Page 42 of The Wedding Run (The Wedding Letter #1)

Libby

I catch up to Luke at the door and grab his arm. “Luke…”

He turns, and I nearly crash into him. He steadies me with a hand on my arm.

“I wanted to say thank you again. You know, for everything.”

“Of course. No problem.” He reaches for the doorknob.

“And…” I draw his gaze back to me.

Words stockpile in my throat. I know what I want to say, but I don’t dare. So, I look at him, not wanting him to leave. Confusion twists my insides and jumbles my thoughts.

“Libby?” he asks. “Are you afraid to be alone?”

“No, that’s… no! I’m fine.”

“Do you need something, then?”

Doubt feels like mosquito bites on my soul. I stumble over my thoughts and feelings, landing in what feels like quicksand that pulls me down. “Coffee before you go?”

“The challenge?” he asks.

“I only have instant.”

“That might do more than keep me awake.” He grins. “I’ll take a raincheck. But you do owe me a cup of coffee.”

“More like several.”

He glances down at my hand still resting on his arm and then looks me in the eye. “Libby, I’m not the right one for you.”

His words ignite anger in me. “You think Derek is?”

“Not anymore. I’m sorry I ever encouraged you to marry him.”

“Then what is it?”

But he doesn’t answer.

“You’re scared, Luke Maine. You’re scared of taking a risk, of feeling too much. I know because that’s how I felt.”

“And now you’ve suddenly changed?” he challenges.

“Yes! And it’s your fault.” Now it’s clear that the real reason Luke won’t kiss me has nothing to do with Derek.

“I’m sorry, Libby,” he says, crossing the threshold and stepping out of my life.

I remember him carrying me on my wedding day, sweeping me over the threshold and up the stairs, and I realize it can never be again.

I close the door. There is too much between us and too much separating us.