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“Do you love Hale?”
“With all of my heart.”
“And you still want to marry him?”
“Yes!”
“And you’ve told him this?”
“Yes!”
He shoved the magazines on the floor. “Then none of this matters. Your words have to mean more than theirs. If they don’t, you two don’t stand a chance, because this is the world we live in and you’re not marrying into a low-profile family.” He reached for my hand. “You have to stop doubting yourself, Ray.”
My gaze dropped. “It’s hard not to.”
“I know. But that man loves you. Last night, after you disappeared, he lost his mind trying to find you. Nothing else mattered to him other than making sure that you were safe.”
“I fucked up, Tyler.”
“It happens.”
“I don’t know if we can put things back the way they were.”
“Who says you have to? Ray, life is about moving forward. You’re getting married tomorrow. It’s a whole new chapter. You can’t bring everyone with you. Maybe that means it’s time to let go of some people and stop crucifying yourself over the past.”
I met his stare. “You mean Elle, don’t you?”
He smiled sadly. “I never thought you two would grow apart.”
“Me neither.” I sighed, actual acceptance finally creeping in. “Somehow, no matter how much I tried not to, I just…lost her.”
“I think Elle lost herself. Sometimes people we love change and it has nothing to do with us. We can only be grateful for the time we had and treasure the memories we get to take into the next stage.”
I sniffled and wiped my nose. “When did you get so wise?”
“You bitches left me. I’ve had nothing to occupy my time but self-help books for the last six months.”
I laughed. “Have they helped?”
“Not really, but I sound smarter.” He handed me a tissue. “You have a booger.”
I blew my nose and tossed the tissue aside. “If I haven’t already told you a million times, I’m really glad you’re here.”
“Me too. And not just because I love a good wedding.”
“That’s if Hale still wants to marry me.”
He shoved my shoulder. “Of course he does. You’re great.”
“This is not great.” I fanned my hands down my body, encompassing my disheveled appearance. “And I still have to talk to Hale about something that I’m pretty sure is only going to make matters worse.”
Tyler frowned. “What is it?”
I drew in a breath and let out a long sigh. “I know who hacked his credit card.”
“You do? Who?”
This was good practice. If I could say it to Tyler, then maybe I could say it to Hale. “My dear old dad.”
