Chapter 48

• His face tightens at the mere mention of the name as he closes the box that had made him smile so wonderfully a few moments ago. It wasn't hard to conclude that at some point, I could have been the one in Anne's place. The one planning his wedding, seeing every detail in search of perfection. Tears stream down my face at the thought, not because it hurts not to be her, but because of the memory of once wanting him. He closes the box, leaving it on the table, and approaches me to hug me. It was that gesture that made me start crying.
• "We'll do this," he says, pulling away slightly from me. "I can't leave you alone now, so I'll cancel today's meeting, and we'll go to my house, okay?"
• "No, that meeting is important, and you know it," I murmur, refusing. "It's something important. I'll call Jay if that comforts you."