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Hearing his truth made me feel better. I could admit the wedding planning was stressful. With our reputation in Rose Valley Hills, I wanted everything to be perfect. What was supposed to be a wedding with those closest to us turned into an extravagant party with a guest list of three hundred and fifty people. And he was right, workwasstressful as hell. Even with having him, Allegra, and Jeremiah as partners, I still ran everything. I operated as our human resources department all on my own because that’s what I’d majored in while in college.
My goal was to get a small staff for that which would lighten my load and allow me to focus solely on designing and partner issues.
“I’m sorry, Nova. I wasn’t the most present partner. We weren’t committed to doing the work in that moment. What you did was wrong, but I can see how you felt neglected. For that, I truly apologize.”
The longer we stared into each other’s eyes, the softer I felt. The harder it was to hate him. The easier it was to understand why people tried to make their relationships work.
“I do love you, Chapel. I always will.”
Always… such a funny word. With Nova, we never used that term. It was an assumption our always was automatic.
With Jeremiah, we were intentional with always. Alwaysandforever. That intentionality had effort behind it. Effort that displayed what we believed our bond was worth.
Was that something Nova and I should have done too?
His eyes softened, filled with regret.
“I love you too. And I… I forgive you.”
Nova’s body relaxed, and he gave me a relieved smile.
“So High” by John Legend started to play and we both chuckled. I sniffled as he blew out a shaky breath. That was the song I was supposed to walk down the aisle to. They’d never played this song here before. For it to be playing now…
“May I have this dance?” Nova asked as he stood. He held his hand out for me, and I accepted the invitation to dance.
We made our way to the dancefloor. As soon as his arms wrapped around me, I melted against him. Our sway was slow as we looked into each other’s eyes. He caught the tear that escaped from mine, teasing me with, “Still a crybaby I see.”
I giggled softly. There was no denying that.
“Promise me something.”
“Anything.”
“Don’t use marrying Tiffany to punish yourself for what happened with us. If you don’t love her, promise me that you won’t marry her and spend the rest of your life miserable.”
He looked over my head, swallowing hard as his head shook.
“Chapel…”
“Promise me.”
His jaw clenched as he looked down at me. “Okay. I promise.”
That gave me peace.
Even if I didn’t spend the rest of my life by his side, I needed to know he’d be with a woman who could increase his happiness. Because even though he cheated, there was a time when Nova Cane was my best friend. I still wanted the best for him. I still wanted him to be loved. I still wanted him to get all that he deserved—even if he wouldn’t get it from me.
As the song neared its end, I tried to put a little space between us, but Nova held me closer. Somehow, that led to his nose brushing against mine.
His lips were on mine.
I didn’t stop him.
Not right away, at least.
For a brief moment, I allowed myself to indulge in the familiarity of his kiss. His hands were on my waist, then the small of my back. As they lowered, I pulled away.
“Nova,” I whispered.
