so much tonight?”

She closes her eyes and shrugs. “I just wanted to forget, I guess.”

“Forget what?”

“I have no one to blame but myself. I chose this. The decision was mine. I just . . . didn’t think it’d be this hard. So I got drunk, hoping I’d forget.”

“Forget what, sweetheart?”

She lays her head against my chest.

“I wanted to forget that you’re not marrying me.”

Her gentle snores fill the room once again, leaving me alone with my guilt and shame. My eyes don’t close all night long, and by the time the early light of dawn flickers through the bedroom window, I’ve made my decision.



“Sorry I’m late,” Juliana says as she sits down at the table. “Had a rough night.”

“Me, too.”

I sit patiently as the waiter arrives to take her order. I’d waited until Skye left for the wedding before sending Juliana a text, asking her to meet me at her favorite coffee shop. Slightly hungover and running late, Skye had been too busy popping aspirin and guzzling coffee to mention her drunken confession. Chances are she doesn’t even remember it, but I do. It played like a record in my head all night long.

“Why a rough night?” she asks as he walks away.

“Just a lot on my mind.”

She nods.

“How’s the boyfriend?”

“Deacon? He’s amazing.”

“That’s great, Jules. I’m so happy you’re actually able to date the guy and enjoy your new relationship while my girlfriend has panic attacks and plans our wedding.”

Juliana blinks slowly as the waiter arrives with her coffee and blueberry muffin. She thanks him quietly and he heads back to the register.

“Skye’s having panic attacks?”

“Lynsey thinks so.”

She nods thoughtfully. “That would explain our last appointment. I was there to pick out black bridesmaids’ dresses. She was so fidgety. Her hands were shaking. She actually had to step out for a few minutes. I can’t believe I didn’t connect the dots.”

“I haven’t noticed anything. She seems fine when we’re together.”

“That’s probably because you’re together.”

“Probably. But I’m done, Jules. Skye will probably fight me, and that’s okay. This is one fight she’s not going to win. I’m sorry about Luisa, I truly am, but I can’t do this anymore. We’ve met people we really want to have a relationship with. I don’t know if you love Deacon, but I love Skye. If I walk down the aisle, I want it to be her standing at the altar.”

“Agreed.” Jules smiles softly and sighs.

“Yeah?”

“I was ready to stop this charade weeks ago, remember?”

“Yeah, I just thought . . . for your Mom’s sake . . .”

“That’s . . . not really an issue anymore.”

“What do you mean?”

“I was going to call you today. Last night, Dr. Pryce told us that Mom’s condition is deteriorating faster than we expected. He doesn’t expect her to live long enough to see the wedding. Quite honestly, he said he’d be surprised if she lasts more than a week.”

“A week? What happened to six to eight months?”

She shrugs and reaches for a napkin to wipe her eyes. “The doctor has been very open and honest with us, so we were prepared. We just didn’t expect it this fast. She didn’t even recognize me yesterday morning. She was more alert last night and even called me by name, so the memory loss comes and goes, but Dr. Pryce says we need to prepare ourselves. It’s just a matter of time.”

My heart breaks for my best friend. Luisa Martinez is like a second mother to me. If the end is near, I want to say goodbye to her while she still recognizes me.

I reach for her hand. “Jules, I’m so sorry.”

“Thanks.”

“I’d like to see her.”

Jules nods. “She wants to talk to us. At least, that’s what she said last night. Who knows if she’ll remember that today.”