Chapter 33. She Wasn’t Expecting Him #2
My gaze snagged on Rob again. “To that friend, I wanted to say how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.
You’re the kindest, best person I know. You were always there for me whenever I needed you.
You always had my back. I don’t know how many times you’ve dropped whatever you were doing to come and support me.
I mean, you were willing to give up your weekend to throw yourself out of a plane, thousands of feet above the ground, for me. Like, who does that?”
There were scattered chuckles from the crowd, while I took another deep breath to recompose myself.
“And you were there not just for me, but for the people that matter in my life, too. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting you, because I’ve already convinced myself that I wasn’t going to fall for anyone else, ever again.
Then you came along and turned my world upside down.
My life is so much better and brighter and more wonderful and amazing and fun with you in it.
And until I met you, I didn’t know it was possible.
I didn’t know what I was missing. You’ve given me a glimpse of what a life shared with the right person could feel like.
You’ve shown me, and made me believe, what I never thought would be possible. That love really does exist.”
The bride awwwed from next to me.
“You should also know that you deserve all the love and happiness in the world. And you’re good enough to do what you want with your life, and that I would never, not in a million years, ever sacrifice the person I love over a job, or a business, or a career…
” My rehearsed speech had gone off the rails, and I was rambling.
I tore my gaze away from him and turned to the bride.
“Congratulations again. I wish you nothing but love and joy for the rest of your life.”
Handing her the mic, I thanked her and jumped off the stage, wanting nothing more than to disappear into the ether. I did what I could, even though it was humiliating, because I went up there to tell him how I felt, only to find out he was here with someone else.
I quickly navigated my way through the crowd, smiling and thanking people who were saying as I passed, “Good for you,” and “That’s really brave.” When I finally made it outside the venue, I pulled out my phone and sent Ellie a message to let her know I was leaving.
“Where are you going?”
I closed my eyes at the familiar voice, embarrassment flooding all over me.
“Hey.” I turned around and waved my phone at Rob, plastering a cheerful smile on my face. “I’m going home. Just about to book my ride.”
“That was a great speech.” He was studying me. “Just making sure that you were talking about me?”
I swallowed, before nodding. “I think you were the only person who had volunteered to fling themselves out of a plane for me. Remember that?”
“Yeah. Fun times.” He stood where he was, his hands in his pockets, his eyes still intent on mine. “Were you going to leave without saying anything to me?”
But I did say something to you. A lot of things. On the stage. “I didn’t want to disturb you. You looked”—I waved a hand—“preoccupied.” With Lucy.
He didn’t say anything, just kept watching me.
“Um, I haven’t had a chance to say thank you.
For all your help. With Melinda, and for contacting the people on the tourism board, the local paper, and especially with the heritage application.
For everything. I’m sorry if that made things difficult with your dad.
But I owe you, and I hope I’ll be able to repay the favor one day. ”
But he shook his head. “You don’t owe me anything.
You did all the legwork and got the ball rolling.
I just made a couple calls,” he said. “And don’t worry about my dad.
I had a long talk with him. Things are a bit strained between us right now, but he’ll come around.
My siblings will make sure of it.” He smiled at that.
“The most important thing is he finally accepts the fact that I’m not interested in continuing the family firm.
He’s in the process of selling the business now.
And I owe it all to you. You’ve always believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. ”
“That’s great. I’m thrilled for you.”
He only nodded.
“You should go back.” I gestured toward where the wedding party was in full swing.
“Lucy will be looking for you. You should probably send her a text to let her know that you’re outside.
With me. Or no, don’t tell her that you’re with me.
She won’t be happy.” I was rambling again, but I didn’t know what else to say. “I don’t know, whatever, you do you.”
He still didn’t move. “She knows I came out here to find you.”
“Oh, shit. I’m so, so sorry.” I winced. “I didn’t know you two were back together. I wouldn’t have shown up here otherwise. Trust me, I have absolutely no intention of ruining your relationship. Congrats, by the way. You two are perfect together. Look, I really should go.”
“I’m not with Lucy.”
What?
“We both got invited to the wedding, but I’m not here with her. I came alone, and we ran into each other.”
My brain did a one-eighty. He’s not back together with her?
Rob took a deep breath. “You know what you said back there, about building trust? I owe you an apology, too. I was wrong for not telling you about the project. I honestly thought I needed to do that for my dad, but I know now it’s not an excuse. I should have been honest with you from the start.”
I nodded. “We both should have been honest with each other from the start.”
“We should have. And I’m willing to do whatever it takes to rebuild your trust. I’ll put in the work, and then some.”
I could only swallow the lump that had reappeared in my throat.
He took a step closer. “Did you mean what you said? That you believe in love now?”
My heart began to beat faster. “Maybe.”
Another step, then another one, and he was now standing in front of me. “It’s a simple yes or no question, Kim. Do you or do you not believe in love now?”
“Yes.” I stared into his eyes, and the hopeful look I saw in them floored me. “I do. And I do love you.”
“Finally.” His face broke into a grin. “You don’t know how long I’ve waited for you to say that. That wasn’t hard, right? Admitting that you’re madly head over heels in love with me and you can’t live without me?”
I rolled my eyes. “Look who’s talking. I think you’re head over heels in love with me.”
The grin softened into a smile. “I am. I have been for a while, and matchmaking you was the hardest, but also the best decision of my entire life.” He took one more step, closing the distance between us, and took my face in his hands.
“Please don’t ever change your mind, because my life just isn’t as fun without you in it. ”
As I kissed him, I realized that he had fulfilled the promise he made a while ago.
He proved to me that happy endings do exist.