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“You can hardly blame her.” His mother patted his arm. “You go on. I’ll get Curtis. Just remember, this is hard on her, too.”
He nodded before climbing from the truck, all the carefully planned words he’d come up with on the drive here evaporating the closer he got to her vehicle.
The gravel crunched under his boots, alerting her to his arrival. He didn’t miss the way she ran her hand over her long braid or the deep breath she took before she faced him.
“I’m not in the mood, Ash. I’m leaving in the morning,” she snapped, avoiding his gaze. “No lecture needed.”
“No lecture.” He leaned against the truck, watching her.
Her eyes met his, brows rising in question.
The cold had the tip of her nose and her cheeks bright red. And he’d never seen a prettier sight. “Worried is more like it,” he admitted.
Her gaze fell, her tone brittle. “They meant well.”
“Renata.” He tapped his fingers along the truck bed. “I’ve been reeling since yesterday. Trying to figure out what to say and how to say it.”
“After tonight, no one will say a thing about us getting married.” She shrugged, dismissive. If it wasn’t for the irritation rolling off her, he might have bought it.
But he was irritated, too. “I don’t give a shit about what these people say or think, not after tonight.”
He had her attention then. Those eyes were fixed on him. The hint of a smile on her lips. And damn, she was beautiful. “There’s nothing left to say.” Beautiful and stubborn.
“Wrong.” He stepped closer. “I have plenty to say.”
She stood her ground, a hint of defiance in the tilt of her chin. “I need a break, Ash.” Her gaze fell to his mouth, briefly.
“Space.” He ground the word out. “I know. I’m trying.” Even if it was the last thing he wanted.
“Really?” She crossed her arms over her chest, tucking her hands against her sides. “Try harder.”
“You don’t own gloves?” he asked, spying her bare hands. “It’s below freezing, Renata.”
“Stop it.” Her calm vanished. “Stop pretending you care about me. I’m not your responsibility.”
He froze, her words a shock. “I didn’t mean it that way—”
“I’m not going to risk these babies, ever. They’re mine. I love them. And they will love me—” Her voice broke.
“I know that.” He spoke softly. He would love her if she’d let him—if she’d listen. “I need to tell you something, okay? Can you—”
“Wh-why won’t you leave me alone?” Her voice rose.
“How can I leave you alone and be here for our family? I can’t. I won’t. I’m not going anywhere. When you get back, I’ll be here, waiting.”
She was shaking her head. “Great. Wonderful.” She slammed her truck door. “Just, please, leave me alone now. Let me have time to get over you—over this—so it doesn’t hurt to see you. You’re always there... Always. Is that asking too much? For you to stop being there when I turn around?”
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Each word crashed into him. Over him. Hurt to see him... Words that caused her pain and gave him hope. Had she just said what he hoped she’d said? He reached for her then. “Renata—”
“No, Ash.” She stepped back, hands out in front of her.
“You realize you’re yelling?” Fisher called from the front porch. “And our guests are complaining.”
“Perfect.” She spun, her braid flying. “Don’t even think about following me.”
He’d let her go, for now. And he wouldn’t smile. Not now, when she was so upset. But dammit, he couldn’t stop himself.
