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Keeping my gaze on the sidewalk before us, I nod and murmur, “Thank you.”
“But out of everything he told me, the part that hurt the most was the apothecary he purchased after we were married. I knew nothing about it.”
I consider telling her that I knew nothing about it either. But I don’t think she’s looking for me to sound relatable. Without knowing what she needs from me, I simply listen.
“I just can’t ignore the possibility that his feelings for you never died, not even after we married. Why would he not tell me? The only explanation is that he knew I wouldn’t understand.”
We reach an empty playground, and I nod to the left.
Amelia sits on the swing next to me, two girls with our feet dangling beneath us, hands gripping the chains, hearts sharing memories of the same boy.
“I don’t know if humans are meant to fall in and out of love,” I say. “Perhaps by trying to make these hard lines where something ends so another thing can begin, we stifle our heart’strue potential. If a doctor retires, is he or she still a doctor? I believe so. We try to apply the rules of the physical world to the emotional world. I don’t think we must let go of everything to move on emotionally. I’m in love with my fiancé and want to be his wife and have a family with him. We share a strong desire for each other. But I didn’t fall out of love with Price to love Koen. I love your husband, and I will always love him. Our time together has a special place in my heart. Relationships end for many reasons, but the love doesn’t have to. Let your heart be big. Let it hold on to everything beautiful. If Price bought the store where he met me, just imagine what he would do for you and Astrid. The two people he loves most in this world.”
Amelia sniffles and I reach for her hand. She takes it, squeezing hard while letting go of what I hope is the fear keeping her from feeling the true depths of Price’s love.
We make our way back to the store, and Amelia tells me all about Astrid and how she looks like her but has Price’s drive to conquer the world.
“I’m glad I came.” She hugs me one last time. “Looks like a great store.”
I glance at the sign. “It is, but it’s closing in five days. The owner can’t afford to keep it open.”
“I could write a check and buy the building,” she says.
When I glance at her, she grins. I think she’s serious.
“Price would be proud of me.” She winks.
I laugh, shaking my head. “The new manager of the apothecary is very nice. She’s thrilled that it’s still open. But I’m the sole employee here. And I have a new path I’m excited to take, so …” I shrug. “It’s time.”
“Well, then, I guess we’ll see you at the wedding.”
I narrow my eyes. “The wedding?”
“Yes. Your fiancé called Price and invited us. That’s another reason I had to come. I didn’t want to meet you on your special day and seem like the jealous wife.”
Koen.
I smile. “I’m glad you came. Have a safe trip home, and give that husband of yours a big hug from me and Koen.”
“I will.” She squeezes my hand before heading toward her Tesla rental.
By the timeI get home, Koen’s in bed. I shower and brush my teeth. When I crawl under the covers, he hooks an arm around my naked body and pulls me toward him.
“You’re late. Still having trouble leaving the store?”
I bury my face in his neck. “Amelia Milloy flew to Austin just to meet me before our wedding. I can’t believe you broke into my phone again and called Price.”
“I had to. We’re honeymooning at one of hisfivehomes.”
My head rears back. “What?”
He doesn’t open his eyes, but he grins. “Baby, I know more about him than you do.”
I deposit kisses all over his chest. “Do you think it’s a good idea?”
“Knowing so much about your ex-lover?”
I giggle at his ex-lover comment. “No. Staying at his place.”
