Take Me Back by Kelli Maine

Author:Kelli Maine [MAINE, KELLI]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9781455599011
Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing)
Published: 2013-05-15T02:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Our guests are eating brunch on the patio. Beck flew in a family with young kids—the great-grandchildren—this morning, and their shrieks and laughter mingle with chirping birds, the clang of silverware against china, and the pleasant murmur of conversation.

The bride and groom of fifty years, both in their mid-to late seventies, sit in the center of their large family. She has a corsage of pink roses pinned to her white blouse, and he’s wearing a boutonniere on the lapel of his tan linen jacket. They could be Ingrid and Archibald surrounded by their five children and seventeen grandchildren.

They could be us someday.

I glance over at you, going over last-minute details with Beck and Riley, and my chest aches.

I don’t want to leave you.

I don’t want to leave Turtle Tear.

“Things are going well,” Maddie says, stepping up beside me on the edge of the path leading to the pool cloister.

“Yes. You should be proud. Thank you for everything.”

She reaches up and rubs my back. “Are you okay?”

I only came downstairs twice last night to check on things. Once during dinner and the second time when I heard our guests heading upstairs to bed. I figured Maddie knew something was going on between you and me.

I shake my head, not able to talk about it.

“I’m sorry,” she says. “I can tell you’re upset. If you want to talk, I’m here.”

I manage a shaky smile. “Thanks.”

The last thing I want to do is involve her and MJ in our problems. If things end between us… MJ’s yours and Maddie with him.

I’ll have nothing.

The island is mine, but without you I don’t want it.

It’s nothing without you.

Tears prickle my eyes and I turn before Maddie sees them. “I’m going to check on the gazebo.” I’m sure she’s already been there twenty times and has everything set up for the ceremony, but she doesn’t say anything as I quickly make my way down the path.

The sun’s a bright orange ball, not quite directly overhead, making slanted, jagged shadows of palm trees and birds of paradise flowers. The island seems harsh today. Harsh and beautiful, like it could swallow me whole while smiling.

I’m not surprised when I spot a gator lying in the tall grass sunning itself. Fortunately, it’s far enough away to avoid, and the children are all back at the hotel. I’ll make sure Riley and Jesse search the area on four-wheelers before the ceremony this afternoon. The loud whine of the engines will run any gators off.

At the end of the path, the gazebo stands flowing in white gossamer and flowers like a bride itself. Behind it, the water on the river sparkles like diamonds in the sun. The sky is clear and bright blue. It’s the perfect day for a Turtle Tear wedding.

The tears come and I let them. I deserve them and won’t hold them back. I want to stand here with you in this beautiful place we built together and vow to love you forever, but I don’t know if that will ever happen now.

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