Now, I know why.
Music flows through the air, mixed with the sounds of laughter and chatter. Pierce takes my keys out of my hand and carries the suitcases inside, then returns to me, linking our hands and steering me around the shed. A few tents are scattered in the yard, and the terrace is filled with people.
Mom, Dad, and Evin are on the steps, and as soon as they see us, they start to cheer. Everyone follows suit, and I stand frozen in place. Stephanie and Scottie join in, screaming congratulations.
As if he feels my presence, Runner flies from somewhere behind the house, speeding my way. Pierce tenses when I rip my hand from his and hold out my arms for my dog.
Pierce moves behind me, and this time, when Runner jumps onto me, we don’t go down but into the protective wall of Pierce’s body. I give the dog a hug, but his attention is quickly taken when he sees Stephanie and Scottie. He wiggles free to greet them as well.
“Is it too late to take my dog and run?” I ask our little group, feeling the pressure of all eyes on us.
“Absolutely. I came for a party, and that’s what I’m going to get,” Scottie announces, flashing his megawatt smile my way and strutting forward.
“I can’t believe you guys didn’t warn me.”
“I thought you’d catch on when I picked out your outfit.” Stephanie waves her hand down my sundress.
“I thought we were preparing for Mom.”
“And half the town. Now, come on.” She takes off after Scottie, leaving me still pressed up to Pierce.
“What about you? Any chance you’ll rescue me?” I practically beg, peering up at him.
He shakes his head with a mischievous grin.
“Not even if I promise chocolate raspberry sauce breakfasts on my prep table anytime you want?”
His eyes glitter with heat, giving me hope that I’ve got him until it fades into a humorous glint. “I think that tomorrow’s breakfast menu is going to be more of a whipped cream type celebration.”
My body does an all-over shiver, thinking about a repeat of this morning’s whipped cream celebration and the long shower that followed. He takes advantage of my lust-filled memory and starts walking us forward. My parents, Evin, and Lynda get to us first, pulling us all into a large embrace.
The next few minutes are a blur as I’m passed around, engulfed in hugs, and congratulated until my head is spinning. Pierce lets me go but keeps a firm hold on my hand, greeting those that he knows.
It’s surreal this is happening, and he senses when I need some air, guiding me a few feet away and explaining we’re going to get a drink. When we’re out of earshot, I sink into him.
“That was slightly embarrassing. You’d think I’d cured a disease for the way people are acting.”
“What you’ve built is a big deal, Darby. It’s time you realize it.”
I peer up, and my breath hitches at the beauty of his eyes boring into mine. That one-of-a-kind blue is glowing so bright, it seeps into my skin, sending an electrifying current through my blood. “Kiss me,” I blurt out, not caring who’s around.
His lips tip up in a sexy grin before he brings his mouth down. He takes his time, sliding his tongue inside and stroking it with mine. The smell of his cologne fills my senses, and all the pressure dissolves as he kisses it away. A little moan escapes when he slowly pulls back, sucking my bottom lip between his teeth.
“You’re incredible, Darby,” he says against my mouth.
“So are you. Thank you for being with me these last few days,” I whisper, his arms flexing around me.
“I’m always going to do anything in my power to make you happy.”
There’s an underlying meaning that seeps into his words, and my heart flips in my chest. “Pierce—”
“Baby, I’m going to ask you to do something for me right now. Something that isn’t going to be easy, but it will mean the fucking world to me.”
My body goes on alert, and my skin begins to prickle as I realize we aren’t alone. Slowly, I turn in his arms, unsure what to expect. My knees wobble, and I begin to shake when I spot Warren, Jill, and a very somber Miller gaping at me. Jill and Warren’s expressions are filled with love and gentleness. It’s Miller who has me trembling. He’s extremely overdressed for an afternoon like today, and he’s carrying a gorgeous bouquet of calla lilies.
His face is grim, and his eyes are loaded with guilt and regret. He steps forward, looking like a man who’s been through hell.
“Darby, I’m sorry for absolutely everything you went through and for any part I played in our loss all those years ago. You have to know that I never meant—”