Page 190 of Wild Like Us

Tears well up again. Heaviness bears down on my chest. “I physically can’t make it.”

“I know. It’s okay.”

I shake my head to myself.

Imagine growing up with someone from the first breath to twenty-nine. Sharing every milestone together. We’re bonded by something stronger than friendship or family. Something deep and unseen. For the rest of our lives, we’ll be tied together in this world. And I’m going to miss one of the biggest moments of his life.

I never imagined I wouldn’t be there.

“It’ll never be okay,” I tell him.

“I can postpone the wedding,” Thatcher says, and I hear Jane voice her agreement in the background.

I feel sick, worse than the migraine I endured earlier. “You aren’t doing that ThatcherAlessioMoretti,” I say in a whisper. “Youcan’t.” I go on and on about how there are too many people involved in the wedding. Too many family members. All the work Jane did. And I end with, “I’d never want you to change everything just for me.”

“I’d change my world for you,” he whispers back.

I’d do the same for you.

It all crashes into me. “You shouldn’t have to.” I wipe my nose with my hand. “I’ll be alright. You’ll be alright. Sky will be with you.”

Mention of our older brother breaks Thatcher. I hear him choke on a sob. I stare harder at the tarmac, fighting more tears. “I’ll see you and Janie when I can.” I take a breath. “I love you.”

Thatcher inhales. “I love you too. Be safe.”

I breathe in more and add, “Tell Ma and grandma I’m fine. And tell your future brother-in-laws to record everything. Every angle.”

“I’ll tell my future sister-in-law,” Thatcher says softly. “Audrey will do a better job.”

I wipe at my face again. “Good.”

Good.

We stay on the line for a moment longer, and then we say our official goodbyes and I hang up. I’m frozen solid for a second.

Gutted.

And then I feel a hand on my shoulder. Another on my waist. Akara and Sulli come to either side of me. They don’t say anything. The three of us just stand together. Looking out at the lights on the tarmac. The pain ebbs and flows inside me, and I feel them trying to carry it. To take it away.

Christ, I can’t imagine being here alone. With no one. The thought is more painful, so I hold onto the soothing reality.

They’re here with me.

It’ll be alright.

48

SULLIVAN MEADOWS

We reachthe steps of the stone mansion, resembling some kind of royal, Tudor castle with roses etched into wooden arches. Stunning, fuckingmajestic, and perfectly fitting for Jane.

Brass knockers decorate the humongous oak double-doors, and they’re already cracked open. Inside, a white-gloved server greets us with a tray of espresso martinis, and I know the reception is halfway over.

Winona has been texting me updates so I can track how much we’ve missed.

The ceremony has ended.

Dinner has been served. Plates of sea bass, bread and butter, beef tenderloin, chicken marsala, cavatelli: a pasta that Banks pronouncedgavadeel’, and more are eaten and washed clean.