We kneel there, on the wet ground with the rain falling on us for a long time. It feels like hours, but it might only be minutes. Finally, Luke stands and lifts me into his arms, cradling me against his chest and takes me to the car.

He buckles me into my seat and kisses my forehead. As he walks to the driver’s side, I pull my knees up and wrap my arms around them, pulling myself into a ball and cry all the way home.

Luke carries me inside and up to his bedroom. I’m not crying anymore, but I’m exhausted, my eyes hurt, and I’m just sad.

He sets me gently on the side of the bed and takes my shoes off for me.

“Stand up, baby.” I comply and he takes my dirty jeans off. “Arms up,” he says and pulls my shirt over my head.

He takes my bra off and grips my shoulders in his hands, guiding me back down to the bed. He walks to a dresser and pulls out a white t-shirt, moves back to me and slips it over my head. He strips out of his own dirty clothes and grabs a fresh t-shirt and pajama pants.

Luke pulls the covers on the bed back, and lifts me into it.

“It’s the middle of the day,” I protest, but he kisses my forehead and runs his fingers down my cheek.

“Take a nap. You’re wrung out, baby. I’m going to grab my laptop and sit with you, okay?”

“Thank you.” I grip his hand and bring it to my face, nuzzling his palm.

“Thank you for today. I love you so much. I don’t know what I would do without you.” I feel the tears start again and I’m mortified.

“Hey, hush, baby.” He’s kissing my forehead and cheek, rubbing his free hand soothingly up and down my back.

“Nothing’s going to happen to me. Go to sleep. I’ll be right back.”

He pulls out his phone and turns it off and does the same to mine, pulls the covers around my shoulders and walks out of the room.

A few minutes later he’s back with a large bottle of water and his laptop.

He crawls onto the bed next to me and I turn so I’m facing him. Lifting his hand, he brushes my hair back with his fingers and smiles at me softly.

“I love you, beautiful girl. Get some sleep. I’ll wake you in a few hours.”

“Okay.” I whisper and close my eyes, enjoying the rhythmic caresses of Luke’s fingers in my hair and drift to sleep.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Tonight is Luke’s parent’s party, and I couldn’t be more excited. I’m putting the finishing touches on my makeup –I’m getting pretty good at this! – while Luke is dressing in my bedroom. Jules keeps coming in and out of the room to borrow something, nag me about something, or just chatter because she is also nervous.

I love her.

I hear Luke laugh and I walk out into the bedroom. He’s on the phone and at the sight of me his eyes darken and get glassy and I give a satisfied nod.

Mission accomplished.

I’m wearing a black dress that hangs off one shoulder. There are rhinestones along the high waist and it falls to my red Louboutin-clad feet. I’m wearing my hair up, thanks to Jules’ handiwork, and my pearls.

I feel sophisticated and sexy.

“Okay, Dad, I have to go. We’ll see you at the club. Just tell her you’re taking her out for dinner. Okay, bye.”

He hangs up and crosses to me.

He’s so handsome in his black suit and white shirt with black tie. His blonde hair is in some sort of order, but I’m sure I’ll make a mess of it before long.

He rakes his gaze over my dress and hair and runs his fingertip under my pearls against my skin. “You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”

He kisses me, in that way that makes me swoon, and I run my hands down his smooth cheeks.

“Thank you. You clean up pretty well yourself, handsome. Are you going to be okay tonight with all the people there?”

“Yeah, I’ll be okay. I’m an actor, remember? I can play the part for one night.”

“I

don’t

want

you

to

be

uncomfortable.” He doesn’t fool me. I can see the nervousness in his eyes and the way he keeps fidgeting with his tie.

“I’ll know most everyone there. My parents wouldn’t invite a bunch of strangers, so it should be cool.” He kisses my forehead and his lips turn up on one side. “Are you worried about me?”

“Of course I am. I love you.”

His eyes soften. “I love you too.”

“Hey, Nat, can I borrow… Oh, God.

We don’t have time for this.” Jules shakes her head in disgust and stomps into my closet, coming out wearing a pair of my earrings. “Can I borrow these earrings?”

“Yes,” I laugh. “That dress is to die for.”

“I know, right?” She flashes a Cheshire cat grin and turns in a slow circle showing off her strapless red dress. She’s stunning in red.

“Are you bringing Nate tonight?” I ask.

“No way, not introducing him to family.” Jules shakes her head adamantly and I let it go. She’s still not talking much about Nate.

“Okay.” I shrug and smile. “Want to ride with us?”

“No, Isaac and Stacy are picking me up. I’ll see you there.”

“Ready, baby?” Luke asks me.

“Let’s go.”

***

The anniversary party is being held at a country club in Bellevue that Luke’s family belongs to. The ballroom has been decorated beautifully, with colorful flower centerpieces, twinkling lights and candles. There is a two-person wooden bench sitting near the entrance with black markers for everyone to sign in lieu of a guestbook. Neil will place it by Lucy’s favorite flower garden at home.