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“Maybe Iwillwait until after the wedding to talk to him. We have a lot to do, right?” I shifted my focus, yet again hiding those emotions. “Centerpieces tonight and then the rehearsal. I know there's gotta be something on your dress to mend, and then there’s Jamie's dress.”
“No, Phe. Listen.” Madeline tried to stop me, but my mind decided to focus on one thing, and that thing was being the best damn maid of honor I could be.
“Nope, you’re the more important thing here. Clay and I said we would talk after the wedding, so I’ll learn about this job and his plans after the wedding.”
“Oh, Phe, come on. You were just so excited to see him, and now you won't listen to the entire story.”
“Nope. This weekend is about you, Maddy. Not about me pining after some guy.”
“Hmm,” Madeline hummed. “I seem to remember you telling me something about howit’s not just a guy.”
“But it is.” I stopped her. “This weekend is about you, and then Clay and I will figure out whatever it is we are doing.” I rolled my eyes, the elated feeling I had moments ago vanishing at the thought of Clay’s path completely changing. I was being ridiculous. I knew I was. Long distance crossed my mind days ago, how it would work no matter what, but just being in New York without him made me never want tobewithout him. I knew it in my gut. Long distance wouldn’t work. It was New York. . . or nothing.
At the red light, Madeline turned her entire body toward me, her eyes stinging as she stared at me.
I shrugged. “Come on, we have centerpieces to make.”
“You’re being ridiculous. At least let me finish.” She read my mind. She always could.
“No,” I snapped, turning my head toward the street. “It’s green.”
Madeline sighed, shaking her head at me before telling me what needed to be done for the wedding still. As she rattled off details, my mind wandered back. I had all my thoughts and emotions laid out, rehearsed in my mind during the five-hour flight. And now I had a wild card I had to fit in.
But first, I had a wedding to attend.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
-Clay-
Elliot honked his Jeep’s horn as we arrived at the coast. The tent was already set up, and Milo and Madeline were talking with their officiant. Holly was circling the two of them, kicking the ground with her feet, a look of pure boredom on her face. All four faces turned to us as we parked, and Holly’s dull expression turned to excitement.
I was in charge of her during this adventure. Milo and Madeline were going to be busy with the officiant. Elliot had to find the perfect place for the stage. Ophelia and Jamie were going to be setting up chairs and helping the event staff with the tables. Originally, Jamie had agreed to keep Holly entertained, but she asked for Uncle Clay, and I would be lying if I said that hadn’t pulled at my heartstrings a bit.
I hunched my body and began to run up toward Holly, who instantly grabbed Milo’s arm as she screamed and hid behind him. Milo’s body jerked to the side as she hid. And then again, I picked her up and threw her over my shoulder. She may be nine, but her squeal was that of a four-year-old—happy and full of life. I spun in a circle before setting her back on the ground.
Her body swayed as she pretended to be dizzy.
“Wanna go help Elliot?” I asked, placing a hand on the top of her head.
“Sure, but I don't think I can walk.”
“Oh well, that's not a problem.” I picked her up in one fell swoop, flinging her over my shoulder.
“Bye, Dad!” she shouted, her weight shifting as she raised her torso.
“We’re not going far.” I laughed. “Just to Elliot.”
“Can we go see the whales too? Oh! Look!” Holly’s voice rang behind me. “Jamie and Ophelia are here!”
I stopped, twisting my torso so Holly now faced Elliot, and there she was. Ophelia walked up with Jamie, wearing white shorts and that same burnt orange shirt she wore when we went to The Piano Bar for the first time. Sunglasses and her golden earrings—effortlessly beautiful in every way.
“Hey, Holly-wood. Give me just a moment, okay? I need to go say hi to Ophelia.” I sat her on the ground and rubbed her head.
“Then can we go see the whales?”
“Definitely.”
My eyes were glued on Ophelia as I walked out of the tent, my strides longer than they had ever been. I walked toward the woman I loved with a purpose. She was the only thing I wanted in my arms.
