Page 113 of Promised Love

“I’m not fucking scared.” I grab his fresh drink because he for sure isn’t here to get drunk tonight.

“Then you’re very brave. I, on the other hand, was shit scared when Clementine started throwing herself at me. She would sneak into my shower, dress up all sexy for me—”

“Does Clem know you’re spilling her secrets?” I throw him an irritated look.

“I’m spilling nothing. I’m just telling you that it wasn’t easy for me to ignore the age gap between us.”

The tightness in my chest increases. “It’s not just the age gap, Keith. Clementine was twenty-five when she came into your life. Did you know Autumn was sixteen—six-fucking-teen—when she found out about the promise our grandparents had made? She was eighteen when we got married.” My hands get lost in my hair when I tug on it. “She was only four years older than your daughter when I married her, Keith. Now think about it.”

“But she isn’t eighteen anymore,” he says, as if that changes anything.

“Autumn and I got together to get divorced. There’s no other end to our marriage, and it was stupid of me not to do it sooner.” I take a deep breath. “My lawyer has written up the divorce papers. I’m going to give them to her tomorrow after the wedding.”

“Fuck,” he sputters. “Don’t do this, Lukas. You might regret it forever.”

There’s no might.

I will regret it forever. But I also know this is the right thing for her.

I get up with my head spinning. I’m too slow, and Keith has already paid for my drinks before I can even get my wallet out.

We’re about to leave when the bartender says, “I have a feeling you’re going to get the biggest surprise of your life tomorrow.” She smiles and glances at me before placing something onto the counter and sliding the coin toward me. “I found it while cleaning the bar. I have a feeling you’ll need it.”

I slip it into my jacket pocket without looking and turn around.

When we reach the parking lot, Keith opens his palm. “Give me the keys. I’ll drive.”

I drop them into his hand, holding back a cold metal coin in my fist. When I open my palm, my chest thunders, my heartbeat accelerating to its highest level.

“What’s that?” Keith asks, looking down at the triquetra symbol on the coin.

“It’s a symbol of eternal love,” I whisper.

He hums before getting into the driver seat.

39

AUTUMN

“You look lovely, Autumn,” Maya gushes as I walk into her bridal suite.

“Thank you, but that should have been my line.” I smile as she stands before me in her white bridal gown. “Andy is very lucky. You’re breathtaking today.”

“Thank you so much.” She holds my hand and leads me away from the ladies of her family. “I really mean it. This is the wedding I’ve always wanted. Away from the paparazzi, just family and friends. It’s a dream come true.”

My chest fills with warmth as her eyes shine with tears. “I’m very happy to hear this. But no crying.” I squeeze her hand.

She nods and smiles. “Will we see Lukas today?”

His name makes my breath hitch, but I try to hold back the anguish and nod. “Yeah, he’ll be here.”

“Good. Andy and I want to thank you both together. Without you guys, it wouldn’t have been possible.”

“I’m so happy for you both. You’re perfect for each other.” I give her a final squeeze before leaving her suite.

I’ve been a part of so many weddings at this inn, and never once has my own wedding day come to mind. But today, watching Maya surrounded by her family, her friends, I realize I’d had none of this.

I lean back against the wall outside the bridal suite, trying to push the image of seeing Lukas for the first time out of my mind.

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