Page 16 of The Bride's Secret

He shifted, obviously uncomfortable.

“What? Do you know something?”

He held up a hand. “This is none of my business so I feel funny interfering.”

She tipped her head and indicated their room, them together on the couch.

“I know. I know, believe me. I feel terrible sometimes when I look at our situation from an outside perspective. What a heel. Who does this?”

“Well, that’s why I’m asking. I sense you know something.”

His sigh might have relieved some stress like hers had. She hoped so cause it was huge.

“I haven’t seen Heath in years. I was surprised he asked me to be his best man, but apparently, one time during college we reconnected and he said I would be his best man. He remembered.”

Carisa nodded. “Sounds like him. He’s excellent with connections and friends.”

“So, I showed up to a stranger’s wedding basically.” He reached for her hand and weaved his fingers through hers. The comfort of that simple gesture filled her.

“I just noticed his eyes would wander.”

She caught her breath. “He was flirting with the event staff.”

Wyatt shrugged. “He might have been.” He cleared his throat. “And girls would give him numbers. I think he got together with a waitress at the hotel the night before you got married. Or would have been married.” He cringed, his face showed the pain he felt at saying it.

But Carisa felt oddly calm. “That is such a relief to hear.”

“It is?” His face was so full of hopeful relief she almost smiled.

“Yes, totally. It validates everything I just did.” She leaned back, smiling. “See, I’m not the bad guy any more.”

He nodded, slightly. “I guess I can see that. I’m happy you’re not broken up about it…” He eyed her, his comment lingering as a question.

“Nope, I’m not. I mean, if I sat and wallowed for a minute, I’m sure I could come up with all kinds of reasons to be devastated, questioning my looks, my worth, my ability to keep a man.” She started to feel sick. “Wait a minute.”

“No.” He shook his head. “Don’t go there. You’re remarkable. When I met you, I could tell right away you’re something special. He’s an idiot.”

She squeezed his hand, clinging to his words. “I won’t wallow right now, but there’s no guarantee all these thoughts won’t come sneaking in every time I look in the mirror, or if a skirt gets too tight, or if a job interview doesn’t work out. I’m afraid my failure with Heath will come back to haunt me in small ways.” She cleared her throat. “Forever.”

“Woa, woa. Failure with Heath? How is this your fault?”

“I don’t know. Couldn’t keep him, wasn’t good enough to capture his attention, that kind of thing.” She was done talking about this with a guy. She couldn’t expect him to understand.

His face had turned solid, a mask, and she wondered what was going through his head. Then he growled. “I wish I could wipe those thoughts from your mind. They are just so obviously unworthy of real consideration.” His lips pressed together. “The truth is, any man would be lucky to have you. What Heath said to me might prove this. He said that he would never meet anyone like you and that he wasn’t ready to settle down but he better snatch you up now cause he’d never get another chance like this one.”

Carisa was floored. She had never considered her situation like that before. “He said that?”

Wyatt nodded. Then squeezed her hand. “But don’t be getting all starry eyed because of it. His was a jerk move no matter what his motivation. You. Deserve. Better.” He turned her face and stared into her eyes. “You’re something special, Angel Fire. Believe it. And hold out for what you want.”

His eyes seared into hers. The intensity of them stole her breath. She nodded, wanting nothing more than to call out, “You. I want you.” But she kept silent, hoping her eyes communicated a portion of her feelings. Then he pulled her close at his side, cradled up against him. “Let’s see what you’ve chosen for our entertainment tonight.”

She laughed, relieved for the break in tension. “Oh, you’re gonna love it.”

When the title came up on the screen, he groaned. “Sleepless in Seattle?”

She flipped to the other option. ‘While you were sleeping?”

“You got some sleep fetish?”

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