Chapter 28
NASH
I stick to the corner of the Bradleys’ family room as I wait for Sadie to come downstairs. It’s their annual neighbor bash, where every family on their street is invited to their home for cider and desserts. I thought this was a casual get-together, but I’m quickly learning with each guest that arrives how underdressed for the occasion I am. Jeans and a flannel button-up are not party attire in Central New York. I think the last lady that arrived came in a fur coat—tacky but fancy. I thought about changing, but I want to be here for Sadie when she comes down. Something like this might be overwhelming for her.
“Why are you hiding in the corner?” Annie smirks as she joins me. “Are you nervous about the Roeshines coming tonight?”
I drop my brows, faking indifference. “Who are the Roeshines again?”
“You’re hilarious.”
If things had been different between Sadie and her family, I feel like Annie and I could’ve been good friends and in-laws.
“Why would I be nervous to meet Stetson’s family? I’m not the one who broke their son’s heart.”
“Yeah, but you're the one who stole Sadie away.”
“Nah.” I sip my warm cider. “Sadie is the one who should feel uncomfortable, but thanks to her memory loss, she doesn’t know what she doesn’t know.”
“So true.” Annie holds her glass up, agreeing with me.
“I doubt Stetson’s parents would be mean to her about something that happened three years ago, anyway.”
Annie leans in like an old friend you gossip with. “The big question is, does Stetson come alone tonight or bring a date?”
My brows climb halfway up my forehead. “Stetson is coming?”
“Yeah, he always does. I assumed you knew that.”
“I just figured a street party with his parents’ neighbors on a Sunday night wouldn’t be a top priority.”
Annie shoots me a wry smile. “Look who’s nervous now.”
I turn my head, staring directly into her eyes. “Not nervous. I’m the one who got the girl of both of our dreams. It’s not awkward for me tonight.”
“But you’re also the one she can’t remember.”
Sick burn, Annie. Sick burn.
Suddenly, my shirt collar feels like it’s choking me. I take another sip of my drink, masking my discomfort.
“Speak of the devil himself,” Annie says as Stetson and his parents walk through the door. He’s going stag tonight—a huge disappointment for me.
The Bradleys rush to greet them, hugging and shaking hands like old friends do.
“Stetson looks like someone who got in trouble with the law, but his dad talked to the judge and got him out of it.”
She chokes on her drink. “He totally does!”
“Annie!” Lynette calls, waving her over to them, somehow forgetting about her son-in-law.
“Duty calls.” She spins, walking backward as she says, “Good luck tonight. May the best man win.”
I’m the best man, right?
I mean, I know I am, but does Annie think so?
A hush falls over the room, and every pair of eyes drifts to the stairs.
Sadie slowly walks down each step, wearing a white long-sleeve sequin mini dress. I’ve never seen her in sequins before, but the fitted dress and the short hemline flatter her silhouette in the best ways. Her hair is pulled up with two curtain bangs left in front, probably hoping it would cover her new scar.
She’s gorgeous—a Phoenix rising from the ashes.
I leave my spot in the corner, making my way to her while she scans the room. Her search stops as soon as she sees Stetson by the front door. Brown eyes light up with a glow she used to reserve only for me. It’s not even a slow smile that spreads across her lips. It’s quick and animated, shredding my heart apart. I watch their reunion play out in front of me from across the room. Each moment is a torturous clip.
“Hi,” she says to Stetson when she reaches the bottom of the stairs. The enchantment behind her expression is painfully obvious. “I didn't know if you would come.”
“Haven't missed a neighbor bash since we moved here in third grade.” His eyes drop down her body. “Wow, you look incredible. It's been years since I've seen you. You’re a real sight for sore eyes.”
“For me, it feels like we saw each other just the other day.”
“I heard about your accident. We’ve all been praying for your recovery.”
A dazzling smile covers her mouth. “Your prayers must have worked.”
The way they stare at each other like star-crossed lovers makes me sick.
Lynette points to Mr. and Mrs. Roeshine. “Sadie, you remember Lewis and Rebecca?”
“Can you say things like that under the current circumstances?” Lewis laughs, hugging her like a daughter.
“You’re actually people I do remember,” Sadie jokes as she moves to hug Stetson’s mom, and I try my best to ignore the cutting sting her words caused in my heart.
Rebecca Roeshine is full of nothing but glee. “We are so happy to have you back home.”
“Yeah, we are.” Stetson’s gaze has a little too much intensity behind it for my liking.
I step into their circle, arm extended. “I’m Nash.” The better man. The husband. The man she really loves. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”
His jaw flinches as he shakes my hand. “Likewise.” The smile on his lips seems innocent enough, but his words are laced with condescending charm. “Didn't Sadie tell you the dress code for this party? We go all out for Christmas.” He points over his shoulder. “I'm sure I have an old shirt and tie next door you can borrow.”
“Nah, I’m good.”
Sadie stands between us, fidgeting with her ear.
“It was nice to see you.” Stetson flashes her a smile as he begins to walk away. “Let’s catch up sometime.”
“I’d love that!” Her eagerness is my worst nightmare. She blatantly follows Stetson’s departure with her eyes.
I suck in a deep breath, reminding myself of everything between us. Once upon a time, she had Stetson, but she chose me instead. Now isn’t the time for jealousy.
“You look amazing.” I draw her distracted attention back to me. “I’ve never seen you wear sequins before.”
“Oh.” Her eyes drop down her outfit. “This is Annie’s dress. Thanks to my recent weight loss, I can fit into it.”
“I can go upstairs and put on a tie if you want. I didn’t know this was such a formal affair.”
“No, it’s fine.” Her gaze darts across the room like she’s keeping tabs on Stetson’s whereabouts.
“Do you want some cider?”
“Uh…” She brings her stare to me, forcing a smile. “Yeah, let’s get some cider.”
Out of habit, my hand goes to the small of her back, guiding her like I’ve done a million times before. Except, this time, she stiffens at my touch, causing me to drop my arm.
Besides when she woke up and said she didn’t remember me, no moment has hurt as much as this one.
SADIE
Stetson.
I hoped he would be here tonight. I dressed as if he would.
Seeing his face—his smile—brings to life all the feelings my mind so easily recalls.
What I can’t find with Nash is at the forefront of my heart with Stetson. It doesn’t make sense, but it’s there, and it’s easy.
“Did you try my mom’s homemade Oreos?” It’s a pathetic opening line after breaking a man’s heart and not seeing him for three years, but that’s what I start with when I join Stetson at the dessert table. “I have a feeling she made them for you.”
He grins, and oh, I’ve missed that smile. “I’ve already had three. You know they’re my favorite.”
“I remember.”
He shifts his body in my direction. “What else do you remember about me?”
“Everything.” I laugh, but when his brows hike up, I modify my answer. “Well, not everything. I don’t know how I woke up married to some random guy instead of you.”
He fights the smile my words bring. “I honestly don’t know either.”
I glance to the side where Nash is conversing with my neighbor who lives two doors down.
A moment of freedom.
“Do you want to…maybe…” Why is this so hard to say? “Get out of here or something? Catch up like you said?”
“I’d love to.”
So would I.
I spin to leave, not glancing back to Nash.