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I jog down the porch steps and run all the way to Savannah’s, out of breath by the time the house comes into view. Waiting until I’ve caught my breath, I wipe my sweaty hands down my jeans before I knock on the door. It feels like a lifetime before the door swings open and I come face-to-face with Josh. The shock on his face tells me I was the last person he was expecting. I can’t say I blame him after the way I left.
“Jack! Man, it’s good to see you.”
“You too, Josh. Is Aria here?”
He nods and smiles. “Your memory came back, and you’ve come to claim your woman, right?”
I chuckle. “No. My memory didn’t come back.” His eyes widen and I see the look of horror on his face when he realizes what he’s said. “Don’t worry. I know I’m meant to be with Aria. Turns out Zara’s a lying bitch, and while I don’t remember how me and Aria got together, I know we belong together.”
“About fucking time. No offense,” he says sheepishly.
“None taken. Now, can I come in and see my girl?”
“Absolutely. Everyone’s out back.”
He steps aside and I walk in, following him through the house and into the kitchen where the bi-folding doors lead onto the outdoor seating area. Libby and Mason sit on one sofa, with Brody and Quinn on the another. I can smell that Josh has the barbecue going, and Savannah is standing over it. My breath catches in my throat when I see Aria sitting on the chair, her legs curled up under her. I stop in my tracks, suddenly overcome with nerves. I’ve hurt her. What if she doesn’t forgive me? What if she doesn’t want to put her heart on the line again?
“You okay, man?” Josh asks, coming back to me when he realizes I’m not behind him.
“Yeah. I just need a minute.”
“She loves you, Jack. She’s going to be happy you’re here.”
“God, I hope so.”
He slaps me on the shoulder and walks outside. “We have a visitor,” he announces. Taking a deep breath, I follow him outside.
My eyes are fixed on Aria, and she doesn’t look up at first. Her head is down as her fingers play with the stem of her wineglass. She looks so sad, and I can see from her puffy red eyes she’s been crying. My heart twists in my chest, knowing I’m the reason for her tears. I never want to be the reason she cries again. She finally looks up when Libby spots me and shouts my name.
“Jack! Oh my God! You came back.” She rushes over to me, flinging her arms around my neck. I hug her back, my gaze fixed on Aria. Her eyes are wide, and I can see her chest moving up and down rapidly. “What happened? Is Jacob with you?” Libby asks, and I tear my eyes off Aria to look at her.
“Jacob’s with Mum and Dad.” My eyes flick to Aria again before coming back to Lib. “Can I speak to Aria first and then I’ll explain?”
She smiles and nods. “I’m so glad you came back.”
I drop my arms from around her waist and cross the small space to where Aria is sitting. “Hi,” I say quietly. She looks so beautiful. I want to take her in my arms and kiss her, but I don’t. Not yet.
“Hi.” Her voice is barely above a whisper, but I can hear the tremble in it.
“Can we go for a walk?” I ask, holding my hand out to her. She nods and places her small hand in mine. Pulling her to her feet, I reach up and push a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. “Let’s go.” I turn around to see everyone watching us. “We’ll be back,” I tell them, leading Aria through the side gate.
We walk hand in hand toward the river, and when I don’t say anything, she squeezes my hand. “You came back,” she says softly. I stop and turn to face her, taking her other hand in mine.
“I’m so sorry I left.”
“I understand. How is Zara’s dad?”
I can’t believe this woman. After everything Zara put her through, she’s still concerned about how her dad is.
“You’re pretty incredible, you know that?”
“What?” she asks, her eyes looking anywhere but at me.
“Look at me, Aria.” I wait until she lifts her head. “I know what Zara did. I know how much she must have hurt you.” I pause. “How much I must have hurt you.”
“Jack—”
“Wait, let me finish.” She nods and holds my gaze. “Zara’s dad didn’t have a stroke.” She gasps, her eye wide. “She made it up to get me to leave.”
