Page 148 of All This Time

“You’re bleeding,” I say, reaching up toward Fletcher’s face. I take the pink silk square from his tux and wipe it under his nose, pressing it to the opening to soak up the blood that’s still flowing.

“Your brother has a mean right hook.”

“Is it broken?”

Fletcher reaches up and pinches the bridge of his nose. “Doesn’t feel like it.” Sighing, he looks at me. “I’m sorry.”

“What are you apologizing for?”

“This wasn’t how this was supposed to go.”

“I know.” I drag my hand over the curve of his jaw. “But none of today has gone how it was supposed to, not just the part where my brother found out about us.”

He lifts my hand and kisses the top of it.

Dilynne races up to us. “Oh my God. What happened?” Guests are starting to gather in the main room, peeking down the hall to get a glimpse of the drama.

“Well, Rhonan and Elliot walked in on us kissing and they both punched Fletcher.”

Dilynne nods. “Yeah, I can see that.”

A loud crash comes from inside the bridal suite again. “Is Elliot…”

“Taking out his anger on the room?” I finish for her. “Yeah.” The emotions of the past hour catch up to me as tears fill my eyes. “I can’tbelieve this. God, that bitch…” The dam holding back my tears breaks as I start to cry.

Fletcher pulls me into his chest. “He’s going to be okay.”

And then something else dawns on me. “Where’s Ellis?”

“Joanne has her,” my father announces as he approaches. “What the hell happened to you?” he asks Fletcher.

“Rhonan found out about me and Laney,” he explains.

My dad’s brows draw together. “You two are together?”

Fletcher sighs as I swipe under my eyes, trying to gather myself. “Not officially, but if she’ll have me, she’s the only woman I want.” He reaches out for my hand. “The truth is I’ve been in love with your daughter for a very long time. It’s just taken me a while to admit it and finally act on it.”

My father clears his throat. “I see. Well, I can’t say I’m surprised…”

“Well, Rhonan was, apparently.” I look over at my father who’s taking tissue out of his pocket and handing it to Fletcher. “That’s him in there, screaming, and Elliot is the one throwing things.”

“Your brother will get over this if you two are happy. He’s just…very protective of you, Laney. We both are.”

My eyes find Fletcher’s, feeling the certainty I’ve been waiting for. “This is what I want, Dad. Fletcher is who I want.”

“But what about the pact?” Fletcher says as the corner of his mouth tips up.

“Fuck the pact,” Dilynne interjects. “I think it’s ridiculous that y’all even made it.” Of course I told my best friend about the ridiculous notion that these boys were going to dictate who we fell in love with.

Rhonan storms out of the bridal suite, and his eyes immediately land on Fletcher. “You’re still here? You’ve got some fucking nerve…”

“Jesus, I can’t handle you right now.” I push him back, grab Fletcher’s hand, and make my way out to the main room as eyes descendon me. Guests that haven’t left are waiting around, prying for more information, but I need to get out of here.

“Excuse me,” I say, pushing through the throngs of people in desperate need of fresh air. I can feel Dilynne, Dad, and my brother on our heels, but I don’t turn back.

Everything is falling apart around me, and I can feel a panic attack coming on.

Fletcher squeezes my hand, leading me to his truck as people stand off to the side, watching our every move.