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The words struck like an arrow into the bull’s-eye of his heart. Landon’s sacrifice had felt like a debt he had to settle—a very heavy debt. Was Lillian right? Would Landon simply want Wes to live his life? How could that ever be enough?
“But he gave his life for me.” The wonder of it never ceased to steal his breath.
“So that you couldlive,” she repeated.
The words sank a little deeper, familiar somehow though he’d never thought of Landon’s sacrifice this way. They sank through his skin and melded into his heart. His friend had given him the gift of life. His eyes stung at the thought.
Thank you, buddy. I’ll never know why you did it—why you made that split-second decision to save me but—thank you.
Lillian nudged his shoulder. “Why are you even here, Wes? In Albany? It’s become pretty clear to me that you’re in love with your doctor friend.”
He’d only mentioned Avery in passing. “What?”
“For one thing, ever since you got here you’ve been mooning around. Every time I bring her up, you get this wistful look on your face, and your voice gets all tender. And then there’s this.” She opened her phone and showed him a photo. It was the selfie he’d taken of Avery and him the night they’d watchedSafe Haven. What was Lillian doing with...? “I meant to send that to Avery.”
“I figured.” She studied the photo, her lips tilting. “But look at you. You’re so happy. I haven’t seen you smile like this since you arrived in town. Does she feel the same about you?”
“I don’t know.” He’d been too set on getting here to start a life with Lillian. He’d left her the day after he’d kissed her with such passion. The day after she’d confided in him about her health. He hadn’t bothered to ask how she felt.
Stupid.
“Don’t you think you owe it to yourself to find out? I mean, I know I’m younger than you, but even I know love like that doesn’t come along every day.”
“But what about . . . ?” His gaze dropped to her still-flat tummy. He remembered how broken she’d sounded on thephone that day she told him. “What about you? When you told me about the baby you seemed so . . .”
“Upset?” She pursed her lips and gave him that look women everywhere seemed to have down pat. “Of course I was upset. Being pregnant is a huge change, and having a baby is a big responsibility. But I’ve been taking care of myself—and other people’s kids, I might add—for years. Just because I vent to you doesn’t mean I need you to fix everything. I’m perfectly capable of handling my own life, Wes.”
“I know that.” But did he really? Hadn’t he started thinking of Lillian as a little bit... helpless? Landon had never viewed her that way, and she’d never given that impression in her letters. But maybe Wes had set her up as a project to relieve the guilt he’d felt over Landon’s sacrifice. He winced at the thought. “I’m sorry I underestimated you. I should’ve known any sister of Landon’s would be tough as nails.”
Her face softened. “I never needed you to be my knight in shining armor—Landon knew I didn’t need one of those. I just need you to be my friend.”
He’d made this decision about Lillian—forLillian—all on his own. And he’d clung to it like a life preserver. But he was not his father and he was not Landon’s proxy. He was his own person, and he could make decisions that were right forhim.
All the weight he’d carried for months seemed to drain away, leaving his limbs light, buoyant. He didn’t have to ransom his own life. He didn’t even have to repay Landon. He just had to go out and live. Debt-free.
What did that even look like?
An image of Avery formed in his head. In it she wore her lab coat and that ever-present stethoscope around her neck. She was smiling at him, those wide-set green eyes twinkling with knowledge.It looks like me, her expression seemed to say.
Chapter40
The sanctuary of Riverbend Community Church was aglow with candlelight. Sprays of white peonies and lilies of the valley draped from the pews’ ends, their sweet aroma adding to the intimate ambiance. It was a small gathering, family and close friends, just as Katie and Cooper had wished.
Avery faced the guests from the front of the church as the music shifted to the song that would welcome the bride down the aisle. The crowd stood.
The door swept open and Katie appeared, almost angelic in appearance. Her blonde hair was arranged in a half-up, half-down style and adorned with a simple veil. On her mom’s arm she glided down the aisle in her beautiful Cinderella gown—but it was her beaming smile that stole the show.
Cooper’s gaze fixed on his bride, his love shining like a beacon from his face. And as Katie drew closer, his eyes went glossy.
Katie’s smile wobbled with emotion as she reached her place beside Cooper.
Avery’s heart tightened and her throat thickened. She was so happy for her brother in that moment. So happy for them both. They’d overcome so many obstacles to be here today, committing their lives to one another.
Avery glanced past the lovebirds to the best man—Gavin. If it was difficult watching his brother marry his ex-girlfriend, he hid it well. Gavin’s gaze found Avery’s across the way and he winked.
A breath escaped on a deep sigh as Avery faced front. The pastor welcomed the crowd and took a few minutes to express his thoughts on love and marriage. Then Katie and Cooper shared their personal vows. The words were lovely and poignant and funny, each one alluding to their tumultuous journey. When that was over, they exchanged rings, and then the pastor announced the couple husband and wife.
Almost before the words were out of his mouth, Cooper swept Katie into his arms and gave her a kiss that seemed to go on and on. And on. Or maybe that was just her.
