Chapter 10
Wedding Bells and Big Secrets
Iwoke up to an empty bed and an aching heart.
I knew all that talk was too good to be true.
I shuffled into the bathroom, turning on the shower and brushing my teeth.
How could I have been so dumb to think Trace wouldn’t change his mind?
I stared at myself in the fogging mirror as a wave of sorrow washed over me.
Sinking into the bottom of the tub, I clutched my knees to my chest as I uncontrollably sobbed. I was being louder than hell, but who fucking cared? Hormones were coursing through my body, and I couldn’t handle everything that was going on in my life. I just completely fell apart.
“Sawyer?” Trace yelled through the bathroom door. “Are you all right?”
The door creaked open as he came in without asking.
“Yeah.”
“Are you crying?” He pulled the curtain back before stripping down and getting in the tub facing me.
“A little,” I admitted, rubbing my puffy eyes.
“You didn’t see my note, did you?” he asked, dragging his thumb over my cheek.
“No.”
“I just went for coffee and bagels and didn’t want to wake you up. You said last night how tired you’ve been and I knew you needed the rest. I’m sorry.” He shot me a tight-lipped smile. “I’d never just duck out on you like that.”
“I’m just a mess right now,” I complained, pulling him closer to me.
“I know, sweetheart. Turn around. I’ll wash your hair.”
Trace spun me and started lathering shampoo into my damn locks.
“You’re spoiling me.”
“You deserve it.” He kissed my shoulder before rinsing out the soap. “We need to get a move on. We can’t be late for Misty’s big day.”
After choking down my decaf coffee and devouring two everything bagels, I gathered all the equipment for the wedding.
“Have everything?” Trace asked while putting my bags in the trunk of his car.
“I think so.”
“Then we’re off.” Trace helped me into the passenger seat, got in on the driver’s side, and pulled out of the parking spot before motioning for the back seat. “I took the liberty of putting together a little something for you to have today.”
I grabbed the brown paper bag, pulling it open. My heart completely melted as I pulled out tons of snacks, from Saltines to chocolate, all the way to protein bars and Tums.
“You’re seriously the best,” I declared, ripping open a candy bar and taking a huge bite.
“I felt like you might need some of it today to get through the event. I guess I was right.” He glanced over to me quickly, taking my hand in his. “I promise I am going to do everything in my power to take care of you.”
“You’re off to a pretty fantastic start.”
“I know this is all really overwhelming, but I just need you to know you can count on me to get through it with you.”