Page 53 of All the Promises We Break

My mind is churning, trying to commit this feeling to memory and start working through the concept. I’m thinking so hard and fast I don’t realize the rustling between the sheets on the bed. “Can’t sleep?” Hayley asks sleepily, hidden from view under the pillows.

“No. My mind is running a million miles an hour in all directions.”

“Want to talk about it? You can unload here. No judgment.”

My head rolls toward her voice. “I miss Eli. I’m nervous about tomorrow but the reason why has changed. I’m great when I’m dancing on stage. I’m not one for show otherwise. I just don’t want to mess up or fall on my face or something stupid. I want tomorrow to be perfect for him.”

“Perfect for him?” Hayley asks. “Dylan, he’s going to absolutely lose it tomorrow when he sees you. I know my brother. What about perfect for you? I wasn’t going to call you out, but the whole time we planned, it was all about what Eli would like and how it would make him feel. Where are you in this?”

After a deep breath, I let it all go. “I want to look beautiful. I want him to be happy. After we got engaged, I had mental freak-out after mental freak-out. How would all this work? Was I ready to be someone’s wife? After what Eli’s been through to get here, and everything he’s done to make sure we have it all, I want the marriage. The wedding is just the beginning.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

Elijah

The last twenty-four hours spent without Dylan have been some of the longest but finally today is the day. Wes and I arrive at the hotel and he checks into his room. We’re on the same floor as the girls but on opposite ends of the hall. I’d love nothing more than to bust through the door just to hold her.

In the grand plan, I won’t have to wait long. Everyone said we should plan a first look, alone, together. The only other person there would be a photographer, to capture the moment. I didn’t understand it at first but after thinking about it, I want to be the first person to see her in white. I want to be able to have that image and feeling in my heart to carry with me.

The witching hour for this event is in about forty-five minutes. It’s both an eternity and the snap of a finger, especially when you’re shaking, trying to loop your grandfather’s cufflinks into holes that feel smaller than the head of a pin.

“Got that?”

“Fuck no,” I sigh. “A little help, please?”

“Your rock solid is slipping. Want me to bust out the flask?”

I laugh. “No. I’m good. Sorry your plus one became a minus one. I really thought she’d show up for you today.”

“It is what it is. Besides, weddings are the best place to find a date. Women all dressed up, a few cocktails in, dancing, and well, look at me. Who could resist?”

“Just don’t get into trouble.”

“Who? Me?” he questions. “Would I ever?”

Even he laughs at that question. “What time is it?”

“Ten minutes later than the last time you asked instead of just looking at your watch. Relax. She’s not going anywhere.”

He’s right. I know that. I just want her. Need her.

I don’t know how my mother and Hayley booked this hotel on such short notice. It’s usually booked for nearly eighteen months out. Mom said it was meant to be. She’s right.

The ballroom for our reception is the place where I’ll see her first. I wanted to see her on the dance floor. We have been and will go many places, but it will always come back to that. White dress, under the lights, my eyes catching her across the room, me needing to touch her.

As I walk off the elevator, I can see Paul coming out of the ballroom and closing the door. His body is turned slightly away with his hand still on the latch. The closer I get, I notice one thing above all else, his tears.

In all the years I’ve known Paul Cooper professionally, I’ve only seen the hard business side. He was angry then resigned when we told them of our engagement. Since then, he’s been cordial and even a little warm.

I hesitate to interrupt him. I know all too well about needing a moment. Sliding my hands into my pockets, I keep my distance until he notices me. “Hello, Eli.”

“Paul. Everything all right?”

“I’m going to be honest with you. I didn’t think this day would happen. It wasn’t that I didn’t believe you, it was more aboutaccepting something I spent years ignoring. My daughter has become a brilliant woman. The girl who would pirouette around my desk while I was on business calls is no more.”

“She’s still that girl. Maybe we should have had this conversation a long time ago. I said to you that I would honor her. I’ve said that to her and more. I give you my word as a man, if I can keep her from being hurt, I will. I will love her with all that I have. I will respect her in all aspects of our lives. Those are vows I can make to you.”

“I’m going to hold you to every promise, Sawyer. I won’t call you son if you promise not to call me dad.”

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