Page 34 of Uncovering Love: The Wedding

“You and Tate aren’t us.”

“But you always seem so perfect.”

“Ha! Right.” She rolls her eyes.

“No, really. I’ve always thought that. Ever since you brought him home to meet Mom and Dad.”

“Things aren’t always what they seem. Nothing’s been easy. We’ve had ups and downs. Hard work, tears, fighting, and a whole lot of love, but not perfection. That’s impossible.” She rubs her belly, their child growing inside.

My mind races with a million thoughts and questions, but I land back on the one that continues to resurface. “Why don’t you just confront Drew?”

She blows out a breath of air and runs her fingertips through her hair. “Because ... Part of me ... Part of me is scared he won’t tell the truth. And I’ll believe him.”

The dull static from the baby monitor dances between her words and we both stare at the video, with Claire sleeping in that adorable way only babies can, her arms tucked at her sides and butt propped up in the air.

“And the other part?” I whisper.

Melissa answers, her voice so low ... As if any louder and she’ll wake Claire. “I’m terrified, Evie. I’m terrified he will tell the truth, and all of this ... our happy little life ... will all be over. Without Drew, I’m not me.”

The sound of their car pulling back into the drive interrupts our heartfelt conversation. Melissa slides off the barstool with a sad smile and turns away to the cupboard to pull down bowls.

The door opens but she doesn’t turn around. Drew steps inside, a grocery bag of ice cream in hand and a wide smile on his face. “I hope you two are ready. I’ve got chocolate. Cookie dough. Whipped cream, too.”

“Thanks, babe.” Melissa says, opening the drawer to grab spoons. They hit the counter with a clatter and still she doesn’t turn.

My gaze follows Drew’s as he regards his wife with so much adoration, attraction, and love that it can’t be faked. Why would he even need to? He doesn’t notice me watching. It’s as if he couldn’t drag his eyes from her if he tried. He walks to her, sets down the grocery bag, and runs his arms from her hips to the front of her belly, kissing her cheek.

“How’s baby?” he murmurs and I suddenly feel like a third wheel. Confused, because Drew’s acting nothing other than a man devoted to his family. After what I witnessed earlier in the evening, my conclusions feel dishonest.

“Hey, I’m gonna head out,” I announce. Melissa’s eyes hold worry, but I’m not sure if it’s for me or herself. “I need to see Tate.”

Drew’s lips pull up with his crooked smile and he nods. “Want to take some ice cream for the road?”

“That’s, okay. I’d better not.”

“Right. Big day on Saturday. We’ll see you Friday at the rehearsal,” he says.

“Yep. Thanks for talking, Melissa. You always know what to say.”

“Anytime. Love you, Evie.”

“Love you, too, sis.”

My pulse slows to a steady rhythm despite my worries, and I hold on to hope as I wind through the barely there late night traffic. My sister’s words ring in my head—marry the man; beat the odds—and there’s nothing I need more in this moment than to follow through on just that. I only hope he reciprocates the feeling.

Key in the lock, the worst of my fears flash in my mind. It’s not even that Tate might not want to get married, or even that he’ll be mad. No. It’s more frightening than that. What if he doesn’t want to be together? What if I broke our trust, I’m not worth fighting for, what we are isn’t enough to make him stay and put in the work? What if he’s already gone?

As I twist the handle and push open the door, I realize all those thoughts are only fear and self-doubt talking. He’s here.

“Evie.” He rushes to stand from the couch, muting the television and taking a few steps forward. The space between us feels too far when I meet his stare. His eyes reflect the same apprehension that coils in my gut.

“Tate. I’m sorry,” I say through trembling lips. He opens his arms and I walk straight into them, relishing in their strength as he holds me tight against his chest. All my worries quiet for a deep breath.

“I’m so sorry, Evie. I never want to fight like that again.” He still doesn’t let me go.

“Me, too.” I lift my chin to meet his gaze. “I love you.”

“I love you. Always.” His lips brush over mine, once, twice, and my body lights up in the way it only can for him. “God, I’m so glad you came home tonight.”

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