Page 45 of By Your Side

A little of the weight eases, their voices completely void of judgment. “All he ever wanted was for me to be happy.”

“So wouldn’t it make sense that he would love to see someone bringing joy to your life? Caring for you and doting on you the way we know Owen does and will continue to do.”

Breathing in deeply, I try to imagine Scott’s reaction to my life now, but it dawns on me that it’s futile. I am not the same person I was after losing him, it would be impossible after such a loss. But I also know what they’re saying is true because there was a time when Scott and I talked about what we would want for the other should something happen to one of us.

He told me he would want me to be happy, no matter what it looked like, and that if I ever met someone who would cherish me, he would be able to rest peacefully.

Closing my eyes, I know that if the roles were reversed, all I would want is for him to be happy.

More of the weight lifts as I nod. “Scott wasn’t the type of guy to wish me anything but love and happiness. He loved me too much.”

“You don’t have to replace Scott with Owen in your heart. There will always be a spot for Scott, a huge one. There’s room for both of them. It doesn’t have to be either or.” Elise hands me a cup of tea, her thoughtful words a balm to my raw soul.

Nodding, I breathe out the rest of the tension. “I know you’re both right. The scrapbook threw me for a loop. It reminded me how abruptly Scott was ripped from my life. Maybe part of me wanted to sabotage what I have starting with Owen out of fear of it happening again down the road.”

They hum empathetically.

“Tomorrow is never guaranteed, so live every day as best as you can, that way you will hopefully never have any regrets.”

Owen parks. The lot of the Willowbrook Hall is already packed full. Smoothing my gown, I hop out, my stomach fluttering as I take in the people hurrying into the building. They’re all decked out, just like Owen and me.

I put on my mask, a stunning black butterfly decked out with rubies matching my floor-length red gown. I’ve never dressed in a gown before, the A-line style complementing my frame. Raelynn was a lifesaver when it came to finding the right dress and ensuring it would arrive on time.

Owen comes around the truck, his simple black mask settled onto his face. His suit is a deep red, so dark it looks black in the darkness of the night. He looks gorgeous. Somehow we match even though I never told him about my dress, probably Raelynn’s handiwork too.

A gentle hand grasps my elbow, helping me over the slick pavement until we’re inside. Owen takes my coat, handing it to the concierge before taking his off as well.

Accepting the hand he offers, I feel the eyes on us as we make our way into the main room of the hall. It’s not easy, but I ignore the stares as I look around. I gasp at the magical scene before me. It feels like we have stepped right into a fairy forest with twinkling lights, fake trees and toadstools. It’s almost impossible to catch every detail. Every inch of the room has been transformed.

“They really go all out every year.” Owen points out the DJ, who is hidden on a platform above us.

It doesn’t take long to find our table since Raelynn and Elise are already there. Raelynn gives me a smirk when she sees Owen’s hand wrapped around mine.

“You look amazing!” Raelynn leans in to say into my ear. “And you match.” She smirks, leaning back and jerking her chin toward Owen.

I can’t stop the grin that forms. “It was a surprise to me too.”

She looks a little guilty, but it passes quickly.

We sit for a while as the rest of the group arrives. I finally meet Young Jae, but he only has eyes for Elise as they talk, their heads close together.

Dinner is delicious. After we eat, the drinks continue to flow, the girls and I dancing on the crowded floor. I have a glorious buzz going on as we laugh together. The song shifts to a slow one and I find myself wrapped in Owen’s arms.

“I don’t think I’ve told you how beautiful you look tonight. I can’t take my eyes off you,” he murmurs into my ear, the low timbre of his voice sending shivers down my spine. He pulls me closer as we dance.

Tilting my head up, I smile at him.

Owen’s eyes search mine, then he’s leaning down, his lips capturing mine. Moaning, I open to him. His lips are firm as he deepens the kiss. Lifting my arms, I wrap them around his neck and cling to him as he explores my mouth.

Every part of me is buzzing as our dancing comes to a stop and we lose ourselves to the kiss. The room fades away, only Owen and I matter in this moment.

The song changes to something more upbeat and Owen pulls away. My lips feel swollen as he rubs his thumb over them. He grins wolfishly and suddenly I don’t care about the masquerade ball, I just want to take Owen home for a less PG sleepover.

A hand at my elbow pulls me away from that train of thought, Raelynn handing me a new drink.

“I’m stealing her back for the next little bit,” she tells Owen before dragging me to the floor.

He chuckles and moves back to our table.

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