Page 110 of Temporary Vows

“Thank you.” I smile, reassuring myself further. It’s good to see Jack. “Your support means a lot to me.”

“That’s why I’m here. You’ve been through enough. I don’t want you worrying about me.”

I can breathe easier just hearing him say that. “You have to know that I thought about it, and I just… I need something different to happen to me in my life. It can’t all be bad. I can’t walk around looking over my shoulder.”

“No, you can’t. You deserve more than that. I guess I lost my shit because I couldn’t help you. Dorian stepped in and did what I couldn’t.” He takes a long, sad breath. “And you were right about Marcus. You were right to act fast.”

“I was scared, Jack.”

“It shouldn’t have come to that. But you figured it out. Credit to you.” He lets out a rough sigh. “I had a… terrible feeling you’d get married without me.”

“No.” I stand. “I would never do that.”

A weak smile drifts across his lips. “That’s good to know.”

“Why would you think such a thing?”

“Well, you haven’t been answering my calls,” Jack says. “And since I’m not exactly fond of your husband-to-be, I figured maybe you would.”

“I’d never get married without you, Jack,” I assure him.

“I’m glad.” He tips his head. “So, when’s the wedding?”

“In two weeks. The invites will go out in the next two days. We’re getting married at Oheka Castle.”

His brows lift, but he holds back whatever he was about to say. “Alright. Well, I guess I’ll get to see you get married. To the guy who used to be my best friend.”

I feel like I should say sorry, but I’m so tired of apologizing for things I shouldn’t.

“I think everything will work out,” I tell him instead, but it feels like I’m saying the words outside my head so I can comfort myself.

Jack bites the inside of his lip. “You always had a thing for him—Dorian.”

My skin warms. I shouldn’t be surprised he noticed. All those long years ago when I thought I was quietly watching Dorian from afar, Jack was aware.

He’s always aware.

“I was, um…” My voice trails off. This isn’t like the other day when I told Skylar I was young and dumb. This is Jack. He’ll see straight through me if I try to lie. “Things are a little different now.” That’s a half-truth.

“I don’t think so. That’s why I want you to be careful.” He observes me with an openness I’ve never seen in him before. “He’ll never put you first, Elodie. When it matters most, he won’t do it. I don’t mean to hurt you by saying so. It’s just the truth. That’s what he did to me. Over twenty years of friendship gone just like that.”

The bitter warning makes the sinking feeling in my stomach grow.

I ignore it. It’s best to.

“Don’t worry about me.” I imbue my voice with a strength I don’t feel.

“I always do, little sister. I always do.”

“I’ll be okay.”

“I hope so. I should go. I have to be at work early.” He comes closer. “Can I have a peace hug?”

I smile back at him. “Of course, you can.”

I move toward him, and he pulls me in, holding me against his chest. He rests his chin on the top of my head.

“I’m sorry, Elodie.” His voice is low and weighted.