Page 325 of New York Love Stories: Vol. 1

“Then let him be a part of your life.”That ship has sailed.Or has it? What did she mean suggesting that he still cares about me . . .two souls that are forever connected? Have I got my wires crossed? Is she here for another brother? If so, maybe what I should have said was, “I would do anything for your brother.” Present tense. Because I still love him. Want him.

When she leaves, I decide right then and there that we’ve had too many signs. That man is my soul mate, and I can’t let him get away.

But first, I need to handle this surprise proposal.

32

Harrison

“Harry?”

“In here.” I straighten my shirt, trying to flatten a wrinkle across the front. I’m keeping it casual but classy. As instructed.

My sister’s heels click across the Saltillo tiles of the suite as she rushes into the room where I’m staying. Fortunately, I’m dressed. “What’s up?” I ask.

Out of breath, she leans one hand on the doorframe as if that will help her catch it. “I just met Tatum.” The name alone gets my heart pumping to an erratic rhythm.

Pressing my palm to my chest, I ask, “What do you mean you just met Tatum?”

“She’s here. In the lobby right now.” The words don’t make sense, and my expression must match that confusion because she goes on to say, “We just got to talking and?—”

“Does she know I’m here?” What the hell is going on? Why didn’t Natalie come? She knew I’d be here, so it makes it awkward that she sent Tatum instead. Or did Tatum volunteer? That doesn’t seem logical since the woman won’t talk to me on the phone or in text, so why would she want to see me in person?What is she up to?

I’d hired STJ because I like to give my friends business, but was that a mistake? I don’t want today to turn into a spectacle. It’s important that it goes off without a hitch.

Maddie’s arm comes down, and she moves closer, picking up a bottle of my cologne and plucking the cap off. “Of course not, but we quickly realized who the other person was.”

“How?”

“The front desk clerk called me Ms. Decker. That got Tatum’s attention.”

“I bet it did,” I mumble, walking to the open patio door that leads to a private balcony, the same balcony where I made love to her under the stars and . . .made love, created love, fell in love. That’s what we did that night. God, I miss her. I miss her smile, her laughter, her voice, her touch . . . I just miss her. And I hate that I have no idea when that will end. If she’ll ever trust me enough to love her with everything I have.

“She doesn’t seem upset, Harry.”

“She’s not upset?Are you sure you met the right Tatum?MyTatum? My Tatum is always upset. It’s a part of her charm.”

“Sounds like it.” My sister’s expression softens. “And can you call heryourTatum a few more times. I don’t think the people in the back heard you.”

“Funny.”

“Most call me delightful. As foryourTatum, from what you’ve told me over the years and from just meeting her, I can unequivocally give you my endorsement. She’s a perfect match for you.”

After my eyebrows shoot up, I have to get better about controlling my reactions, especially if Tatum is here to tell me this break is better than our relationship. “Geez, thanks, sis. But tell me, you got that from just meeting her for thirty seconds in the lobby of the hotel?”

“No, we were there a few minutes, shared stories, and became fast friends before we figured out who the other person was.”Fast friends.This would have been great news if I were still with her, but now my sister gets time with the woman I would give anything to have. She smells the cologne and then replaces the cap. “That smells good. Definitely wear that for her.”

“I’m not wearing anything for her. We’re not together.Currently.”

“Currently leaves room for hope and love.” Giddy, she comes closer and starts fidgeting with my shirt. My sister has experienced the worst in life when it comes to love, but she still remains a romantic. I hope she gets the fairy tale ending she deserves. She says, “Don’t be so stubborn, Harrison. That’s what got you into this mess.”

Removing her hands, I hold them between mine. I love my sister, but this isn’t something she can fix. No matter how good her intentions. “No, what got me into this is . . .” I slow my words and hold my tongue. Releasing her hands, I think about what I really want to say, what I want to shout from the rooftops. Tatum’s having my baby, and I still haven’t told a soul. Well, other than the surprise party crowd. But my family doesn’t know anything. Nick and Andrew know, and they’re not telling anyone.

I need to respect Tatum and her wishes, so until she’s ready to tell the world, I need to remain silent on the matter.

Not the matter, the baby. Our baby.

A pinch in my chest has me wondering if I’m having a stroke or a heart attack or just can’t seem to find my rhythm these days. I rub my hand over to ease the pain. It doesn’t work. Never does. It showed up the day Tatum left and stayed. To say I have suspicions that the two events are related is an understatement.

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