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I look up toward the ceiling to try to stop the tears that are pooling in my eyes from running down my freshly applied makeup.
I know how important family is, which is part of the reason I agreed to come here—Wade deserves to have a relationship with his family. He’s been nothing but kind to me since the day I met him. As much as I hate lying, if this ruse is what it takes for him to repair the damage he caused, then so be it. I’m going to see this through.
I just need to protect my heart in the process. Because the last thing I need is to fall for another man with commitment issues. Especially Wade Lewis, an infamous rockstar who doesn’t believe in love.
I let out a sigh, glancing at Bear who’s laying on his bed in the corner of the room. He perks up, sensing that something is wrong. “It’s okay, boy,” I say, scratching behind his ears, “I’ll figure it out.”
I take a deep breath and walk over to my suitcase, rifling through my clothes until I find the dress I brought from home. It’s a pale pink, floor-length, A-line dress with buttons down the back and delicate lace edging the collar. I slip it on and admire myself in the full-length mirror, before realizing there’s simply no way I’m going to be able to button up the back of this dress without help.
I head out of the room and make my way down the hall to Wade’s room, knocking gently on the door, my heart pounding in my chest.
“Come in!” Wade’s voice is muffled on the other side of the door.
I open it slowly, peeping my head through the crack. “Hey Wade. Um ... sorry to interrupt, but ... can you button my dress for me?”
He turns around, pulling his eyes away from the mirror where he had been straightening his tie.
“Of course,” he says, making his way over to me, his eyes scanning my body. I turn around, feeling slightly embarrassed as I expose my back to him. His fingers softly brush my skin as he begins buttoning up the dress. I shiver at his touch, feeling a rush of heat spread through my body.
“Thanks,” I say, turning back around to face him. He’s staring at me with an intensity that makes my heart race. “What?” I ask, feeling self-conscious.
“You look incredible,” he says, his voice breaking slightly. “I don’t know how you do it.”
I feel my cheeks flush as I look down at my dress. “I’ve had this dress in my closet for ages, but never had a chance to wear it,” I say, biting my lip.
“It’s not just the dress,” he says, taking a step closer to me. “It’s you. You’re beautiful, Callie.”
I feel my heart skip a beat at his words, my eyes meeting his. I can see the sincerity in his gaze, and it makes me feel both nervous and excited.
“Thank you,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. “You don’t look too bad yourself,” I add, taking in his sharp suit and perfectly styled hair.
“Thanks, but I think you’re the one who’s going to steal the show tonight,” he says, offering me his arm. “Shall we?”
I loop my arm through his, feeling the warmth of his skin against mine.
Chapter Ten
Wade
“Do you, Sawyer Lewis, vow to continue to take Bailey Lewis as your wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?” my dad—who’s officiating their wedding—asks.
“I do.” Sawyer’s voice is strong and unwavering. I can feel the love pouring out of him as he looks at Bailey. Her eyes are bright with unshed tears and she’s grasping Sawyer’s hand tightly, listening intently to him.
They nearly have me convinced that true love does exist, and that maybe it’s just something I haven’t found yet.
I swallow a pang of jealousy as I watch them renew their wedding vows—so sure of each other—expectant and excited to meet their unborn baby girl.
I’ve never experienced anything close to a love like theirs before.
Harper and I got married at the courthouse, and while I don’t regret my relationship with her because Cooper came out of it, our relationship was loveless. We stood in front of the judge, facing each other, making vows that neither of us wanted or believed in. It was done entirely out of obligation; we did what we thought was right at the time and our marriage lasted for less than a year.
Shortly after our divorce, my music took off. And now, there’s rarely a time I can walk down the street without being recognized by a fan.
These days, I’m constantly questioning if anyone will ever truly love me for who I am instead of what I can offer them.
As my mind wanders, my eyes meet Callie’s across the room. She’s sitting behind my mom, a small smile on her face as she watches the ceremony. I can’t help but notice how beautiful she looks—her auburn hair is styled in loose waves, framing her face perfectly, and her dress is breathtaking.
“And now it’s time to exchange rings.” My dad’s announcement grabs my attention once more. I watch as Sawyer and Bailey recite more promises to each other and exchange their rings, before looking out across the crowd.
