Page 110 of Until I Have You

I’m about to prod her for more information when the doorbell rings.

I lift my head, looking out the living room door.

I’m not expecting anyone.Haven’t ordered any food for delivery.Not sure I have any packages coming today.“I’m going to get that, Bonbon, you stay here.”

I go to the front door with caution.

Usually, the doorman calls up to warn us of guests.There are a precious few people who can be waved through without that call.Only two, actually.

Edwin and Abigail.

They’re both in Florida, though.Aren’t they?

I turn the golden door handle, playing roulette with my guess of who it might be.

Elation and confusion twirl inside me at the sight of Abigail.

Her red hair is windblown, a mess of strands over her shoulders, and her expression is strained, eyes wide, brow tight.“Abigail, what are you doing here?You should be in Florida.”

“I caught a flight as soon as I could when I heard…when they told me…” She trails off, looking away, in some amount of embarrassment.

I want to surge toward her, pull her into my arms, hug her, kiss her, thank her for choosing me.But that isn’t the choice I want her to make.Not really.

She deserves to have a happy family, not suffer for the consequence of our affair the way I should.

My eyes fall to the duffel bag sitting at her feet.“Abigail, you didn’t.”

“Can I come in?”

I shut the door behind me, leaving us in the hallway.“Better not let Bonnie see you.”

Abigail’s brow wrinkles.“You don’t want me here.”

“That’s not it.Not at all.”I keep my voice low.“I don’t want you abandoning your family for me.”

Her fists tighten at her sides.“Why won’t anyone let me make decisions for myself?”

“Of course you can make decisions for yourself, but–”

“I’m choosing you.Don’t you want me to choose you?”Abigail’s voice pitches upward, tremoring.

I reach out, take her hands.“You’re shaking, love.Take a breath.”

Abigail clutches my hands hard, her chin falling to her chest.A small sob comes out of her mouth.

“Oh, Abigail, I’m not worth all this.”

“Yes, you are.”

“No, I’m–”

Her head shoots up, green eyes plunging into mine.“Yes, you are.”

I am too in shock to hold onto her when she tosses my hands away from her.

“I’m tired of everyone thinking they know what’s best for me.I’m tired ofmendictating my life.I’m a grown fucking woman.I know what I want.And yet, everyone,everyoneis telling me they know what’s best for me.”She speaks fast and furious, her consonants tight and words clipped.Her hands fly to her temples.“Do you know how angry that makes me?”

I sigh.“I’m not trying to make you angry, Abigail.Not at all.”

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