Listen to Your Heart(53)

“I just wanted to see you in action. Very impressive how you handled that bride’s meltdown.”

“You saw that?” She laughs lightly. “They always cry. Nerves just get the best of them. They need to be reminded how much they’re loved.”

“You’re loved,” I murmur against her temple. “I love you so much.”

“I love you, too.”

I kiss her softly.

“I better get to the reception. Do you want to crash the party? It’s next door in the banquet hall.”

“Tempting. Will you dance with me?”

With a smile, Skye pulls me by the hand and leads me toward the festivities. We can already hear the music echoing in the air.

“Hmm. I did promise the ring bearer I’d meet him on the dance floor, but maybe I can convince him to share.”





“You’re evil, Caleb Lynch.”

Caleb waves the fork in front of my mouth, teasing me with the last bite of raspberry cake we stole from the reception. I don’t know why, but once the wedding guests hit the dance floor, Lynsey insisted that she and the girls could handle the rest of the party and that Caleb should take me home. I didn’t ask any questions. I’m thrilled to be out of my heels and at home on the couch with the man I love.

“How bad do you want it?” he murmurs suggestively, making my breath hitch.

Thankfully, I have a few tricks of my own.

“You have no idea how much I want it.”

His blue eyes darken. With a smirk, I take advantage of his momentary bewilderment by reaching for his hand and bringing the fork closer to my lips. I wrap my lips around it and moan softly as the raspberry cream hits my tongue.

“Delicious.”

Caleb blinks rapidly. “Well played.”

The sexual tension is really becoming a problem. Of course, that might have something to do with the fact that we’re sleeping in the same bed each night. We should probably stop doing that. We’re just tempting fate. But when it’s the very best part of your day—and night—why deprive yourself of such happiness? Especially when the rest of your day is such shit?

And it is. It’s awful.

I’m strong and resolute when we’re together. In my heart, I know we’re doing the right thing. It’s when we’re apart that I find myself struggling with my decision. Lately, I’ve even had to excuse myself from consultations because I just cannot deal with one more wedding detail. My heart beats so fast I’m sure it’s going to explode, but the feeling passes just as quickly as it appears. Mr. Google says it’s anxiety. Lynsey thinks it’s full-on panic attacks. I haven’t told Caleb. It’d just give him more incentive to put an end to the charade.

“Skye, we need to talk,” he says suddenly.

“Okay . . .”

“And I want you to promise not to throw a fit.”

“A fit?”

He nods.

“I’ve never thrown a fit in my entire life.”

“I seem to recall an epic fit when you found out I was engaged.”

Caleb laces his finger with mine. I try to concentrate on the warmth of his hand instead of the painful reminder that he’s marrying another woman.

“Why are we talking about that?” I whisper, tears swimming in my eyes. We’ve had such a wonderful night. Why is he ruining it?

With a sigh, Caleb lifts my hand to his lips and kisses it softly.

“We’re talking about it because it’s over, Skye. The wedding’s off. For good.”

It’s everything I want to hear . . . and everything I don’t.

“Caleb, I—”

“No, Skye. Even if we wanted to go through with it, the doctor says it’s pointless. Her condition has worsened, much quicker than expected. Luisa won’t live long enough to see the wedding.”

Tears trickle down my cheeks. How terrible for Juliana and her family.

“I’m so sorry, Caleb. I know how much you love her.”

“I do. And I feel guilty because we wasted time scheming and planning when what we should’ve been doing was spending time with her.”

We hold each other close as I absorb the news.

“Skye, there’s more. She lied to us.”

“Who lied?”

“Luisa. That day in the hospital? She remembered our conversation. She remembered the wedding was a hoax.”

My eyes widen. Lynsey was right.

“Why would she lie about that?”

“I guess she hoped we’d still go through with it. She wanted to know her daughter would be taken care of. It was wrong of her, of course, but I couldn’t be upset. We’d lied to her for months. But everything’s out in the open now. This afternoon, we had a long talk. Made our apologies. Said our goodbyes. Juliana was planning to introduce Deacon to the family today. It’s over, Skye. And I’m all yours, if you want me.”

My head spins. “You’re not getting married.”

“Not to her.”

“You’re free. You’re really, truly free.”

“I’m not free,” he says softly, lifting my hand and pressing a kiss against my palm. “I haven’t been free since the moment I met you.”

Caleb’s eyes burn with sincerity and love, and it’s all I can do not to jump in his lap and kiss him senseless. Before I even get the chance, he stands up and walks over to where my vinyl collection lines the far wall. Caleb picks an album and places it on the turntable. I smile when I hear the first bars of Heaven by Bryan Adams stream through the speakers.