Chapter 31

Chapter Thirty-One

Zane

“ N o, not like that,” she says, climbing back into the SUV. The door closes behind her and we sit silently for a few seconds. I study her, not sure where this is going, but my heart might lurch out of my chest. Had I misread her intentions? Or the entire situation? Is there where she walks away?

“Zane,” she whispers, gently placing her hands on my cheeks, forcing me to look into her eyes. “Don’t ever doubt the way I feel about you. I’m not going anywhere. Ever.”

“Okay,” I say with a relieved breath, and she slowly paints her lips across mine, pouring every part of herself into me. “Please explain.”

“Las Vegas isn’t where we’re supposed to be. It feels all wrong.”

I breathe out with a nod.

“Why didn't you speak up?”

“Because I want you to be happy, Pumpkin. I would marry you right here. I don't care.”

I stare into her golden-brown eyes, tucking loose strands of hair behind her ear. “Where do you want to go? Anywhere in the goddamn world.”

After a soft sigh, she closes her eyes. “Cozy Creek.”

I give her a sly smile. “I had a feeling you were going to say that.”

Autumn and her family took my father’s private jet because it was larger, and I took mine.

Harper plops down next to me, drinking a whiskey on the rocks. “Go ahead and say it.”

I shake my head at her.

“Oh, come on, you know I predicted where you and Autumn would get married down to the location.” She shoots it back. “But you doubted me.”

I exhale. “I did.”

“Did you doubt she was the one?”

“No, I just doubted your prediction being 100% correct.”

She laughs. “You should be glad I booked the helicopter service for you just in case. You’ll have to owe me one.”

I roll my eyes. “And what would’ve happened if we hadn’t used them?”

“It would’ve cost you.” She shrugs. “You’re good for it.”

“Thank you, though. I’m not sure we could’ve pulled it off at the last minute.”

“It helped tremendously; the resort had no one scheduled for mountain tours today. It worked out like it was destined.”

“And you found someone to officiate?”

The thought takes hold of me and wraps me like a warm blanket.

“Yep, I booked three hours for Autumn’s hair and makeup for a reason. Gives us enough time to fly to Denver, then helicopter to the little chapel on the hill at golden hour.”

“And the flower bouquets?”

“Chopped and wrapped in pretty ribbon. They'll arrive with the pastor. Not that you needed any convincing, but it's flowing so naturally that I have zero doubt that she’s The One,” Harper confirms. “Autumn is the real deal.”

My sister smiles then excuses herself. Seconds later, my father sits in the empty chair next to me. My soon-to-be stepmother, Silvia, is asleep a few rows up.

My dad has two glasses of whiskey, one in each hand, and offers me one. I take it.

“I'm thinking about canceling my wedding.”

“What?” My voice is a hushed whisper.

His voice is low. “Watching you willingly shift gears without hesitation for Autumn made me realize I haven’t budged on our wedding plans. She doesn’t want to get married on the island.”

“Ah. Locations aren't important, Dad. Only the way you feel. I’d marry Autumn in a back alley. All that matters is spending the rest of my life with her. It doesn't matter how we get there.”

“I can tell how deeply you care for one another.” He sips whiskey and leans his head back on the seat. “I remember what it was like to be young and in love like you are now. I was obsessed with your mom and would’ve burned down the world for her. Two weeks. That’s how long we knew each other before I proposed, knowing she was the love of my entire life. Never wanted to let your mother out of my sight and vice versa.” He sighs. “She felt like home.”

I nod, remembering how in love they were until the end. Afterward, my father grew cold. For the first time, I deeply understand why he turned inward. If I lost Autumn, I'm not sure what I’d do.

“I’m really sorry,” I tell him.

He shoots back the rest of his whiskey. “Don’t be.”

“No, I get it now. I didn’t before.”

“Do you forgive me?”

“There is nothing to forgive.” My thoughts linger like a ghost, realizing my father was in pain for two decades, refusing to move on. He wasn't obsessed with work; he escaped into it. “Do you love Silvia?”

My father glances at me. “Yes. She makes me feel whole again. I wasn’t for so long.”

“You should ask her what she wants. I switched venues in hours. You have days to figure it out. Take a risk. Who gives a fuck? I’ll be wherever you are.”

“Thanks.” He chuckles. “You inspire me to be a better man.”

My heart pounds a little harder. “Autumn changed me.”

“No. She just reminded you of who you truly are.”