No, no, no.
Where the fuck did she go?
One second, Meadow’s there—right at the edge of the dance floor—watching me struggle to get through this stupid wedding ritual. Next, she just disappears.
She’s gone. Nowhere to be seen.
My chest locks up as I shove through the bodies on the dance floor, ignoring the hands clapping my back, the voices shouting my name, and the music still blasting like I’m not on the verge of a damn heart attack.
“Meadow?” I call out, scanning the guest tables and bar area.
Still, I don’t see her.
When I spin toward the glass doors that lead out to the beach, I spot her walking away. I exhale a pent-up breath, relieved to just lay eyes on her.
She kicks off her heels before her bare feet meet the sand, her satin peach dress rippling in the wind as she starts to run for the black sea.
Shit.
What the hell is she doing?
I don’t think.
I just go.
I push through the doors and sprint down the deck, not slowing down as my dress shoes hit the sand.
The party fades behind me, replaced by the roar of the ocean and the sound of my own pulse thundering in my ears.
What have I done?
What the fuck did I just do?
I knew it. I fucking knew the second I saw Meadow’s face drop when I knelt down next to the woman in the chair.
Meadow tried her best to muster up a smile, but she looked completely checked out. That beautiful smile that lights up my world didn't even reach her eyes like it does when she’s truly happy.
I should've stopped.
I should’ve thrown that worthless fucking garter on the ground and walked off.
The only thing holding me back was it being Tyler’s wedding—his one big day. And to add to the pressure, everyone was watching, chanting my damn name like I’d ruin the entire reception if I didn’t play along.
God, I’m such a fucking idiot.
None of that shit matters.Sheis the only thing that matters to me.
Yet, I decided to get down on my knee, take my eyes off Meadow for thirty seconds, and let her walk away.
Panic rolls like a tidal wave from my head to my toes as I try to find her against the dark, endless beach.
“Meadow!” I shout, the muscles in my neck straining as my voice breaks.
I force my feet to move faster, kicking up sand as I run farther down the shore.
I almost face-plant as I come to a complete halt, finally spotting her.
My fucking heart shatters when my eyes lock in on Meadow, collapsed in the sand and bent over. Her shoulders shake as her dark hair whips angrily in the ocean wind.
