There are few sights in this world as gorgeous as Maximilian Hallowell in a tux, and there he stands, his dark hair falling into his eyes, his broad shoulders filling out the black tuxedo. He stands on the dance floor, holding the microphone and speaking to the small gathering of guests filling the gallery.
“I’ve been friends with William my whole life,” he says. “And he’s been his happiest when he’s with Cally. I would tell you that I think they’re lucky for the happiness they’ve found, but the truth is this: I’m the lucky one. Watching Will and Cally love each other taught me what love can be.” His eyes find mine across the room and my breath catches at the intensity I see there. “Every guy should be lucky enough to have a friend teach him that love is worth risking everything for.” He raises his glass and smiles at the bride and groom. “Here’s to Will and Cally. We love you guys.”
When Max returns the mic to the DJ, he catches me staring and grins. My heart does a painful little flip-flop as he comes over to me.
“Dance with me?”
I nod, not trusting myself to speak, and he leads me to the dance floor.
Leaning my head against his shoulder, I let the heat of his body seep into mine. His breath dances in my hair as we move.
He holds me close as we dance, his mouth against my ear, his fingers grazing down my spine. “You look beautiful tonight.?
?
I smile into his neck and sigh. Despite everything else, it was a good day. William looked like the happiest man in the world as Cally came down the stairs. Seeing them exchange vows after all they’ve been through… Heck, I even think Drew had tears in her eyes. And if I just hold on to that feeling, I can almost believe that everything’s going to be fine. That everything’s going to work out.
“So do you.” I tuck my hand inside his jacket to feel the hard heat of him. I want to curl up in Max tonight. I want to forget the rest of the world and the rest of the heartbreak and grief and breathe him in until nothing else exists.
“I’ve missed this,” he says. “I’ve missed feeling you in my arms. The way you smell. The way my whole world feels like it’s righted itself when you’re near me. How are you feeling?”
“I’m okay. Tired.” His question reminds me of my mother, whom I’ve skillfully avoided since her unfortunately timed appearance before the ceremony. “Cally’s pregnant,” I say, pulling back to look at him.
His grin is slow and wide as he lifts his head to find the couple in question on the other side of the dance floor. “Will must be over the moon.”
“She is too,” I say. “But when we found out, Mom heard Cally say something to me and now Mom knows I’m pregnant.”
He frowns. “She’s okay, though, right?”
I shrug. “I’ve pretty much been avoiding her, but I can’t put it off much longer. I’m going to invite her to the bakery tomorrow before church. I need to tell her the truth. I need to tell her there isn’t going to be a wedding.”
“I’ll be next to you when you tell her.”
“Really?” I ask.
“I should have never let her rush this. It was too soon after the accident, too soon after…everything.” He studies me for a long time, and when he speaks, his voice cracks a little, like maybe he’s nervous. “What if the truth was that you and I aren’t ready to get married just yet, but we’re still planning on making a family together…in our own time. On our own schedule.”
My stomach clenches and my heart does a few more acrobatic moves.
“I didn’t ask you to marry me on a whim. Forever doesn’t have a deadline.” Slowly, he lifts my hand to his mouth and kisses my engagement ring. “You and me, Hanna? We’re right together.”
I shake my head. “You don’t have to do this. No one would blame you if you walked away. Not even me.”
He gives me a sad smile. “You hear what song is playing, don’t you?”
I wasn’t paying attention, but I listen and realize we’re dancing to Alicia Keys and Adam Levine’s cover of “Wild Horses.” The lyrics tug at my heart.
“Just think about it, Max.” I stop dancing, but he holds on to me. “I don’t want you to spend the rest of your life regretting your decision to marry me.”
He kisses my neck then whispers in my ear, “The only decision I would regret is letting you go. I’m not swimming in money, but I can give you a good life. If you want more babies, I’ll give them to you. If you want a career, I’ll support you. I’ll eat peanut butter sandwiches every night for a year if it means you can afford to do something you love. I would do anything to see you happy, but I’d sure as hell like to be the one who wakes up to your smiles.” When I don’t speak, he pulls back to show me an awkward grin. “Think about it. You don’t have to decide tonight. If we do this, it’s on our timeline. No one else’s.”
“Max, I chose you.”
“I don’t begrudge you your grief, Hanna. He’s part of your past. I—”
“No, I want you to understand. I chose you. Before the accident.”
“Are you sure about that?”