Page 153 of If By Chance

“Mandy,” I squeal, running to her side.

Her tears fall with mine.

“I can’t believe you’re here. You said you couldn’t make the auction.”

She did.

I remember her saying as much just yesterday when I called her.

She winks at me. “I lied. I wanted to surprise you.” She runs her fingers through my hair, and her eyes almost bulge when they stop at my shoulders.

“I know.” I almost cry again.

She spins me around, not believing it’s gone. “I love it.”

“Really?”

“It suits you.”

Standing back, she plucks her phone from her pocket and takes a picture. “For Garry,” she explains. “He’s been worried about you.”

I know. He texts me twice a day.

“I feel like I’m missing my right arm without the two of you.”

My heart twists.

I hug her again, needing her more than ever.

“Where’s Alex?”

“He’s gone with Jake somewhere. He’ll pick me up in a few hours so I can get dressed back at the hotel, but I couldn’t wait until the auction to see you.”

That answers my question.

Emotion clogs my throat, so instead of letting the tears flow, I grab her hand. “Come on. Let’s go steal some of Jake’s fancy wine.”

***

Wine glass swinging from her hand, she strolls down the hallway leading to Jake’s office.

Memory lane.

“This house is amazing.”

Topping up my glass, I nod. “Of course it is. Your fiancé designed it.” Blushing, she smiles proudly. “I’ll feel claustrophobic when I go home.”

It’s not just because this house is a castle compared to my townhouse.

Hewon’t be there.

Either will the piano playing little boy I’ve become attached to.

I try to laugh, but it breaks.

“How long more do they think this will last? It can’t go on forever.”

She’s right.