From This Moment

I stare out the window and search for some emotion, but I feel numb. No, not numb, that would actually be a feeling. Right now, talking to Nick, I feel nothing. How can I feel nothing for someone I was supposed to have loved?

“Rona please, you should have been my wife by now, at least you can hear me out.”

The cheek of him. As though it was me who called the wedding off. Although I’m relieved now, at the time I wasn’t and I’m not about to let him get away with it. “I’m sorry, but did you just say I should have been your wife now? I think I’m hearing things. As I recall you walked out on me an hour before the wedding, and, you know what?” I’m pacing in the kitchen now, waiting for him to answer.

“What?”

Cade is standing close to me with mere inches separating us, his jaw tense as he holds my gaze.

I stop pacing as I’m unable to tear my gaze away from Cade. I reply to Nick, but I think the words are ones I need Cade to hear as well, “Canceling the wedding was the best thing you ever did for me so I guess I need to thank you for that.”

After a long pause, he replies, “What do you mean? You were crying and screaming at me when I told you I didn’t want to get married.”

The pig!

“What did you expect me to do an hour before the wedding, you arrogant ass?”

Cade raises an eyebrow at my words.

I reach out for Cade, who takes hold of my hand and pulls me into his chest.

“You know what, this conversation is over. I don’t have anything else to say to you.”

As my thumb hovers over the end button, I hear him shouting, “Rona!”

“What now? I’m losing patience,” I snap.

“I’m here in Jackson Hole, staying at the cabin. Please meet me for lunch and then if you don’t like what I say, I promise not to call or email you again.”

I look through the window at the deer grazing close to the back porch. “Not lunch, ring me back in five minutes and I’ll let you know whether or not I’ll meet you.” I hang up.

Cade gives a slight tug to my hand and leads me over to one of the kitchen chairs. He sits down and pulls me onto his lap, wrapping his arms around my waist. I return his embrace. He always feels so good against me, holding me tight.

“Are you all right?”

I don’t want this hug to end.

“I am now.” Pulling slightly away, I caress the side of his face. My heart turns over as I look into his eyes and see the passion he has for me shining brightly.

Before I lose myself in him, I tell him about the call. “Nick is in town at his friend’s cabin. He wants to meet me this afternoon to talk. He says if I do, he’ll stop inundating me with voicemail and emails. I haven’t said anything, but he’s left dozens of both.” I sigh as Cade places a tender kiss to my lips. “I think it would be worth it just to get the messages to stop.”

“Where does he want to meet?” Cade asks.

“He didn’t say. Can you recommend anywhere?”

“Tell him to meet you at the Silver Dollar Grill inside the Wort Hotel,” he offers, brushing my hair back from my eyes.

“Do you think it’s a good idea to meet him? I have to admit, I’m a bit nervous.”

“He obviously feels like there’s unfinished business between you both, so maybe meeting with him this afternoon will finish that, and you can both move on. If it helps, I’m going to come with you, but stay in the background so that he doesn’t know I’m there.”

I kiss both of Cade’s eyes shut before laying a hot kiss to his lips. I gently pull away. “I’ve already moved on.

I’m happier here with you than I’ve ever been.”

“Good! Because you mean the world to me.” Holding my face between his hands, he says, “I know this is fast, but I knew the moment I laid my eyes on you that you’d be trouble. I’ve fallen in love with you, Rona. I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow, but I can’t fight what you make me feel anymore.”

“I’m in love with you as well.” With a tearful laugh, I kiss him. “You make me so happy.”