Page 162 of Seale the Deal

Brandt’s mouth flattens. Didn’t say.

The floor feels like it’s moving and I’m standing still. I bend at the waist, bracing my hands on my knees, dragging in ragged breaths. Nausea twists my stomach.

You don’t have to do this, Ruger, Brandt says gently. Say the word and I’ll get you out of here.

I shake my head, eyes squeezed shut. I won’t break my promise. Even if it means breaking my heart.

When I’ve composed myself, Walter helps me into my jacket. I force my arms through the sleeves. How do I look?

Walter studies me for a long beat, then smiles. Like a man about to become a husband.

God, I hope.

Brandt hooks an arm around my shoulders as we walk. My boots thud heavily against the floor, each step dragging me closer to something I can’t control. We walk into Event Room One, and it’s packed. Every row is full. There are even people standing along the walls. All of Alpine Harbor has come to bear witness.

My throat burns as I move down the aisle. A weathered hand reaches out. Beryl. I clasp it, lean down, press a kiss to her silver hair. She squeezes back, steady as stone.

Then Walter takes his place under the arch, and I step beside him. Brandt falls in behind me.

I look at the clock.

1:00 p.m.

Wedding time.

If she’s coming.

The doors stay shut.

I paste on a smile for the crowd, my jaw stiff with the effort.

The minute hand ticks forward.

Nothing.

Another tick.

Still nothing.

My stomach sinks.

Maybe she’s not coming at all.

Every second is a knife to the chest. I knew this was possible. That she’d choose herself, her career, her life beyond me. And I guess that’s love. Letting her go. But maybe real love is grabbing on, refusing to let go, no matter what. Did I just let her slip through my fingers by trying to do right by her?

Two more minutes crawl by. My pulse is a drumbeat in my ears. My vision blurs. The crowd shifts uncomfortably.

I can’t take it. I can’t stand here one more second with hope bleeding out of me in front of everyone I know.

I turn toward Walter, ready to say it’s over. Ready to let the words rip me apart.

Then—

Music swells.

The room stirs, and the doors finally open.

My sister steps into the light, a bouquet of pink and gold in her hands, sage-green dress swaying with each step. She grins at me, radiant, and my chest caves.