Page 54 of One Weekend in London

SADIE

GARRISON, GEORGIA

An entire roomful of eyes is on us.

For others and me, it’s anything but a typical day as we step inside the Garrison Bean Bar, my home away from home.

As expected, the jingle of the bell above the door announces our arrival, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee hits me, mixing with the scent of Rhys’s crisp cologne.

It’s one heck of an intoxicating duo.

Just like the last time I set foot in this place three months ago, almost every head is turned in my direction, conversations stuttering to a halt as the weight of their collective gaze settles on my shoulders.

But this time, I don’t shrink away, knowing I’m about to become the leading story traveling the lengths of the Garrison gossip grapevine.

No, I stand tall, spine straight, head held high.

Because this time, I’m not heartbroken or drowning in grief, my heart fractured into a million little pieces I don’t think will ever heal.

Because my heart? It’s once again whole.

Entirely mended.

And it’s all because of him...

Acting as a sentinel at my side, Rhys’s hand rests on the small of my back, his touch a steady presence that anchors me, centering me.

Curiosity radiates off the other patrons, their eyes flicking from my face to his, no doubt trying to reconcile the betrayed runaway bride they all gossiped about with the healed woman standing before them now.

A woman in love and wholly unafraid.

“Holy crap! Sadie, you’re back!”

Tasha’s voice cuts through the murmurs, her excited drawl unmistakable. Racing from behind the counter in a blur of inky hair and bright green eyes, she smiles, lighting up the room.

Three seconds.

That’s all I get before she slams into me, sending me stumbling backward. Thankfully Rhys is in place to catch me, stopping me from tumbling to the floor.

Laughter erupts from deep in my chest as the troublemaker wraps her arms around me, squeezing me so tightly I couldn’t escape if I tried.

“You are never allowed to leave me again!” Heaven help me, here come the dramatics. “You left poor Lillian, Tate, and me with all the men! I swear it’s a miracle I didn’t kill ’em. Weston, especially. I love my big brother but oh my God, he and Sutton are such pains—”

Her words vanish when she spots Rhys. “Well, I’ll be danged.” She blinks slowly. “How is it possible he’s even hotter in person?” Gawking at him still, she adds, “Uh, hi?”

Beside me, Rhys chuckles.

But before he can reply, likely to officially introduce himself, a very pregnant Lillian waddles in from the back, her eyes widening once she spots me. Her chin wobbles and tears fill her eyes, close to brimming over.

“You’re home.”

There’s so much emotion—love, hope, and relief—in those two little words that my own eyes fill with tears. “I made a promise, didn’t I?” Heart beginning to gallop, I smile. “I told you I’d be here to welcome my newest cousin into the world, and I meant it.”

Taking the opening Tasha just handed me by dropping her arms, I make a beeline for Lillian. Once I reach her, I hug her as Tasha did me, careful not to squeeze her belly.

“Good grief, I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too,” I reply, nothing but pure happiness skating through my veins, feeding my fluttering heart. “And there’s something I need to tell you. But first...”

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