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; “We?” Anna Beth prodded.
“Yes, the fundraising committee.”
“Of course.”
Sarah stood in the doorway, seemingly at a loss for words. “I just…I wanted to say how glad I am you decided to stay.”
“Me too.”
Anna Beth meant it. Other than a little awkwardness in the beginning, she enjoyed this softer version of her aunt. She seemed happier. More relaxed.
“Good. I’m off then. Don’t hide here all day.”
Anna Beth waved. “I won’t.”
When the front door closed, Anna Beth took another sip of her coffee. The rich, warm brew slid down her throat and settled into her stomach. She stared out the back door as several birds feasted at the large bird feeder hanging from the porch ceiling. It was amazing what you witnessed in the quiet of the morning. Ian had never been a morning person. He used to stumble down after nine like a zombie, giving her loud kisses until she would squeal with laughter.
A lump rose in her throat. She missed Ian. December twenty-eighth would mark a year since his death, but in all honesty, he’d been a different person long before that.
He would have been thirty last month. Instead of spending the evening celebrating it with a party, she'd flown overseas with Ian’s ashes and dispersed them in his favorite spot overlooking the ocean. Then, she’d spent Ian's birthday reminiscing his too-short life in the Irish Pub his best friend owned.
Picking up her coffee cup, Anna Beth headed back up the stairs to her room, swallowing past the lump in her throat. God, she missed him.
Last night, she’d been shocked to find her room relatively untouched since she left for college. She’d come back for a few school breaks and then her wedding, but stepping into it after five years was like taking a ride in the DeLorean. The pink glittery cork board above the full bed with its collage of pictures, detailing her life from age eleven to eighteen. Seven years of pictures with Jared next to her, smiling, in ninety percent of them.
She set her cup down on her nightstand and pulled her computer bag off the hope chest at the foot of the bed. As a teenager, she’d never imagined her life this way. At eighteen, she’d gone off to college hoping Jared would show up one day and tell her he loved her. Like they were staring in their own sappy rom-com. She’d throw herself into his arms and confess her affection, they’d graduate from college, get married, and then live happily ever after in Snowy Springs.
Instead, she’d met Ian in her philosophy class. Incredibly selfless and giving, even to strangers, he’d swept her off her feet with his honest charm and she’d fallen harder for him every day.
She didn’t regret marrying Ian. She'd loved him. She still did.
Anna Beth studied the pictures of her and Jared again. She still thought about what happened on her wedding day from time to time, wondered what her life would've been like if she'd made a different decision. When the bridal suite door opened, she’d turned, expecting her aunt.
Instead, Jared stood in front of her in his best suit. He opened and closed his mouth several times, avoiding her gaze.
“You look beautiful, A.B.”
The way his brown eyes traveled from her face down to her toes, left her breathless. He’d never looked at her that way before.
“Thanks.”
He took another step toward her, sweat beading on his forehead and she remembered the way her heart leaped in her chest.
“Jared? What’s up? You look like you’re going to hurl.”
“No, I’m just…” He sucked in a breath and smiled nervously. “I love you.”
Anna Beth gave him a puzzled smile. “I love you, too.”
Jared shook his head. “No, Anna Beth. I love you. Like I wish I’d said something sooner. I love you, like I want you to take my hand and run out that door with me. I love you, as in I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Tears stung her eyes, spilling over onto her cheeks. For years, she’d imagined that moment. Of being with Jared. Taking their friendship to the next level. Holding his hand. Kissing him. But…this was the moment he’d chosen to tell her?
She swiped at her cheeks. She’s spent years pining for Jared, wishing he’d make a move. Say something.
But on her freaking wedding day?
Her temper flared to life, her fists clenching. “How dare you?”
