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“Um, yeah…that’s what it says here in the notes,” she confirmed, oblivious to my distress.
“Promise me you won’t show anyone else this property. I’ll be there in the morning to sign the papers.”
* * *
Despair ran through my bones as I drove home a few days earlier than planned. Questions and assumptions consumed my mind until it dawned on me.
He wasn’t just leaving town, he was preparing to leave me. I pretty much gave him an out and he was taking it. I knew he loved me, but sometimes love isn’t enough, especially if it meant giving up the one thing you have always wanted. I was broken now. No wonder he had to get away.
The real estate office was my first stop in Fairleigh. I signed the contract, but requested my name remain confidential until after my brother’s wedding. I couldn’t let this blow up and detract from Nate and Amanda’s big day. I would just have to avoid Luke until then.
The five-year lease was in Dan’s name, which came as no surprise. At least he was signing the business over to someone who genuinely cared. I couldn’t handle the idea of Easton’s Tavern closing down. If Luke wasn’t going to carry on John Easton’s legacy, I would.
* * *
I arrived home into a whirlwind of wedding mayhem. Needing the distraction, I immediately immersed myself into helping with the preparations.
In the hope of buying myself some extra time, I parked around the back of the house so Luke wouldn’t see my car. But I should have known it wouldn’t work for long.
Mum had me standing up on a chair as she fitted my bridesmaid dress to my body. She flustered around with pins and chattered away about the upcoming nuptials.
Nate and Amanda decided to have the wedding reception on our property, but the ceremony would be held in a little old church in town. We weren’t overly religious, but Amanda’s parents were, and Nate was hoping to score a few extra brownie points with the future in-laws for suggesting it.
The front door opened and Mum jumped, pricking me with a needle.
“Ow!” I cried, grimacing at my mum, who was now distracted with our new guest.
“Oh, Luke darling, you’re here. You’re up next. I’m almost finished with Natalie,” she said.
I looked up and encountered Luke’s wide eyes.
“I didn’t realise you were back…” he said, warily.
I dropped my gaze to watch Mum work on my dress, so he couldn’t see the inner turmoil he was causing. “Hey, yeah, I got home a bit earlier than planned,” I responded, trying to sound casual.
“Luke, could you pop on your suit jacket? I just have to alter the sleeves and it’s done,” Mum requested.
Luke appeared hesitant to move. “Yeah, sure.”
I watched him walk over to the clothing my mum had been working tirelessly on for months, and pick up his jacket. He glanced up at me as he pulled it on, and I hastily looked away.
“Okay, sweetheart, you’re all done for now. Carefully take this off, and bring it back down so I can sew it up,” Mum instructed.
I cautiously stepped down off the chair and retreated up the stairs. I didn’t dare look back at Luke, but sensed him watching my every step. I remained hidden away in my bedroom until I heard him leave for work.
* * *
I evaded Luke over the following days. He worked nights, and I spent my days at Amanda’s house, which left little chance for seeing each other. It was easier this way. If I wasn’t around him, he wouldn’t have an opportunity to end things.
“Luke’s been asking about you,” Amanda confessed, as she tied another perfect bow on the sixty-third bonbonniere.
My heart flipped. “Oh.”
She lifted her eyes, but I kept mine focused on the ribbon in my fingers. “He says he needs to talk to you, but you’re avoiding him.”
I pursed my lips and my chest ached. “I’m not…”
Amanda raised her eyebrows.
