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He’s right. And it’s time I fully admit it to myself.
Holding back a groan, I squat and lift a boulder that’s probably much too heavy for me. The burn is real as I turn and take a few steps before letting it crash into the wheelbarrow with a resounding thud.
twenty-three
CHLOE
Last night, I had a terrifying dream. It was worse than the one I always have about the paparazzi.
I lost Frederick.
No, I didn’t just lose him—he left. Just like Troy. We were at the beach, flirting, kissing, enjoying the waves, when he suddenly turned and walked away. Mist started to cover him, and I called for him to come back.
But he never did.
And no matter how fast I ran after him, my feet kept sinking into the sand. He got farther and farther away, until he finally disappeared on the horizon.
I jolted awake and nearly cried with relief when I found myself curled up beside him. After that day we went hiking, he tried to go back to his bed on the floor, but I refused to let him. So he implemented a silly rule about not kissing in the hotel room.
Okay, fine, it wasn’t silly. It was sweet.Reallysweet, considering what other men would have tried.
But then, two nights ago, he broke his own rule in response to me asking why he hadn’t told Topher about us yet. And, ridiculous as it may sound, there seemed a bit of a goodbye in that kiss. I only wish I knew why, but I’m terrified to ask. Terrified for him to confirm that he’s pulling away from me.
Because even though he was holding me last night, I think I was holding back tighter.
So all day today, as we’ve finished getting the vineyard ready for the wedding on Sunday, I’ve told myself we are fine. That the reason he hasn’t kissed me except on the cheek this morning is because we’ve been busy. Because we’re tired. Because Topher and Lauren will be here any moment and we’ve had to bust our rears to get everything done that needs to be done.
But itisdone. Ready for the decorating day tomorrow.
I stand on the edge of the Lovelands’ home deck and look at what all the town’s hard work has wrought. What was once a field full of odds and ends and rocks and rusty tools is now a gorgeous plot of grass that’s been mowed and given new life with an array of plants potted in old wine barrels. Earlier today, the men installed wrought-iron poles all around the area, and thousands of outdoor string lights bound from pole to pole.
A simple but elegant wedding arch, which is carved to look like it has ivy curling down the sides, sits at the top of the space where the poles begin, and I can picture how it will look tomorrow when we get the rows of white chairs set up in front of it.
The wooden dance floor will be delivered tomorrow as well, along with the reception tables and benches. The inside of the Loveland home currently looks like a bridal bouquet exploded, but the centerpieces that a dozen ladies from the Hallmark Beach Craft Society started on yesterday are going to look incredible on the rustic-chic picnic tables I ordered for the reception.
Pressing a hand against my chest, I feel this community’s love. It’s visible here, alive in a way I’ve never felt. These strangers have chosen to make me an honorary member of their society, and my heart beats right back for them.
If only …
But no. My life is back in Kentonia, with Frederick.
If he would ever consider leaving there, then maybe I would consider staying here. But my life would not be complete without him. And when flashes of that terrible dream—that nightmare—from last night assail me, I remind myself of that.
Tires crunch on the gravel behind me and I do a quick spin to find two large black SUVs approaching. “They’re here, people!” I half shout, half squeal.
It’s not like there are a lot of people still here anymore, most of the helpers having left an hour ago, eager to return and help set up for a prince’s wedding in the morning. I know Lucy wishes she could be here for the big reveal, but she’s over at The Green Robin getting things ready for our bachelorette party dinner. The Loveland twins, Marilee, and April are off somewhere, as are Loveland brothers, Jordan, and Landon, but I think they’re giving us our privacy.
Now it’s just me and Frederick, who joins me on the deck. He slips in beside me and puts his hands in his pockets.
I shouldn’t read into that, right? He wouldn’t take my hand in front of Lauren and Topher. Not until he’s talked to Topher, which he plans to do tonight. At least, that’s what he said on Wednesday when I asked. I guess he changed his mind about telling him the news in person.
“Hi,” I whisper with a smile.
“Hi,” he says back, no inflection in his tone as he keeps his eyes on the road.
My heart nosedives into my stomach, but I have no time to feel anything, because in minutes it’s pure chaos as Topher and his security team climb from the SUVs—including Tia, my previous bodyguard who abandoned me for a family emergency. Guess all is well, though I’m surprised she still has a job. Good for Topher.
Speaking of the prince, he strides across the lawn and climbs the stairs, and my strong, handsome brother wastes no time kissing both of my cheeks and pulling me into a hug. “Chloe.”
