Page 49 of If You Could Only See
I laughed.“You’re such a horrible liar,Michael.”
“How the hellcan you tell them apart,”Viola asked, shocked.
I lookedover at her and smiled. “It’s asecret.”
Aiden scootedViola out of the way and kissed the top of my head.“Glad to see you’re okay,Sis.” My stomach hollowed out at his endearment, but I didn’tcomment. I just nodded my head.
Gabriel flatout came in fora hug. “Neveragain, Shane. Never again.”
I held onto hima second too long. While I appreciated them allbeing here, I needed to talkto Mason. I scanned their faces before I said, “Do you guys thinkyou can give me a minute with Mason, please?” There were a coupleof head nods, but no one said a word as they filed out to the otherside of the curtain.
As soonas they left, Mason reachedover and plucked me out of the bed. He wrapped his arms around meand held on as if he was never going to see me again.
Ihugged him back even though mybody hurt like hell.
After a fewsilent moments, he finally pulled back andlooked at me. I thought he was going rant and raveand make threats about Branson, but he surprised me when he said,“I will never let you down ever again, Shane.”
“Ma-”
He didn’tlet me speak. “I fucked up,”he continued. “I fucked up and I will regret it for the rest of mylife. You were right. I was a coward and nothing with you meansmore than everything without you.” He cradled my face in his hands.“I’m so fucking sorry, Shane.”
I startedcrying. “I’m sorry, too, Mason. I should have given youa chance to explain…”
“I’ll tell youeverything you want to know. Ican explain about my dad an-”
I shook myhead. “No…no, Mason. I…” I searched his eyes. “Do you love me?”
He huffed.“You’re going to be Mrs. MasonBuchanan by the end of the week, Shane. So, yeah…yeah, I loveyou.”
I laughed. Icouldn’t help it. “Oh,yeah?”
Masonsmiled, and it warmed my heart. “I’mnever going to give you space ever again, Shane.”
“What about-”
“Let’sjustget you out of here andwe can talk at home, okay?” I nodded and went into hisarms.
Because they had alreadydischarged me before the police came in to speak with me, I wasable to leave without having to notify anyone. We met everyone inthe waiting room, and it was hard to keep my eyes from mistingover.
I knew MasonandI had a lot of things todiscuss, and I wasn’t too sure about my upcoming nuptials, butseeing Viola, Aiden, Michael and Gabriel all stand up as we walkedinto the open space, I realized I wasn’t alone anymore.
I finally had afamily that chose me specifically.
And Irealized I could finally letAdam and Maggie in. I wanted to learn how to trust.
As soon as weapproached them, Viola busted out with, “Areyou seriously getting married next week?”
“No, we-”
“Yes, we are,”Mason spoke over me. “As soon as herbruises can be hidden by makeup, we’re gettingmarried.”
“Mason?” Hecouldn’t be serious. We’veonly been togethertwoweeks!
He looked downat me, andin front of anyonewho could hear, he said, “I’ve been in love with you since I firstsaw you freshman year. I was stupid in thinking I needed to followa plan before I could make you mine. Well, I’m done being stupid,Shane.” The tears started again. “And you can love me back or notlove me. It doesn’t matter because I love you and I’ll take youanyway I can get you, baby.”
Ithrew my arms around his neck andjumped into his arms. “I love you, Mason,” I whispered for onlyhim. “I love you, so much.”
“Shane Buchanan. It soundsperfect,” Viola announced.
