28. Abort

Colton

I'm screwed. Darting glances around the meeting room, I try to formulate an escape plan, but nothing comes to mind. I've pushed this meeting twice already, and now, here we are.

Scratching my forehead, I grab the manilla folder that's lying between Max and me, opening it again. Inside is the final proposition of a partnership between the Dune Investment Group and Love Connected for our expansion to the Middle East. I feign reading it again, even though I could probably now recite the entire thing by heart.

"Have you dutifully reviewed all the terms?" I ask Mr. Abadi and Mr. Essa. They glance at each other, and Mr. Abadi's frown deepens. Granted, it's the third time I've asked that question.

"We have, Mr. Green," Mr. Essa says with a curt nod. "Everything looks in order. We are ready to sign if you are."

A lump forms in my throat. I glance at Max, who shoots me another questioning look. "And everything is good on our end too, Max? Did you—?"

"I checked everything with all the interested parties," Max says with a slight scowl. Then, he gives me a little kick under the table.

I'm racking my brain for more questions to ask, all while scanning the document, hoping to find a misplaced comma. Anything that could delay this signing. But there's nothing, and I'm left with no choice but to sign. Meaning my marriage with Jane is no longer necessary. The conversation I've been dreading has to happen tonight. And tomorrow, I probably won't be marrying the woman of my dreams.

Mr. Essa and Mr. Abadi sign all the documents, and I do the same. As I sign my initials on the last page, the lump in my throat is almost preventing me from breathing.

It's over.

Jane

My palms are sweatier than ever as I recite my last line. Finally, it's over. No matter the outcome, I gave it my all, and I won't have any regrets.

Amelia casts me a warm smile. "Okay. We'll review the tapes and talk this over. We should have news for you in a few days. In the meantime, enjoy your wedding tomorrow."

"Thank you," I say, picking up my handbag from the chair next to me.

"And Jane," she adds. "This was a really good audition. Don't pack your suitcase for New York just yet, in case something changes, but we should have a positive answer for you, even if it's for another part."

"New York?" I ask, confused.

"Yes, this is for Broadway. Didn't I tell you? We're only here in LA to hold auditions."

My stomach falls. "No. I didn't know that."

"Oh, dear. I guess that given the casual way we set this up, I didn't send you all the details. But yes, this is for live theatre. You mentioned you had a part in a play, so I thought I had mentioned it. I'm sorry. Will that be a problem for you?"

I draw a shaky breath, turning it over in my head. What's wrong with me? I should be jumping for joy right now. Broadway is my dream, and Amelia is serving it to me on a silver platter. "I haven't thought about it, to be honest," I say, just to buy some time.

"Well," she says, taking her glasses off, "I understand, and I'm sorry I didn't mention it earlier. We'll let you think about it. Please, let us know."

"Will do," I say, forcing a smile. "Thank you."

Once I step outside, I lean against the building window, closing my eyes. My heart races a million beats per minute as the realization hits me. I don't want to go to New York because I don't want to leave Colton. For the first time in my life, I feel like I've found my family. I've never been this happy. Plus, I have friends here, and Truffles has already gone through a big move. But though I've fallen for Colton, I know he doesn't feel the same way about me. He said we were just friends. Then again, feelings evolve. I know mine did. Still, I could settle for being friends with Colton. And maybe, after a while, he'll fall in love with me too . . .

When I get home, it's already time to pack for my night away before the wedding. Marcie made the offer, since it's bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the ceremony. Naturally, I had to play along.

Truffles is sprawled in the suitcase Agnes picked up for me from the store, as if saying she doesn't want me to leave again. Apparently, she wasn't too happy that I left her for a few days to go to the UK. My favorite sweater suffered the consequences. Well, better that than Colton's furniture. He would kill me.

"Come on, baby girl." I pick her up before planting a kiss on her soft fur. "It's only one night. I'll be back tomorrow."

And I'll be married, I silently add, swallowing hard.

The doorbell rings, announcing Marcie's arrival. Shoot! I'm late. I finish packing by throwing all my essentials in the suitcase, then rush out of my room after one last scratch behind Truffles' ear.

I've almost reached the foyer when Colton comes in from the garage.

"You're leaving already? Marcie's here," he says, shoving his hands in his pockets. "I thought we were having dinner together."

My heart constricts in my chest. There's nothing I'd rather do, but suddenly, I'm grateful for Marcie's plan. Better not to spend any time with him before we tie the knot. I'll just show up tomorrow, say "I do," and everything will be fine. "Yeah, her parents invited me for dinner."

"Oh, nice," he says, scratching the back of his head. "I need to tal—"

The doorbell rings again, and I glance toward the corridor.

I twist my lips to the side. "I have to go. She's been here a while, and I can't upset my maid of honor before the wedding," I joke.

"Right."

"See you tomorrow." I wave, then hurry toward the door.

Marcie's parents, Jo and Léon, are adorable. We spend the evening listening to stories from their first date and their wedding. Their sweet tales should leave me all warm and fuzzy, but the more they talk about how in love they were when they stood at the altar, the more my panic builds. I just want to go home and snuggle up with Truffles on the couch.

Instead, I keep scratching my neck, and it starts to burn.

"What's that on your neck?" Marcie asks, frowning from where she's sitting next to me on the couch. "Stop scratching," she adds with a little squeak. "It's a rash."

My eyes widen. "What?"

"It's just stress, honey," Jo says. "Don't panic. I have some cream you can put on it. But Marcie's right. You should stop scratching."

Minutes later, she comes back with a tube of lotion. I rub a small dollop onto my neck and feel instant relief.

"It's normal to get a little stressed out the night before your wedding," Jules says. "But everything will be great. It'll be the best day of your life."

"Yeah, you're marrying the love of your life," Marcie chirps.

Jo squeezes my shoulder. "You'll remember that day forever."

With no warning, I start crying. I can't hold the tears in, and I sob uncontrollably in Marcie's arms as she pats my hair while everyone rushes to assure me it's going to be okay.

"I can't do it," I say, drying my tears. "I just can't." I want this for us, but what if he doesn't? I'll have so much more to lose than money. I'd take bankruptcy over a broken heart any day.

"You guys are in love," Marcie says with an encouraging smile. "Everyone can see it. And as my mom said, all you need for a perfect marriage is the love you have for each other. The rest is just filler."

That's the problem. All we have is filler, and only half of the love a marriage needs—my half. What if his feelings never change? What if when the contract ends, he still sees me as just a friend? "I can't do it," I repeat. Abort mission, abort!

"Wedding jitters are natural," Léon says with a slight nod. "Everything will be forgotten tomorrow. When is your family arriving?"

I wring my hands until they turn white. "I don't exactly have anyone."

Marcie squeezes me harder. "Oh, sweetie. I didn't know that."

How could she? I've dodged the subject every time she tried to get to know me. I didn't want to lie more than necessary, not to Marcie.

"What if I walked you down the aisle?" Léon offers, a smile spreading across his face. "Make sure you get through. I know you're very much capable of doing it alone, but I'd be honored to give you away."

His proposition warms my heart, and an image of Léon walking me down the aisle to Colton flashes before my eyes. "Really?"

"Of course. I have three daughters, and with one of them already engaged, I don't mind the practice," he says with a wink.

"I'd love that," I say, nodding eagerly.

He stands up, and I do the same. When he brings me into a warm embrace, I realize how much I needed a fatherly hug. At least I'm not doing this alone. I will see my commitment all the way through, even if I end up hurt in the process. Because I, Jane Myers, am not a quitter. I don't abandon my promises when things get rough. That might be where I'm from, but not who I am. I'm getting married tomorrow.