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My mission: Care for Sage, cherish her, need her.
The MC speaks to the guests, introducing Mr. and Mrs. Ford. We all stand and clap. I whistle as they lift their joined hands and laugh.
“So happy for them,” Ellie says.
Sage looks as happy for them as the rest of us, as if she’s known them for years. I can see her being a part of this, a part of my life in a way I’ve never considered before. I was so focused on traveling, learning about the world, about myself. A woman never fit much into that plan. But Sage is . . . Sage. She’s special to me.
The soft music for Hope and Toby’s first dance plays over the speakers. A song about endless love and devotion. My eyes move to Sage instead of the bride and groom. A soft smile sits on her lips as she watches them. She’s perfect. Everything about her is perfect, even the pieces of herself she believes are damaged.
The back of my hand brushes against hers. It’s soft, almost imperceptible. Sage’s chest jolts before it sags in a slow breath. I leave my hand millimeters from hers but don’t touch her again. Her close warmth is enough for me to be happy.
I look back at Hope and Toby so I won’t seem like some lovesick fool staring at Sage. I can’t help keeping my eyes on her, though.
As the song comes to a close and Toby dips Hope back for a kiss, Sage’s fingers knot with mine. Our hands are still back to back, but her fingers gently slip between mine.
I look over at her, hoping to read her expression. She doesn’t look my way, no matter how much my eyes burn into the side of her head. When she finally does, she gasps. I’m sure she can see the fire blazing in my eyes. Hers match my mood. Intense, deep, real.
We’ve held hands before as part of our act, but there’s nothing fake about tonight. I keep our hands as they are, linked through the backs, and stroke my thumb along one of her fingers.
We continue to stare at one another, crackling tension simmering between us. I wish I could slide my other hand into her hair and take her lips. Shamelessly mark her, show the world she’s mine.
“Sage,” I whisper right as the MC leads us in a toast to the happy couple.
I sigh, grabbing our glasses. I hand it to her so she can toast, though I won’t let her drink. I can’t control her, but after her flare-up, I’ll do anything to protect her.
We toast to the couple, and I take a sip of the cool liquid while Sage places her full glass back on the table. Her eyes are serious, with a hint of sadness. I want to make that look disappear, replace it with joy.
As we sit back down for dinner, conversations move through the table, making it impossible for me to speak to Sage privately.
Hope and Toby come by our table with the photographer to take photos with us. Sage tries to get out of the picture, saying she’s just my date, but I pull her to me and keep my arm around her waist. She looks at me right as the photographer snaps the picture.
“Where are you going for your honeymoon?” Sage asks Hope once we’re done, stepping away from me.
“We’re going to Maui. It may seem like such a clichéd honeymoon destination, but I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii.”
“It’s beautiful,” I say, inserting myself into the conversation.
“Have you been?” Sage’s eyebrows crinkle.
“Yeah, I went years ago. Surfing is amazing there. Everything about it is great, to be honest.”
“I’m excited,” Hope says, nodding.
She looks over when someone calls out to her.
“Duty calls. I’ll see you guys later.” She smiles and walks away.
“Hawaii, huh? Is there anywhere you haven’t been?” Sage eyes me.
“Lots of places. The world is a vast place.”
But mainly, I haven’t visited your heart yet, and it’s my number one location.
“Very true,” she says, pensive. “I’ve never been away from the East coast.” She shakes her head, laughing softly. “We’re total opposites.”
“I beg to differ.” My hands land on her waist. She looks down at them and back at me. “I think we’re more alike than you think. We’ve lived different experiences, sure, but I think that’s a good thing.” I involuntarily lean closer to her.
“Yeah?” she whispers, her eyes round with hope.
