Secrets of the World's Worst Matchmaker (The Baileys Book 7), стр. 35
I close my eyes. “It would hurt his fiancée if I break up the marriage. She’s a great woman. I don’t want to see her heartbroken.”
She sighs and her shoulders sag. “If Colton loves you like everyone believes he does, you’re saving both of them from a loveless marriage. Everyone deserves to have a guy who looks at them like Colton looks at you.”
“How does he look at me?”
“The same way you look at him—like all your happiness is wrapped up in the other one.” She pats my hand again. “Go tell him before it’s too late.”
My heart catches in my throat as I stand. Stella is right. How can I let him marry someone else without admitting my feelings to him?
“Thanks.” The urge to tell Colton my feelings sparks and ignites a fire inside me.
She hugs me. “You’re welcome.”
“You sure you don’t want to see King yet?”
She shakes her head. “It’s not our time yet.”
“But doesn’t that go against all the advice you just gave me?”
She giggles. “Everyone knows that those who can, do, and those who can’t, teach. One day I’ll have to face him, but not today.”
I nod, hoping that if our friendship grows, maybe I can persuade her. If Kingston knew she was living in Anchorage, he’d probably bang down every door to find her. Then it occurs to me—maybe she doesn’t love Kingston like he loves her and that’s why she doesn’t want to see him. The thought depresses me.
I pick up the hem of my dress and rush down the stairs to the painting room. As my fist connects with the door, I realize maybe Colton doesn’t love me like I love him anymore.
Eighteen
Colton
Another knock sounds on the door and I swing it open, hoping it’s someone telling me it’s time. The longer I sit in here, the more doubts seep in. My mom’s impromptu visit—where she talked about Juno and how she always envisioned me marrying her—didn’t help. What kind of mom does that to her son when he’s minutes away from getting married?
My parents have only met Brigette three times. I usually show up by myself, lying about Brigette’s whereabouts. If they were to add up all the excuses I tell them, I’d probably find out she delivers more puppies and kitties than Dr. Murphy and I combined.
I open the door to find Juno standing there. She’s gorgeous with her hair pulled up high on her head and her makeup all done. My gaze falls to the contours of her neck and the swell of her breasts peeking out from the top of her dress, but it’s her necklace that I fixate on.
I take the small jagged half heart in my hand. “You wore this?”
She stares down between us. “I felt like I needed the reminder.”
I drop the half of a best friends necklace and dig in my pocket, pulling out the other half. Juno insisted we get these when they were the hot thing. I told her I’d never wear it, which I never do, but as I put on my cufflinks this morning, I saw the half heart in my drawer, slightly tarnished from being stored away for so long, and I felt like I needed the reminder too.
That we’re best friends forever, regardless of this decision I made so hastily.
“Are those donuts?” She spots the tray behind me.
Selene left an entire pastry dish and juice selection for me. Since I’ve been stuck in this room with paint fumes for so long, I’ve eaten more than I should. Juno doesn’t wait for me to answer though—she heads to the tray and picks up a glazed donut.
“Juno?” I ask because here we are again like she has something to tell me. “What’s going on?”
She holds the donut at her side and our eyes lock. “I have something to tell you.” She pushes the rest of the donut into her mouth and wipes her hands with a napkin.
“What’s the matter?” I ask.
She gulps down some apple juice and stares at me for a long time. “You’re so important to me. The most important person in my life. I love my family, I do, but you, Colton… there’s nothing you don’t know about me. You do way too much for me, you know that, right?”
I shrug. I like to do things for her. “You do things for me too.”
“Eh,” she says.
I chuckle. If we weighed them on a scale, I probably do more, but I don’t keep track, and neither should she.
A tear slips from her eye. “I’m sorry.”
I step forward, my hand cradling her cheek and my thumb brushing the tear away. I haven’t seen her look at me like this since… actually never. “Whoa, why are you crying?”
“Because I pushed you away all these years. Maybe the timing just wasn’t right for us or maybe I was too scared. But I think I’ve been stupid…”
“What? Did something happen?”
“I love you, Colton.” Her eyes close, another two tears slipping down her cheeks.
“I love you too. Today is emotional. Are you getting your period?” I pull her in for a hug, but she shoves me in the chest.
“I am not getting my period.”
“Sorry.” I’m not sure why she’s so upset. I’ve bought her tampons in the past. It’s a regular conversation when she’s crabby.
“I’m telling you I love you.”
I nod. “I know.”
“No, Colton. I looovvve you.” Her eyes go wide, and her head leans forward. “I’m in love with you.”
Shock hits me like a Mack truck and I stand speechless in front of her.
I can barely hold her gaze. She cannot be telling me what I’ve wanted to hear for years on the day of my wedding. “What do you mean?”
She throws her