Chapter 1

1

AMELIA

Present

“I don’t want to be that person, but are we there yet?”

I rest my hands on my hips while trying to gulp for air, desperate to alleviate the burn inside my chest. Austin stops a few steps ahead of me, then turns around to wait. He doesn’t respond to my question, ignoring my complaint with a grin on his sun-drenched face. With his sunglasses on, and a Laker’s hat perched on his head to block the Californian rays, he extends his hand to help me continue.

“Quit complaining, Millie,” Ava yells over her shoulder. “The fresh air could do you some good.”

Ava is a known workout addict. For fun, she enjoys Pilates, yoga, and running—partaking in marathons with Dad. Granted, she has the most amazing body from her physical efforts. Dad is also pretty fit. However, I choose to block out the comments often made by women whenever a photo surfaces of him online. Mom has the patience of a saint. If anyone publicly made comments about my man, I would have something to say about it.

Though when it’s about your father, the man who raised you, swipe up and pretend you didn’t just read the most graphic comment of your life.

Austin is holding my hand tight with an uncomfortable sweat building between our palms. Every inch of me hurts. My knees, my feet, and my lungs burning, making it extremely difficult to breathe. I don’t know why I agreed to go hiking, considering it is my least favorite pastime, but Ava is very persuasive. Often, it was easier to agree with her just to shut her up.

Austin enjoys all outdoor activities, so no convincing needed with him

“We’re here,” Austin announces, stopping just shy of a large rock. “Do you remember this place?”

My eyes scan the area, noting the dense bushland from the dry heat. On one side, there is a canyon, and on the other, sweeping views of downtown LA Although the sun is bright, a layer of smog blankets the city.

A shallow sigh escapes me, only for my throat to thicken. The memories come flooding back to senior year. High school felt like a lifetime ago, with so many years passing and college being the center of attention.

But this particular spot, we would often visit and spend hours talking about our future. We had so many dreams, many yet to be fulfilled. It also happens to be the very place we made love for the first time on my last night before leaving for college.

Typically, we drove here, but this time we hiked, which threw me off since I was distracted by my lack of athletic ability.

“Of course, I remember.” I squeeze his hand while looking out into the city, unable to settle the smile playing on my lips. It’s incredibly peaceful up here, a welcoming change to the chaos of late. I let go of Austin’s hand, taking a step forward to get a better view. “It’s so beautiful and quiet. I forgot what it’s like to listen to nature. I feel like my ears are damaged by the sounds of sirens and honking horns.”

Ava clears her throat, prompting me to shift my gaze to her. With a mischievous grin, she motions for me to look in the opposite direction. Slowly, my eyes glance back to Austin kneeling on one knee with a small black box in his hand.

“Austin?” I fumble as my head flinches back slightly. “Wha…what are you doing?”

“I never thought we would end up back here, years later, together.” Still holding my gaze, he takes a deep breath to calm himself. “Night could fall, and I could still be listing the reasons of why we are meant to be together, but it’s simple, I love you. I can’t imagine my life without you. The day we ran into each other a year ago today, I knew there would be no turning back. You are my best friend. Will you marry me, Millie?”

The little black box is open and sitting inside is a stunning white gold princess cut diamond ring. My mouth falls open at the sight, and without thinking, my fingers remove the ring from the box.

There is no denying its beauty, an exquisite piece of jewelry. I’ve not seen anything as beautiful besides the emerald diamond my mother wears on her wedding finger. It amazes me how something so small carries so much value, both monetary and symbolic. The intent of this ring means so much more when the man you love is on one knee proposing a life of marriage and commitment.

I open my mouth, only to close it shortly after, unable to process a thought without it coming out all jumbled. My muscles turn weak, and maybe it is the sun—but my head spins, leaving me dizzy.

A heavy feeling sits in the pit of my stomach. Marriage. This is big, it is a lifetime commitment, and I’m only just shy of twenty-four. I thought about it back in high school when I was naïve and believed we would last forever.

But then life happened.

I had spent the last four years focusing on studying and completing my undergraduate early to attend law school. Studying law is challenging, mainly because I intern at Aunt Nikki’s firm to gain experience whenever I can spare a few hours. Between school, work, and my relationship with Austin, I don’t have time to plan a wedding. Austin transferred to Columbia University, and given his rigorous studying of medicine, it’s not exactly like he can afford time off either.

We both have aspirations and a complete course load; I can’t see how this will work.

And for the last four years, I pushed myself so hard. I can’t possibly throw all that hard work and effort away just to be a wife.

We will have to live together, but where? And did Austin want kids straight away? Isn’t that what most married couples do? How can I juggle being pregnant, studying, and a small kid while starting my career? My rampant thoughts are spinning out of control, too many “what ifs.”

I promised myself that no one would get in the way of me achieving my goals ever again.

But then, the unwanted memories fight for attention like a nightmare on repeat: the final goodbye, my car accident which put me in an arm cast for weeks. The restless nights led to insomnia then a sleeping pill addiction.

I rid the thoughts, desperate to focus on the beautiful man in front of me, offering me a lifetime of happiness. Yet, there were so many questions. It wasn’t as simple as saying yes.

“I’m…wow, marriage.” I breathe shakily. “But we just got back together?”

“We didn’t just get back together,” he says nervously. “It’s been a year.”

“But we’re still young.”

“What are we waiting for?” He almost pleads. “So what if we’re young? It feels like we’ve known each other forever. Nothing will change, aside from you being my wife. I know what you’re thinking, and I promise our studies will always be the top priority. There’s no rush for kids or a family. We can take this as slow as we both need to. And your dad gave us his blessing.”

I turn to look at Ava as she nods, agreeing with Austin. “My dad?”

“It’s true, Millie. Dad knows.”

My glance shifts back onto Austin. I do love him, and the last twelve months have been great. We are a well-oiled machine, bringing out the best of each other. If I say yes, I will be marrying my best friend.

Behind the hazel eyes staring back at me is a man who loves me and is willing to offer a lifetime of happiness. Austin asking my dad for permission renders me speechless, equally so—my dad agreeing.

I love Austin, but it still feels so soon.

“Millie,” he breathes with a nervous smile, “You’re kind of leaving me out here on a limb.”

His face flashes before me.

His touch crawls on my skin.

And then—I’m reminded of the trail of destruction the moment he left for London.

Will Romano never fought for me or us. Just like I never fought for him. I chose my family, even though it almost killed me to lose him.

It’s over.

It’s been over for four years.

“Yes.” I nod, my eyes widening as I let out a gasp. “Yes, Austin Carter. I will marry you.”