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I go around the island to embrace her. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Walking back to my car, I start to mumble because she makes a whole lot of sense without saying much.

There are two things that are true:

There’s no winning Tatum’s heart until she takes the walls down. It’s a losing battle otherwise.

She’s doing the best she can. So am I. I hope we can meet in the middle from here on out.

Will she come around?I want her in my life. She’s my future.Theyare my future.

She rang when I was with Madison, but then hung up. And hasn’t called since.She still isn’t ready.

What if waiting isn’t enough?

~ Tatum - July ~

My office door opens, and Natalie twirls in. “I need a favor.”

I set my pen down on the pink pad and say, “Go on . . .”

“I have a client who wants a whirlwind weekend with his girlfriend, soon-to-be fiancée if all things go as planned.”

“My favorite.”

“You know why that is? Because you’re a romantic.”

“No, Natalie. I’m a professional event architect. Instead of going down memory lane, talk to me. Give me the W’s.”

“The sweetest couple ever. Surprise proposal. This Saturday. Catalina. Because they love each other.”

Dropping my head to the side, I ask, “Catalina?”

“Come on. Don’t poo-poo the idea. It’s a very romantic location.”

I give her that. But that doesn’t make it easier. Memories of my time with Harrison are always swimming around in my head. This only makes it worse. “Anyway, I have it all set up. I just have to fly out there and make sure it goes off without a hitch.”

“So, what’s the favor?”

She only has to look at me before I’m shaking my head. “No. No. No. No. No. Natalie. Not this one. Not this time.”

“Please? Nick and I have to go to Juni’s candle lighting ceremony on Saturday.”

“What the hell is that?”

“It apparently shows the baby the way out.”

I cover my mouth. It was that or gasp, so I let that confusion we’re all feeling go. “What? Nooo.”

“Yes. And since we said we’ll be at the birthing center with her, we had to say yes to the candle ceremony. Juni wanted me to give you your invitation.”

She holds it out for me. “When do I fly out?”

* * *

It’s beena month since I’ve spoken to Harrison, and every landmark we pass reminds me of a certain someone. When I arrive at the hotel on Catalina, my heart’s racing, a little sweat’s gathering under the collar, and I’m feeling sick at the scene of my crime of passion. I’d forgotten how gorgeous this place is.