Page 110 of Forgot to Tell You Something

Dan stands at her elbow, nodding in my direction when he catches sight of me. I’m not sure if he approves of my continued quest to win back Tally’s love or if he’s acting as a sentry to protect her from me—either way, I’m not caving until she’s back in my arms.

The minister finishes, mentioning that Tally would like to say a few words. She takes the microphone and even from this distance I see her slight hands tremble. I close the space between us until only a few feet separate me from the woman I love.

“I’m overwhelmed that you all came to see my Dad off on his next journey. Adventure, as he’d like to say. Maybe it was the plaid pants that attracted you all.” A hum of laughter carries through the group, and even my beautiful girl manages a tremulous smile. “I hate that he’s gone, but I know he’s whole again, and he’s with my Mom. I can’t imagine the parties they’ve been holding in heaven since his arrival. I’m serious, the man could drink us all under the table.”

God, she’s gorgeous. So raw and real. Loving her is the single most right thing I’ve ever done in my life.

“He would hate all this crying and sadness. He’d tell me to rub dirt on it and get on with it.” Her hand rests on the tombstone, tears streaming down her face. “He said he would visit us, let us know he’s okay. I’m holding you to that, Dad, because even though you’re okay, I’m not sure I am. I’ll love you forever.” She breaks, her body trembling with sobs, and I’m at her side in a few long strides.

I pull her to me, hoping I can hold her tight enough to ease the pain. “It’s okay, Darlin. Let it out.” I stroke her dark hair, my lips pressed against her head as she collapses against me.

Mourners and well-intentioned friends break into the moment, paying their respects with a kind word or pat on the shoulder. I stand my ground, my Tally tucked into me, shielding her from the onslaught.

“I think you would have liked him,” she mumbles against my chest.

“I did.”

Her head jerks up, a look of confusion crossing her features. “What?”

“I met him, Wildflower.”

Her hand flies to her mouth as a fresh supply of tears stream down her cheeks. “When?”

“Last week.”

“He spoke to you?”

I nod, reaching into my pocket to grab the drawing, but Stefani’s voice cuts into our privacy.

“Hi, Owen. Will you be joining us at the restaurant?”

Crap. “I want to, but I have a meeting—”

Tally shakes her hand, dispelling my worries. “You’re fine.”

“I’ll cancel it,” I blurt, pulling out my phone. If Tally needs me, screw the meeting. Yes, it’s an important meet and greet, with a potential whale of an investor, but Tally is more important. She’ll always come first. That’s what I swore that night in my office. I plan on living up to that promise.

Tally stays my hand. “No need to cancel. I’m okay. Hungry and tired, but okay. Thank you for coming, Owen. You didn’t have to.”

“Yes, I did.”

“You’ve been a wonderful friend through all of this.”

I cringe at the use of the term friend. I get it, I do, but I still hate it. “I would do anything for you. I’m serious, say the word, and I’ll cancel that meeting.”

“Go on.” Tally stands on tiptoe, brushing her lips against my cheek, before walking off with Stefani and Dan.

I watch her leave, sandwiched between her friends, her tiny frame supported by their love. I’m on the outside, looking in, and I’m not sure where to find the key to unlock her door again.

* * *

“What are you doing here?” Dan inquires, leaning against the door of Tally’s apartment.

I could ask you the same question.

I can’t put my finger on it, but the way Dan held Tally at the funeral is rubbing me wrong. Maybe I’m just a jealous fuck andanyoneholding my girl drives me nuts.

“I wanted to check on Tally. I brought her dinner.”

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