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The realization hits us all at the same time.
I run through the crowd calling her name. The fireworks are still going off, lighting the sky, but she’s nowhere to be found. My shouts are drowned out by the sounds of the rockets shooting into the air and exploding. I continue my frantic search and then…
In the distance I see a car heading out the driveway.
I have to get to her, but in no time, she’s out the gate.
Deacon grabs my arm before I can find my truck and go after her.
"She's made her choice, Adam. I'm sorry, brother."
* * *
KIT
I can barely see the road through the wall of tears coursing down my face.
When I get to town, I pull over and dig around for tissues.
I'd put my suitcase in the car earlier in the day. Maybe I'd sensed the need for a quick getaway. Or I was trying to make sure I didn't change my mind about leaving tomorrow.
My last few personal items were still in my room in the big house, but they can be replaced. I had to get out of there.
I can't find anything to wipe my face with so I use my hands and then rub them on my skirt. The denim skirt was supposed to make me look like I fit in and now I’m using it to wipe my tears. Seems about right. That’s what I get for pretending to be anything other than who I am.
I should have left two days ago, but I let Adam, and my heart, persuade me to stay.
My breath seesaws in and out while I replay all of it in my mind. The scene with Adam and the rest of his family. And then the video. Fuck. Who else has seen it? Well, about two million people.
Oh god ohgodohgod.
My eyes go to the rearview mirror. No one is following me.
That's good, right?
Then why is my heart breaking?
I sit there for a couple more minutes collecting myself. And maybe hoping Adam will come after me. Maybe hoping more than I’ve ever hoped anything before.
The town is empty. Everyone is at the ranch for the barbecue and fireworks.
It had been an outstanding event.
Until the last thirty minutes.
If only I'd turned Adam down when he asked for a dance.
Don't be stupid. You love him. Dance or no dance, this was a disaster waiting to happen.
I put the car in gear and soon Chickadee Ridge, North Starr Ranch, Boone, Caleb, Deacon and Adam are all in my rearview mirror.
It’s for the best.
Then why do I feel miserable?
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
December 22nd
