Page 36 of When Love Changes Everything

"Why is that?" I ask.

"She tried to fish for information," he says, his tone edged with irritation. "First from Davey, and then from Loren. You know Loren—she handled it gracefully. Told her, in the politest way possible, that if she wanted to know what you were up to, she should be asking you directly."

I nod, offering a grateful smile. "Thank you," I say quietly. "I appreciate that. And I’m sorry she’s dragging you into this."

"She’s planning to stay through the holidays," Aaron continues. "I’m just giving you a heads-up. It’s only a matter of time before you run into her."

I exhale slowly, the tension creeping back in. "Lily and Noah are due back soon, so I’m moving into the guesthouse. At least for now, Marian has no idea where to find me."

"Nowthat’swishful thinking," Aaron says, shaking his head, because we both know how resourceful Marian can be.

"I’ve worked so hard to gain Lisa’s trust," I say. "Still, I can’t shake the feeling that all my work to build a strong foundation with her is being threatened by outside forces I can do nothing about."

Aaron’s gaze softens, his words reassuring. "You know, I love Lisa like a daughter," he says. "I trust her judgment, and I have no doubt that if she’s decided you're the one, she won’t let anything or anyone stand in the way."

"I'll drink to that," I say lifting my cup in a toast-like gesture before taking a sip of my coffee.

"How are the repairs at Lisa's place coming along?" Aaron asks, in what I’m sure is an attempt to steer the conversation away from Marian.

"The damage wasn’t as extensive as they initially thought," I say. "If everything goes according to schedule, she should be back in before the new year."

"That's good news," he says. "Is Gretchen back yet?"

"We picked her up from the airport yesterday. Lisa has moved in with her until the condo is ready."

"Have you two set a date for the wedding?" His question takes me by surprise, as if he were speaking a foreign language. When he notices the blank look on my face, he adds, "Are you having second thoughts?"

"No," I say, smiling and shaking my head. "Absolutely not. I’m still getting used to the idea. I love Lisa, and making her my wife fills me with a sense of purpose, a sense of direction, and unimaginable happiness."

"I'll drink to that," he says, lifting his own cup and smiling back.

***

I set my bag down in front of the guesthouse and reach for the doorknob. Just as my fingers brush the cool metal, two hands slip over my eyes from behind.

For a fleeting moment, I smile, thinking it’s Lisa—her playful nature would make this feel natural—but when I reach for her hands, a bold, familiar scent washes over me, instantly filling me with unwelcome memories.

“Guess who?” a voice whispers, low and filled with a confidence that turns my stomach.

“Marian,” I say through gritted teeth.

Her hands linger, and I shrug her off, stepping forward to put some distance between us. When I turn around and our eyes meet, memories of what we once shared flood my mind—moments that once consumed me and made me smile, moments that now feel as intrusive as nightmares.

“What are you doing here?” I demand. Her beauty and the smile I once found alluring now feel like a cruel mockery of my past mistakes.

“Miss me?” she asks, her voice laced with the same arrogance that once pulled me in.

“No,” I say coolly.

“I don’t believe you,” she whispers. Before I can respond, she wraps her arms around me and presses her lips to mine.

I grip her wrists and push her away firmly. “What are you doing here?” I ask again, refusing to let her goad me.

“I came to see you, love,” she says, her tone filled with calculated sweetness.

"Sounds like you’ve wasted a trip, then," I say, hoping my voice conveys the abundance of indifference I feel.

"It wasn’t a waste the last time," she says, her smile widening. "Remember all the days we spent by the pool or skinny dipping in the ocean? And all the nights we—"

---