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“Are you leaving so soon?” I brush Tyler’s arm and notice how he steps back from me.
His eyes stay fixed on Krew. “Yeah, we’ve got to go.”
“Not until we have cake,” Krew says, running off.
“You know, he’s right. The cake is the best part. You should really stay.”
Tyler finally meets my gaze. “Why? Why should I stay?”
“Because I want you to.”
“For how long, Meg? Until you’re not sad anymore?”
“I meant what I said in my text. I made a mistake. I shouldn’t have pushed you away. I’ve never been in a situation like this before. I was scared, and I didn’t respond the right way.”
“What kind of situation have you never been in?”
I take a breath, drawing in some courage. “I’ve never been in love with a widower before.”
His eyes are hard on mine. “Are you in love with a widower?”
I look around at the backyard full of people. “This isn’t how I wanted to announce it to you, but yes. I’m in love with you.”
Tyler rubs his forehead, like he’s thinking.
I was hoping more for a big smile or an exuberant laugh.
I guess we can’t have it all.
“I think you’re right.” His hand drops. “Maybe love isn’t enough.”
“No, I’m never right.” I place my hand on his arm, trying to make him understand. “Don’t listen to anything I’ve ever said. I’mneverright!”
He sighs. “I’m just not sure if you’ve really thought this through.”
“I’ve thought it through.” I step closer. “I love you.”
“Do you even know what loving me means?” His jaw hardens. “You’ll lose your job, you’ll become a huge part of Krew’s life, you’ll have Kristen’s memory to deal with. She’ll always be a part of me, whether you like it or not.”
“I know. Ihavethought about all of that, and—”
“Great!” Tyler’s eyes flicker behind me. “Your boyfriend is here.”
“What?” I turn and follow his eyes and see Zak coming at us. I have no clue why he’s here. I haven’t talked to him since he came to my apartment almost a month ago, and I certainly didn’t invite him to my dad’s wedding.
“Tyler,” Zak says, extending his hand out to him. “Meg didn’t tell me you’d be here today.”
“Zak, what are you doing here?” I ask, but it’s like I no longer exist. Both men are only looking at each other.
“I came for Paul,” Tyler says. “We’re friends.”
“I see.” Zak nods. “I’m glad you’re here. I’d love a chance to get to know you better. Anyfriendof Meg’s is a friend of mine.”
Tyler laughs, meeting Zak’s stare-down. “I bet.”
I tug on Zak’s arm. “Zak? Can I talk to you for a moment in private?”
He ignores me, keeping his focus on Tyler. “So what do you do for a living? I mean, besides being a dad?”
