Page 118 of Only Be Mine

His chin rested briefly against my temple.

“But you’re here now,” he added. “With me.”

I nodded, even though he couldn’t see it.

The band played on behind us. The lights shimmered overhead.

And from the outside, everything still looked perfect.

I stayed there for a few moments longer, letting the music and voices wash over me. Guests drifted past - hugs, congratulations, quick touches at my arm before moving on. Someone pressed a glass into my hand. Someone else laughed too loudly nearby.

Trevor was pulled away by his brother, then by an older couple I didn’t recognize, his smile firmly in place as he turned back into the crowd. He glanced over his shoulder once, just to check that I was still where he’d left me.

I was.

I took a steadying breath and stepped farther toward the edge of the tent, where the lights softened and the night pressed closer.

Seth found me just past the line of light where the music softened and conversations blurred into background noise.

“Hey,” he said gently.

I turned, startled. “Hey.”

Courtney hovered a few steps behind him, giving us space without being asked. Seth smiled at me, careful and familiar.

“You look… beautiful,” he said.

“Thank you.” My voice wobbled more than I wanted it to.

He hesitated, then lowered his voice. “I wanted to tell you - I almost didn’t come over. I didn’t want to make this harder than it already is.”

I shook my head quickly. “I’m glad you did.”

Seth studied my face for a second, then nodded, like he’d come to a decision.

“He would be happy for you,” he said quietly.

The words landed harder than anything else had all day.

My breath caught. “You don’t know that.”

“I do,” he said without hesitation. “You were everything to him. He loved you. And he always wanted you safe. Taken care of.”

Something inside me cracked.

I pressed my lips together, shaking my head, but it was too late. Tears spilled over anyway, hot and sudden, blurring the lights overhead.

“I didn’t plan for this,” I whispered. “I swear I didn’t.”

Seth stepped closer, lowering his voice even more. “I know.”

He didn’t touch me. He didn’t rush me. He just stayed.

“You’re allowed to miss him,” he added. “Even today.”

I wiped at my cheeks, embarrassed, grateful, undone all at once.

“Thank you, I…” I closed my eyes, “I just miss him so much.”