Page 78 of Beachside Kisses With My Bodyguard

Someonehasto be logical about this. I pull back, drop my hands from her, and swipe at my eyes. I can’t even remember the last time I cried. “Maybe you’d be fine with it at first. But what happens if we go home, and we stay together, and we get married? You’d have the exact same kind of public wedding that’s made Topher and Lauren miserable. You’d have to face the naysayers who will inevitably speculate that you’ve betrayed your father by taking up with a Shaw. And what about any kids we’d have?”

She sniffs. “I don’t even know if I want kids.”

“But how much of that is because you don’t want to bring them up in the same environment you were brought up in? In the limelight?”

“I … I don’t know.” Her voice turns panicky. “But I don’t care about all of that. I just … can’t we just figure out how to make this work? Love is worth it all, Frederick. Unless … unless you don’t feel the same way I do?”

Sakes. I pull a hand through my hair. I can’t tell her I love her back. Won’t say those words if I can’t follow through on the rest. But I also can’t let her think I don’t care. How can I possibly bridge the gap between the two? “I …”

There’s no telling what emotions she can read across my face, but Chloe sees what she sees and straightens her shoulders. Shakes her head, lifts her chin. Goes regal on me. “Forget I said that. I won’t beg, Frederick.”

“You shouldn’t have to beg for anything. Ever.” And I mean it.

“And you shouldn’t have to give up what you want to keep others happy. It isn’t your job.”

“If I don’t do it, who will?”

“You’re a good man, but in this, you’re wrong.” She pauses. “I’m going to walk away now, and if you don’t stop me, you’re going to regret it forever.”

“That might be true.” I allow myself to trace her face one more time with my knuckles. Her eyes flutter closed and all bravado seeps out of her onto the sand. I don’t want to make her a weaker version of herself. I want her to be strong, resilient, like I know she truly is. And if she comes home with me, I’m afraid I will see her wilt one day at a time. “But I will regret it more if I have to watch you give up on your dreams. Don’t ask me to do that, Chloe.”

“Okay.” She slips from my grasp, takes one step back, then another. “I won’t.”

Then she’s gone, her footsteps in the sand, and it’s just me and the moonlight and the mournful sea.

twenty-five

CHLOE

This should have been a gloriously happy day.

But at least it’s a beautiful one.

The vineyard is swathed in light from the sun that’s about to settle behind the hills. Everything is set for the ceremony and the reception. The guests and bridal party have taken their seats in white wooden chairs that stand just beyond the rows of growing grapes. Since there were so few guests aside from the bridal party, we decided to let Lauren and Topher stand up front alone, focused only on each other.

There’s a hint of a breeze, just enough to make things chilly, but we’ve got wicker baskets with throw blankets and a chalkboard sign that saysSnuggle Up!at the ends of each row.There’s also a hot chocolate bar just waiting for us—and I’ve made a mental note to bring Lauren one later with extra whipped cream, just like she enjoys it.

I’ve discovered it’s the little touches with weddings that make a difference. It’s in the long, rustic-looking tables that will allow us all to be together in one place, to face one another, because I know that’s what Lauren and Topher really want anyhow. The lights that will sparkle overhead along with the stars in the velvet sky that’s coming. The dance floor where the groomsmen and Topher will perform a mashup—with both lip-syncing and a choreographed dance—of ’N Sync songs during the reception. It’s even in the food truck that’s parked on the grass, where Marilee’s brother Blake will be serving up gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, one of Topher’s favorite foods from childhood.

It all comes together to make thistheirday.

Which means it’s not about me and my heartbreak.

“I still can’t believe you did all of this,” Lauren whispers from her place beside me on the deck. It’s just the two of us, waiting for Elisse to finish getting everyone to sit down. She looks amazing in the dress Shelby purchased for her, and I can see why it wouldn’t have been “queenly” enough for Felicia Flutterbum. Though many would call it rather simple, with its A-line shape, flowy skirt, beaded waist, straps, and short sweep train, I call it perfect for Lauren.

“Of course I did all of this.” I give her a hug, careful not to muss her hair, which is swept in a smashing updo, or her bouquet of calla lilies. “You’re my sister now—well, in about fifteen minutes. But I love both of you very much.”

“And we love you.” She grabs my hand and looks me up and down. “You are the best sister ever, and you look freaking gorgeous to boot.”

I admit, I feel rather beautiful in the dress I selected from Stephanie’s boutique. Deeply bright pink in color, the backless halter gown harkens back to the one I wore on my eighteenth birthday. But I’m even braver today, because my favorite feature is the slit that travels just past the middle of my thigh. It’s hidden in the folds of fabric until I walk and flash my bright green pumps beneath. “I don’t hold a candle to the bride.”

She blushes, but squeezes my hand. “That’s not what a certain bodyguard thinks. He hasn’t been able to take his eyes off of you since the moment the men saw the women and we started taking photos together.”

“W-what?” I press my palms against my cheeks. “Who?” She can’t possibly know … can she?

“Please, Chloe.” She rolls her eyes in that very Lauren way, and I find myself hoping that she never changes, no matter what the media or my countrymen throw at her. “I’ve known you two were in love since I first met you.”

I blink and tears sting the back of my eyes. “Does Topher …”

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