Worth the Wait (McKinney_Walker #1)(77)

When he took her hand and smiled down at her with tears in his eyes, her own filled. She was happy for Hannah but also ached to have that for herself. She still had a great deal of love to give a man and a child. Not any man, though. Nick was the only man she wanted to give it to.

There was still a good hour or more to go before the bride and groom would ride off to their happily ever after. No matter how badly she wanted to kick off her shoes and curl up, she had to stay until that happened. No matter how much she wanted a moment to herself to let all of this emotion building inside her drain out, she had to hold it in just a little longer.

Finally, the band called for a last dance with the bride and groom before they left. She moved to stand at the side and turned in surprise when Stephen touched her arm.

“A dance?”

She looked at him, so handsome in his tux and so very happy. He loved Hannah. That much was clear, and Mia believed he would be a very good husband. She glanced to the dance floor, saw Hannah in Nick’s arms, probably giving a last goodbye.

“Sure.” She allowed herself to be turned in his arms and moved to a slow rendition of “Free Falling.” She tried not to stare at Nick.

“You know,” Stephen said, bending his head low to her ear. “He’s a pain in the ass, but I think he’s a good man.”

She nodded and bit her lip. “He is. The best.”

Minutes later, they changed partners, and she found herself in Nick’s arms. Their bodies knew each other, and she fit against him like she’d always been there. His hold on her was sure and solid, like he knew exactly what they were to each other.

The song, the night, the wedding white and tiny lights, all combined to truly make her feel as if she were free falling.

“You’re still alive.” She smiled softly up at him. She knew him, understood the mix of emotions he’d have.

“Yes. I… Mia, you’re so beautiful.” He pulled her in closer, tightened his fingers around hers, and brought their joined hands to his chest. “You take my breath.”

And he took hers. Everything else disappeared, the couples and the scent of flowers and food. She laid her cheek against his heart, felt the steady beat there. His hand cruised up her bare back, his fingertips gliding along her skin before curling around the back of her neck.

“We didn’t do this enough.”

“No.” She closed her eyes as the band drifted into a new song, one that told a story of promises and a lifetime of love. He’d lost the jacket, and she could feel the heat of him through the shirt.

Too soon, the song ended, and the band leader’s voice boomed through the speakers, jerking her from the moment.

“Ladies and gentleman, please join the bride, groom, and wedding party on the front steps. You’ll want to bring your cone of flower petals with you. Thank you!”

She backed away from Nick, making herself meet his eyes.

He held her hand, not letting her go. “I want to talk to you.”

“Mia!” Hannah rushed up, grinning widely. “Can you pretty please help me?” She reached around to the back of her dress. “I need to…you know.”

“Of course.” Potty break.

“Sorry, Nick,” Hannah said. “It’ll just be a minute, and then she’s all yours.”

Hannah was right, and just fifteen minutes later, she and Stephen were gone. In a flurry of rose petals, camera flashes, and well wishes, the newlyweds began their married life. The merry wedding guests returned to the ballroom to finish out the night.

“Mia.”

She paused halfway down the steps at the sound of Nick’s voice.

“What are you doing?”

She turned to face him with the best stoic face she could muster. “I’m going home. I’m really tired.”

“Can you wait?”

“No. I’m sorry.” It was true, she was tired, and she felt the dam crumbling, knew if he touched her, all her feelings would come out in a dangerous rush. It wasn’t the time or the place. She wanted him, wanted to take a chance. She also knew there was something she had to do first. She couldn’t ask him to let go of the past when she wasn’t willing to do the same.

He moved down the steps. “Mia—”

“I… can’t. I’m sorry. Not tonight.” And then she was in her car, closing the door quickly.

If she wanted a chance at that happiness with Nick, and she did, she had to put her own past behind her.





* * *





BY THE TIME ALL the guests left or were put into taxis, it was almost one. That didn’t stop Nick from going after Mia. He got to her house, not sure what he was going to say but knowing there was a lot to be said. A lot to make up for.