Page 35 of Savage

“Absolutely.” I gave her a wink. “Just give me a minute.”

“Sure thing, baby.” Candace glanced over at Londyn, then leaned in a little closer, her lips brushing against my ear as she whispered, “Don’t keep me waiting too long.”

She ran the tips of her fingers across my collarbone as she turned and started back inside the clubhouse. Londyn glared at me a moment, then asked, “So, this is the way you’re going to end things? You think I deserve this?”

The sound of her voice, once filled with joy and laughter, was filled with pain and disappointment. It gutted me. I wanted to reach for her, take her into my arms, and tell her that it was all a big mistake, but I loved her too much to do that. I couldn’t be the reason why she didn’t follow her dream. “I’m just doing what I should’ve done months ago.”

Tears streamed down her beautiful face as she spat, “Fuck you, Malcomb.”

“We could always have one last go if that’d make ya feel better.” My voice cracked, and I feared that was all it would take for her to see through my bluff. I needed to make sure she left there and never looked back, so I added, “I’m sure Candace wouldn’t mind if you joined in.”

“I’ll pass.”

“You sure?” The knot in my stomach grew even tighter when her breath caught. “I bet we could have a real good time.”

“It didn’t have to be like this.” She quickly wiped the tears from her cheek as she stood and started for her car. “You did this. You were the one who walked away. Remember that!”

Without saying anything more, she got in her car and raced out of the parking lot.

As I sat there watching her headlights disappear into the darkness, I felt like a piece of me left with her, and I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d made a terrible mistake. I was still sitting at the picnic table, staring off into the distance, when Candace came walking over to me. “Looks like your plan worked.”

“Looks that way.”

“She seemed really upset.”

“Yeah, she did.” I glanced up at her as I asked, “Did I do the right thing?”

“I don’t know, but I hope for your sake that it was because there’s no coming back from that.”

At the time, I thought Candace was right.

I thought what was done was done, but as I looked at my suit hanging on the back of the door, I wasn’t so sure.

CHAPTER12

Londyn

I'd spent the better part of the week running here and there with my mother, and it seemed like the wedding was mentioned with every errand or friendly visit. I’d gone back and forth about going. I wanted to be there for Skylar, but knowing Jackson wasn’t coming put a real damper on things. I tried to think of an excuse to get out of going, but nothing came to mind. At least, nothing that sounded like a truly good reason. I was stuck.

When the big day arrived, I put on the dress I’d bought, and I studied my reflection in the mirror. I didn't look half bad. My hair was curled down on my shoulders. I'd done my makeup and was wearing my favorite pearl earrings, and the black dress hugged my curves in a way that didn't make me cringe.

I considered that a bonus.

I was trying to decide on which heels to wear when I heard Dalton say, "You look so prew-ty, Momma."

I turned and found my precious son standing in the doorway with a bright smile on his face. "Thank you, sweetheart."

"When is Cici coming?"

"It won't be long now." Cici was a neighbor’s daughter. She was seventeen and absolutely adored Dalton, so I felt good about leaving him with her, especially since it was only for a couple of hours. "Are you excited to see her?"

Dalton nodded eagerly, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. "We're gonna have pizza!"

I chuckled. "Oh, lucky you. I wish I could have pizza."

I ruffled his hair and leaned down to give him a kiss on the forehead. "You be good for her tonight, okay?"

"Um-hmm. I prom-mise."

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