Page 159 of Too Far

The murmurs are hushed at first, but with each passing second, they grow louder. Raising both hands, Decker silences them.

He looks over to the wings again, and I nod once. I’m ready. We’ve got this.

The boys release me, and I step forward.

Decker holds his head high, his profile stoic and so goddamn handsome, his jaw ticking in the way it does when he’s unstoppably determined.

“I respectfully ask for privacy during this time. Both for me…”

He holds out his hand.

“And for my wife.”

Chapter 70

Josephine

Istepontothestage but keep my focus fixed on Decker.

He’s the homing beacon, the eye at the center of this storm.

I’m not even halfway to him when the first camera flashes. In my periphery, it looks like lightning. I don’t let myself panic. I won’t. All I can do is move forward.

His eyes hold mine as I carefully walk across the stage toward his outstretched arm.

Each step I take is a promise.

Each second that passes is an assurance that this is really happening, that he really wants this, that he really wantsme.

The slightest smile tugs at the corner of his mouth.

That single micro expression steals my breath, and another piece of my heart clicks back into place.

Walking toward Decker like this feels so much bigger than the trek I made to him at our wedding; it’s so much more significant than anything I’ve ever done.

I see the vision he’s cast for us. The sacrifice he’s willing to endure, and the humbling, life-changing choices he’s making.

His actions today communicate what’s in his heart more than words ever could. His sacrifice won’t be in vain, because with this announcement, Decker has finally proven how far he’s willing to bend for this family.

By the time I reach him, my heart is beating triple time and tears are threatening to spill from my eyes.

He takes my hand, but protectively wraps one arm around me, too, pulling me into his side. He bows his head low, his words quiet, just for me. “I’ve got you, Siren. And now you’ve finally got me, too.”

When he straightens, we look ahead, posing for photos as the media shouts questions at the stage.

Flashes light up the room in rapid fire, but with Decker by my side, they don’t induce panic. They don’t feel debilitating or threatening. For the first time ever, they feel like freedom.

Chapter 71

Decker

BythetimeIusher my wife off stage, my father and Misty are waiting in the wings.

We anticipated this.

Yet it’s still unnerving to walk out of one upset and step right into another.

Sidled up close to my dad, Misty is pounding on her phone. Thomas has his pressed to his ear with one hand, and he’s pulling at his hair with the other.