Page 37 of Falling for You Again

“I threatened to tell our parents he’s marrying a stranger.”

“We still kind of are strangers.”

“Exactly why I don’t agree with what he’s doing for you, but I understand.”

“This isn’t just for me.”

“I know.” Charlie turns away with an expression that says she’s struggling with what not to say.

“Are you about to give me a don’t-break-his-heart speech?” I try for levity.

She turns back. “That goes without saying. Aaron’s a good man, too much for his own good sometimes. Fallon wasn’t right for him. She was right to end things; we all know that.” Charlie tilts her head and scrutinizes me. “I’ve been worried all week about Aaron marrying someone he doesn’t know, but there’s something about you, Meli. Aaron hasn’t been this genuinely happy since ...” She pauses. “For a long time. He’s been different since he’s been around you. He’s different when he talks about you.”

“How so?” I ask, as curious as I am wary. Do I really want to hear what she’s about to say?

“Stop frowning. It’s a good different.” Charlie pushes back her shoulders and grins. “Yes.”

“Yes, what?”

“I’ll stand in for your friend.”

I let loose a long breath and smile, my first genuine one of the day. “Thank you.”

“Now, unless there’s anything else you need, we’re ready for you downstairs.”

“I’ll be right behind you.”

Charlie nods, understanding I need one last moment to myself.

“I’ll let Aaron know. Welcome to the family, Meli.” She touches my shoulder and leaves the room.

I turn back to the mirror and speak to my reflection. “You’re not being reckless.” Not like I was when I had dared Aaron to marry five years ago. While also temporary, this marriage has a mutually beneficial purpose. We’ll be a team on this adventure in pursuit of our own goals.

The muffled sound of the doorbell breaks through my thoughts. Voices drift up the hallway, and I feel a momentary pinch of panic. Could it be Aaron’s parents? Are they here to stop the wedding?

Worry along with a strong urge to go stand up for Aaron chases me from the bedroom to the top of the stairs. Aaron notices me first. His smoky gaze drinks me in and his jaw slackens. He quickly snaps it shut when his stare meets mine, and a smile spreads across his freshly shaven face that speaks volumes.You’re perfect. You’re mine. I’m yours.Everything at once. Thoughts and emotions I refuse to give weight to. Promises I won’t acknowledge.

As if remembering we aren’t alone, Aaron moves aside. “Emi!” I exclaim. She came. Elation bursts inside me. She’s wearing a short navy-blue one-shoulder A-line dress I recognize she wore to a coworker’s wedding last fall. She looks up at me with a mix of hope and hesitation.

“Sorry I’m late.” She clutches a simple bouquet of three white peonies wrapped in olive branches. Only Emi would add such a symbolic touch.

“You’re here and that’s what matters.” I join them downstairs.

“Can we talk?” she asks.

“You can use the den,” Aaron offers.

I lead Emi into the room and shut the door. We turn to each other. “I’m sorry,” we say at once and both giggle.

“You go first,” Emi says.

“I’m sorry we fought. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Aaron and that I’d lied about him.”

“I’m sorry for avoiding you all week. I don’t like fighting with you. I’m just worried about you.”

“I love you.” I hug her so she can’t see I’m about to cry. All these years, I’ve been starved for my parents’ affection, and I’ve had Emi all along.

“Are you sure you know what you’re doing?” she asks.

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