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35
“Iwas beginning to think you’d run again,” Troy mutters when I make it down the aisle, freezing my ass off despite the fur shawl they wrapped over my lacey puffed A-line dress. It’s still a beautiful dress. One I’d settled on six months ago.
It's not something I’d wear if I were marrying Chase. I’d marry him wearing a silk sheath. With a small bunch of calla lilies. It would be spring so flowers would be blooming everywhere, symbolizing life and a new beginning. I’d know and love every single person sitting behind us, sharing our special day.
“I’m not running this time, Troy… I’m walking.”
“Be quiet, Pepper and smile for the camera.”
I find a pretty girl in a silk dress and a fur jacket holding an umbrella from the flurries next to us and hand her my bouquet.
Then I take off my ring.
“Penelope,” Troy grits, leaning into me.
I slip the mic from the officiator. “Can I borrow this?”
“W—we’re not at the vows yet.”
“Thanks.” I turn back to the crowd, trying not to focus on Troy’s parents, the President and First Lady in the front row. “Hi everyone. Oh gosh you all look—cold.”
“Pepper, stop,” Troy mumbles like a ventriloquist beside me.
“I’m sorry, but there isn’t going to be a wedding today.” I wait for the initial gasps and whispers to begin then raise my voice. “The truth is Troy doesn’t want to get married yet. He’s focused on his career and hopefully serving his city as mayor for the next few years. He’s got so many amazing plans and it’s truly so…inspiring. Unfortunately, Troy told me earlier he wasn’t sure if this was a good idea anymore.”
More gasps, and the President stands.
“But,” I add quickly. “Because he’s a committed man. A man of his word, he planned to go through with it.” I turn back to him with a smile. “For my sake.”
Troy’s expression rests, but he doesn’t seem entirely convinced. “So, I’m going to save him the trouble—save him from having to break my heart.” I smile brightly at him and touch his arm. “When you’re ready, you’ll find her—she probably won’t be standing by an elevator waiting to be saved, but hopefully, she’ll be someone who’s strong enough to save herself. Goodbye, Troy.”
I start back up the pavement and pause, twisting on my heel. “Oh. And thank you for bringing me home.” I give him a small wink.
Tables turned.
I speedwalk toward the line of town cars, where a confused driver opens the passenger door and looks behind me for everyone else. I offer him a polite smile as I pass him.
That’s…when I pick up the pace and run.
Not because of who’s behind me.
But who I need to still be waiting for me up ahead. Odds are small. Even smaller that he’ll be at the Inn, where I’m sure everyone is tuning in.
I dash down the snow-covered sidewalk. The heels of my shoes sliding on the pavement.
I’m not sure what I’ll say. If he’ll listen. But I have to try.
I have nothing with me. I came with nothing. And I have nothing but my heart to offer him. My heart and some hardcore groveling for choosing anything but him.
My breath hitches with each frantic step. My legs are threatening to give out. I’m cold and…shit…lost. I stop for a breath and turn the corner when I figure out where I am.
Flurries fall harder, and I cover my face.
A motorcycle roars up ahead before it stops completely and someone jumps off. I blink cold moisture from my lashes and see him. The man I’m meant for.
I gasp and lunge, closing the distance, throwing myself into his arms.
In a flash, his warm jacket curls around me and he presses me to his chest. “I’ve got you.”
