Listen to Your Heart(63)

“Skye, I want you to listen to what I’m about to say. I’m sorry you’ve had to endure all that, but there’s something you need to know about me. I will never leave you. I can’t. Do you know why?”

I shake my head.

Caleb gently lifts my chin so that I’m forced to gaze into his blue eyes.

“Because you’re my heart’s only option.”

With a sigh, I melt against him and lay my head on his shoulder.



It’s Saturday, and I’m all alone.

Normally, this isn’t an issue. However, I have a wedding to plan, and the key players in the production—namely the groom and matron of honor—are avoiding me like the plague.

Something’s up.

They’ve both been acting shady all week. Phone calls at odd hours. Whispered discussions when they don’t think I’m paying attention. If it wasn’t my best friend and fiancé, I’d totally think they were having an affair . . . except Lynsey’s husband is always right there during the conversations, too.

It’s weird.

But I can’t worry about it. I need to be productive today, so I sit down on my couch and glance at the calendar on my phone. I need to make an appointment with Pierre about the cake, and we need to find a place to have the ceremony. Most importantly, I need to call the bridal shop and ask if the dress I tried on that day is still available. If not, I’ll be heartbroken, but I don’t expect such a gorgeous dress to still be on the rack, and I certainly can’t ask them to order it. Time is of the essence, and if the dress is gone, I’ll just have to settle for something they already have in stock.

It’ll be fine.

That’s what I keep telling myself, anyway.

I’ve just finished scheduling an appointment with Pierre when someone knocks.

“Just a second!”

I quickly save my notes on my calendar before sprinting off the couch. I’m not expecting visitors, but nothing could’ve prepared me for who I find outside my door.

Eli’s standing there, wearing a little tux and holding a single daisy.

“Umm . . . hi?”

He smiles shyly. “Mom and Dad are waiting for you downstairs. You’re supposed to come with me.”

“Where are we going?”

He fidgets with his bowtie. “I’m not allowed to tell you that.”

“You can’t tell me where we’re going?”

He shakes his head and offers me the daisy, which naturally, I can’t resist. Eli grins when I place it behind my ear.

“Do I need to change?”

“You can change when we get there.”

“Get where?”

His mouth pops open, but he catches himself just in time.

“Nice try, Aunt Skye.”

He’s just too smart.

“Fine, what do I need to bring?”

“Nothing. We have everything you need.”

“Can I at least grab my phone and lock my door?”

Eli sighs. “Fine. Hurry.”

It takes me ten seconds to complete those tasks, but when I get back to the door, he’s tapping his foot impatiently.

“Are you ready now?”

I eye him suspiciously. “I don’t know, am I?”

Eli grins. “Definitely.”

He takes me by the hand and leads me downstairs.



Deafening silence fills the car as we head downtown. I’m sitting with my nephew in the backseat, nervously drumming my fingers while my tuxedo-clad brother weaves his way through traffic.

“Why isn’t anyone talking?”

Nick finds my eyes in the rearview mirror. “Because we’re afraid to.”

Jill, who’s sitting in the front seat, punches him in the arm. She’s dressed to kill, and I feel very out of place in my sweatshirt and jeans.

“Why are you guys so dressed up? Why didn’t you let me change?”

“Relax, Aunt Skye. We’re almost there.”

I glance out the window, hoping for a clue. “Almost where? You know I hate surprises.”

“We’re well aware.” Nick laughs.

Moments later, the car stops just outside The Boombox. Immediately, my door opens, and Jesse’s standing there—in a tux. He offers me his hand.

“Hey, you.”

“Hey,” I mumble as I climb out of the car. “Why the hell is everyone dressed up?”

“The Boombox is hosting a special event today. Black tie.”

“Then I’m really underdressed.”

“You won’t be for long,” Nick mutters under his breath.

Jill punches him again before plastering on a smile, and we head into the club. The first thing I notice are the tables and chairs, all draped in white. The next thing I see is my father, standing there in his Sunday suit.

Next to him is my mother.

“Surprise,” they say in unison.

I immediately start to cry.

“What the hell is going on? Why are you guys here?”

Mom hugs me tight. “I’ve missed you so much.”

“I missed you, too.”

I turn to Dad and hug him, too. “What’s—”

“Don’t kill him,” Dad says softly. “The boy is so nervous. He really loves you, Skye.”