She eyed me curiously. Even though she wasn’t saying anything, I could tell she was wondering if I’d go. She was already irritated with my lack of courage. Maybe it was time to show her I could change.
“I’m going to go talk to Chloe.”
“Okay,” Grandma nodded.
This way, we wouldn’t argue, plus I had to talk to Chloe anyway. I grabbed my keys. Heading back out, I got into my car and drove to the park, where I could see everyone celebrating in the middle. It looked like they were at the reception part of the evening.
I walked over, alone. It felt strange because I hadn’t been invited. Would Ruby think I was crashing?
“Sean!” I turned around to see Ruby. “You’re here!” She rushed over and hugged me. “Chloe’s already here. I’m not sure where she is, but I’m sure you’ll find her soon.”
I guessed Ruby assumed I was Chloe’s date. It was a good cover, so I went with it. “Oh, cool. Sorry for being late.”
“No worries! I know the drive from New York is a long one,” Ruby smiled. “I have to keep mingling, but grab a drink, some food, dance. I’m sure I’ll see you again.”
The bride walked away, and I started looking around for Chloe. However, I kept running into old classmates. Everyone was enthusiastic in greeting me. I hadn’t expected such a change in attitude. They all must have just grown up and realized high school popularity meant nothing. It really was just Tyler stuck in the past.
I kept moving through the crowd. I wasn’t finding Chloe, and it was making me wonder if she had left. I started worrying about her but was she really my concern? She didn’t tell me she was pregnant; maybe it all had nothing to do with me. I needed to keep my distance to protect my heart. Being safe was better because it meant not getting hurt.
My thoughts didn’t stop me from continuing my search. I finally spotted Chloe. She wasn’t facing me, but I could see that she was pregnant and glowing. At that moment, I knew what I wanted.
Chloe must have sensed me because she turned. I was frozen to the spot as she approached me.
“What are you doing here?” she breathed.
“I’m your date,” I said as I reached out and took her into my arms. Chloe accepted my answer, melting into my arms. Then, we quietly danced, reveling in each other’s embrace.
Chapter Fourteen – Chloe
I was so surprised to see Sean on the dance floor. My heart swelled at the sight of him, but I didn’t want to get too hopeful. He hadn’t said much of anything yet.
We silently danced together, slowly swaying. While we danced, various guests came up to congratulate us. We probably looked like a couple, and it was a big desire of mine to be one, but it all meant nothing because Sean had yet to confirm what he wanted. If he felt anything, if he wanted to pursue a relationship, he needed to say so. So any congrats felt hollow because I didn’t feel like there was anything worth congratulating us on.
The whole atmosphere was starting to get to me. I had to say something. So, I did. “I want a second chance,” I blurted out. Sean’s eyebrows raised, and I started rambling. “We both deserve one to pursue the love we should have had if I had been brave enough ten years ago. It’s been a wasted decade. I feel like we should be together, and I also feel like you feel the same. Or at least I’m hoping you do….”
I looked up at Sean. The look on his face didn’t make me feel the greatest. He looked uncertain.
“I would like that, but I’m scared that you only want to be with me because I’m something new in your life right now. I’m worried that you’ll change your mind, and I don’t think I could handle that.”
So, that was it. He was worried I was fickle and impulsive. It hurt that he thought that of me, but I couldn’t be mad at him for having fears. He was probably looking at my past behavior. I didn’t date him for shallow reasons, so it made sense that Sean was worried I’d leave him for shallow reasons.
“I can’t promise you forever, but I do think we should try. I’m committed to making a relationship between us work. We have a baby on the way, and I would love to raise them together as your partner. I –” I stopped, thinking if I really wanted to finish my thought. I looked into Sean’s eyes. There was a warmth there, and I knew that I wanted to show how all in I was. “I think I’m falling in love with you.”
I felt him jolt a little. I was surprised. We had spent so little time together, but these were feelings I had had for more than the couple of days we had. This was me finally acknowledging what I couldn’t before.