Page 133 of To the Chase

“There’s no other way I want to hold you, beautiful.”

Oh yes.

Tonight, I’d hold her close.

Tomorrow too.

Always.

Chapter Forty-nine

Bea

Ididn’tdotears.Crying wasn’t my thing.

But lizards, did I ruin my makeup watching Clara marry the love of her life. That I caught Salvatore eyeing me like he was seconds from springing up from his seat and gathering me in his arms every time I glanced out at the rows of guests didn’t help.

I’d always thought weddings weren’t really my thing either, but I could see myself having a sweet little ceremony, as long as the man standing across from me was him.

It was probably time I stopped making blanket statements about what I didn’t do. I’d been proven wrong too often recently. But these people kept cropping up and surprising me, making me fall in love and want more. For myself, out of life, for the future. And they made it safe for me to reach out and grab it.

Clara and Jake were married at sunset, in a penthouse loft with views of the Rockies. Shira and I stood by Clara, and Jake had his brother Jeremy and Clara’s brother Luca beside him.

Clara glowed, not in the cliché bridal way, but in a way that told everyone how ecstatic she was to be taking this step with Jake. And he looked at her—standing there in her long yellow sheath dress, her thick hair falling in waves around her face, the little bouquet clutched in her hands—like she was the sun itself. During the ceremony, she laughed easily, leaning into Jake, who kept pulling at his tie like he might undo it just to feel her skin on his.

After the kiss where Jake dipped Clara like they were in one of Tony’s movies, Shira and I followed the newlyweds down the aisle. Roman was waiting for Sira, sweeping her off her feet the moment she was within reach. And to the side, slightly away from everyone else, I found my Sal.

My feet were on the ground, but it didn’t quite feel like it as I made my way to him. Twinkle lights strung overhead glowed and cast soft halos over his dark hair. His eyes were on me, always on me, as warm as the golden sunset.

For one suspended second, he looked like a memory I hadn’t lived yet. As I stepped toward him, the world narrowed. Through streaks of rose and gold and fading blue, it was only him. My Sal.

When I finally got to him, he slipped his hand around my waist, drawing me close.

“Did I do a good job?” I murmured, brushing my lips against his.

“I’ve been to very few weddings, but I’ve never seen a more beautiful bridesmaid.”

I huffed a little laugh. “You’re supposed to be looking at the bride.”

“Clara’s lovely. I like her yellow dress. But I couldn’t take my eyes off you.” He trailed a finger along my cheek. “You’re stunning when you cry, but please try not to do it often. I don’t like it.”

“Those were happy tears, baby. I saw you watching me. I could tell you couldn’t stand it.”

From nowhere, Clara’s daughter, Nellie, streaked by. Less than a second later, Ben followed, his arms snapping like an alligator. She giggled and squealed as he chased her around servers carrying trays of champagne and guests in their finest dresses and suits, threatening to chomp her to bits.

When Clara noticed, she laughed and shook her head. Jake scowled, but not for long. His bride captured his attention, and the imminent threat of broken glass was forgotten.

“We’re going to an art gallery this week,” Salvatore said.

I turned back to him. “You and Ben?”

He nodded. “Yes. He mentioned it the day we met. I assumed he was just making small talk, but today, he told me he was, and I quote, ‘miffed’ I hadn’t gotten his number from you. So, he locked me into a plan.”

My chest filled like a helium balloon, tight and airy at the same time.

“We both know how you feel about plans.” I slid my hands up his arms. “Ben is a good guy. I love the idea of you two becoming friends.”

It didn’t need to be said, Ben would be a much better friend than Sam ever was. Ben Wells wouldn’t try to change him or compete with him. He was the kind of guy who went with anyone’s flow. I didn’t know if they’d be best friends, but if that came to pass, it would be wonderful for them both.