Page 91 of All Signs Point to Malibu

Liam nods. “This is what I’m talking about. Last night, I’m sitting there trying to write how I feel about Sonia and I couldn’t quite put it into words. And the more I tried to talk about compatibility, the more I realized we’re not compatible. And then I tried talking about future goals, and all I could think about was that game at the engagement party...”

“That was just a game.”

“But what if Hailey’s right? What if I’m giving up my dreams and I end up regretting it? Resenting Sonia?”

I sigh. “Hailey’s not right and she admits she was skeptical about the relationship at first, but now evenshe’sconvinced you two are perfect together.” Overstating a little, but I can hear the music playing in the courtyard and time’s running out.

Unfortunately Liam looks disappointed. “She is?”

Why the hell is he concerned about Hailey? “Yes.”

He seems pensive for a moment, then he seems to calm. “Okay, I just need another minute. Go on out. I’ll be there in a few.”

I hesitate but check my watch. I’m supposed to be seating guests. I tap him on the shoulder. “You got this,” I tell him, then pray he actually does as I head down the hallway.

As I turn the corner, I see Hailey walking toward me. “Where’s Liam? The ceremony is about to start,” she says.

“He said he’ll be out in a minute.” Is there time to kiss her again? Does she want that? Our conversation was cut short so I have no idea where I stand with her...and it is torture.

“Is he okay?” she asks.

Right. Focus on getting Liam down the aisle, then figure out where things stand with Hailey. “Fine. Cold feet, that’s all.”

Apparently, that’s not fine. “Cold feet?!”

I know I should be concerned about Liam, but all I can feel right now is relief that she’s freaked out not relieved or hopeful.

“Maybe you should talk to him.”

She hesitates, checks the time on her cell phone. “Okay...go on out there. Try to delay a few minutes.”

“I’m on it,” I say.

Hailey heads off to find Liam and I stare after her a moment, an odd foreboding in the pit of my stomach, before heading into the courtyard to try to delay a wedding.

I find Liam outside on the upper balcony overlooking the courtyard. He’s leaning on the rail, staring at the guests waiting below. “Hey, you,” I say softly, afraid to spook him.

Liam turns and looks relieved to see me. “Everything looks beautiful,” he says in an almost trancelike tone. Then his gaze sweeps over me and a look of sincere attraction appears on his face. “So do you.”

Uh-oh. That expression is targeted at the wrong woman.

A month ago, I’d have relished the compliment. Started planning my own wedding with him based on the way he was looking at me. The way heusedto look at me. Now I’m freaked out by it. This can’t go sideways.

“Thank you,” I say politely, but more importantly, “So does your bride-to-be.”

Liam looks conflicted. “How do I know I’m not making a huge mistake, Hails?”

He most likely is, but if he’s made it this far, I know a big part of him wants this. He’s nervous, he’s uncertain, but he wouldn’t be here right now if he didn’t love Sonia, and whether that love lasts a week or a lifetime, he should continue giving it a chance. I walk toward him. “I guess you don’t, but that’s what love is, right? Taking a leap of faith, not knowing the outcome, but trusting in the connection you two have.”

Liam stares at me. “You and I had a connection once.”

“But that was a long time ago.”

“Was it? I mean, the other night...”

I shift uncomfortably. “That shouldn’t have happened. Nothing happened, really. Just a bit of nostalgia popping up...like a regurgitation of past feelings.” I can’t possibly make it sound less appealing that.

Unfortunately, Liam reaches for my waist and draws me closer. “Maybe it was the intervention I needed to see that this is a mistake. There’s still something between us.”

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