That’s crazy, because I had no idea. I still honestly cannot believe that he is here right now. I can’t stop looking at him and smiling. He notices and smiles back each time, looking as if he’s the happiest man on earth.
Right now, he’s standing by the bar chatting with my father. I see them both casually look my way and I can’t help the nerves that shoot through me. I have no idea what they’re discussing, but they both look extremely happy.
Smiling, my father pats Kyan on the back before shaking his hand and walking away. My sister and Jordan just arrived a few minutes ago, so I’m sure he’s making his way to see them.
I look up and reach out for the glass of wine as Kyan hands it to me. “Thank you.” I quickly tilt the glass back and finish it off.
Kyan raises an eyebrow. “Isn’t the point of wine to sip and savor? Should I just buy the whole bottle now and save me some trips? I will buy you the whole bar if it helps.” He smirks and then pulls me to him, sucking the excess wine off my bottom lip. “Mmm . . . tastes delicious.”
I laugh as he leans back in and teasingly nibbles my bottom lip. “Kyan . . .”
“Sorry,” he smiles against my lips. “You taste too damn good.”
“Calla . . .” My heart stops and all of my oxygen escapes me as Chrissy’s voice comes from right behind me. “Can I have a minute, please?”
Kyan grabs my face with both hands and rubs my cheeks as I look up at him. “I’ll find you in a bit.” He leans in and kisses me softly on the lips, before walking away, leaving me alone with . . . Chrissy.
Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath and slowly release it. When I open my eyes again, I see Tori across the room, watching me. She gives me a slight smile and nods her head. I guess her being here has somewhat opened her eyes as well.
I turn around to face Chrissy and her soft eyes land on my face, taking me all in. “I’m really happy you came.” She swallows nervously and reaches for my hand. My eyes look down at her hand holding mine, before looking back up to her face. “There are things that need to be said. I can’t hold them in anymore. I’m so sorry, Calla. I know I can’t make up for what I did, but I’ll try if you’ll let me.” Her hand squeezes mine as a tear slides down her cheek. “I miss you.”
Fighting back my sob, I squeeze her hand back. “I miss you too,” I admit.
“I didn’t mean to hurt . . .”
“Let’s not do this here,” I say, cutting her off.
My eyes wander off when I hear the refreshing sound of Kyan’s laugh. He’s standing next to my aunt and a small group of older women. I can’t help the smile that takes over as I watch him having fun. That’s what weddings are supposed to be: fun and happy . . . not this.
Nothing else seems to matter at the moment but the fact that he’s here, supporting me. The past doesn’t matter. The anger that I’ve held onto for so long . . . it doesn’t matter. Maybe it’s just time to leave everything behind.
Smiling, I reach out and touch my sister’s face. “We don’t need to talk about this anymore. I love you and I want you to be happy. It’s going to take a while to fully gain my trust, but I want you in my life. Baby steps, okay?”
Crying, Chrissy leans in and throws her arms around me, nearly squeezing me half to death. She holds me, smiling against my cheek. “That’s all I want.”
She pulls away and tugs on a strand of my hair. “You look so beautiful. Your hair has gotten so long.” She nods her head toward Kyan. “And that handsome man looks extremely happy to be with you. You deserve that happiness. Don’t push it away, okay?”
We both look over at the same time that Kyan turns to face us. He flashes us a dimpled smile as Aunt Sharon pulls him out onto the dance floor.
“Oh no.” I give Chrissy one last quick hug. “You’re an absolutely beautiful bride, but I have to go save Kyan. You know how Aunt Sharon gets.”
“Oh definitely.” She smiles and shakes her head as my aunt’s hands start to rub Kyan’s lower back. “You better hurry. She’s working faster than usual.”
Laughing, I hurry across the room and place my hand on Sharon’s back. “This one is mine, you old hussy.”
We both crack a smile at the same time before she releases Kyan and steps away. “I was hoping your sister would keep you busy long enough for me to cop a feel.” She winks. “Enjoy this one.” She wiggles her penciled in brows and then walks away, looking for her next victim.
Kyan wets his lip and quickly pulls me against him. “Is this you returning the favor for me coming? You saving me from that innocent woman?”