Page 109 of Our Chaotic Love Affair

He walked away, leaving me alone in the kitchen.

I heard more voices on the patio. My brothers. Austin’s friends. And then a voice I recognized immediately. Deeper, authoritative, impossible to ignore.

Fuck me. This was going to be the longest weekend ever. My father.

Of course. Of course he would show up early.

I walked back outside. I couldn’t hide from him. I wouldn’t hide. He’d called a couple of times since our conversation, but I kept it short and sweet. I didn’t have an answer for him. I was still trying to decide what I was going to do.

“Cash,” he said in that cool tone that meant I was in trouble. It was the same tone he’d been using since I was a kid.

“Dad.”

“How’s the sabbatical treating you?”

“Fine.”

I could feel everyone watching. Austin looking worried. Hayes and Isaac suddenly very interested in the ocean view. Finn ready to intervene if this went south.

“We’re fine,” I said. “Excuse me.”

I walked off the patio, down the steps, and straight onto the beach. I didn’t look back. Didn’t wait to see if anyone followed.

I needed to clear my head.

I realized the folly of my choice about fifteen seconds later. Sand sank into my shoes. I kicked them off, rolled off my socks, and stuffed them in my shoes.

I curled my toes in the sand, closed my eyes, and let the scent of the sea wash over me.

CHAPTER 36

CLEO

The beach was perfect. Of course it was. Melody wouldn’t settle for anything less. I wouldn’t let her.

White chairs arranged in neat rows on the sand. An archway draped in gauzy fabric and beautiful peonies. The ocean as the backdrop, all blue and sparkly in the late afternoon sun. It really could not be any more perfect.

And this was just the rehearsal.

I stood in my designated spot as maid of honor. I was wearing one of the flowing, sparkly black skirts I bought in Rome. It brushed against my legs as I stood there waiting. I tried to focus on the wedding coordinator’s instructions instead of the man standing directly across from me.

I knew what I was getting into when I went to Rome. I knew there was a risk something might happen. And then it happened and I was okay with it. I made all those decisions knowing full well this moment was coming. I knew we would have to be standing up in the wedding. Best man and maid of honor had responsibilities that required us to spend time together.

I had to be okay with it. In a few days, I wouldn’t have to see him again. Not until the baby shower, which I doubted he’d go to. Assuming we did one of the showers with husbands involved. It was kind of a Bancroft thing. They liked their menfolk. I might have to see him after the birth of the baby and then at the first birthday party. So, three times at most over the next two years.

I could handle it.

He looked good. Unfairly good. Linen shirt rolled up at the sleeves, khakis, hair slightly messy from the ocean breeze. The golden hour light made him look softer around the edges.

“Cleo?” The coordinator was looking at me expectantly.

“Sorry, what?”

“When the music changes, you’ll walk down the aisle to meet Cash at the front.”

Right. The rehearsal. Focus.

I walked back to the other end of the aisle to start over.