Page 73 of Wilds of the Heart

I pushed the thoughts aside, and my sister caught my gaze. “I didn’t mean to be a downer. I’m seriously happy for you.”

“No, I know. These aren’t things that haven’t run through my mind.” I shrugged, grabbing the dress. “It’s why it’s taken me so long to finally agree to move past the friend zone.”

She squeezed me. “Okay, because I love you, and I’m super excited for you. And if you believe in him, I believe in him.”

As I paid for the dress, my sister left the store to return to her coffee shop. There was a little pit in the bottom of my stomach, and I didn’t like it one bit. I’d come off a high of Lucas to a sounding board of worry.

I signed the receipt and thanked Gianna before I headed out the door. I’d have to hang the gown upstairs until Lucas came to pick me up.

The thought of seeing him again instantly lifted my spirits as I walked into our store.

I glanced at the statue of Artemis that my mom touched every single day before she left the store. She was certain that her mom’s spirit somehow lived on through that sculpture. It was a nice thought, but the problem was that sometimes, the romantic idea of something made the reality a letdown. What ifthe statue broke? Then what? Did that mean her mom no longer existed to feel?

What if Lucas broke my heart? I wanted to believe our reality could be as magical as it felt, but I’d be lying to myself if I wasn’t still a little worried.

I marched up the stairs of the antique store and hung my dress up, giving it one more glance before I left. It was exciting to think I actually had somewhere to wear it.

As I turned around, I nearly ran over my mom.

“That’s a beautiful dress, Emily.” She sipped a latte from Mae’s café. “And your sister feels awful for bombarding you about Lucas.”

I shook my head. “No, she’s fine. I get it. I’ve been navigating through the same stuff.”

But I knew by the look in Lucas’s gaze that he wouldn’t hurt me, not intentionally.

She touched my cheek and smiled. “I’m so proud of you.”

Surprise registered over my expression. “Why?”

“Because you’re listening to your heart again.” She gave a little squeeze on my arm. “Don’t stop. It’s what makes you special, and it’s never guided you astray.”

I chuckled and let out a deep breath. “We shall see.”

My mom tapped her chest. “Good things will come. He’s a great guy. So, where are you going that you need a dress like that?”

“His parents are having an anniversary party and renewing their vows. It’s in Seattle, and I got the impression that it’s kind of swanky.”

She chuckled. “Knowing the Edwards family, I’m sure it is.”

“I’ve only met his parents a few times, but they’ve always seemed nice.”

“They are.” My mom nodded, and the bell below dinged. “You’ll win them over.”

“I hope so.”

She took a seat at her desk while I went downstairs to see if Amelia needed any help with the customers.

But for some reason, a pesky little voice started nipping in my ear, and it was about Clara. Was that who Nina was talking about with Lucas? Or was my imagination just running wild? I let out a quiet groan. I’d never been a jealous person, and I certainly didn’t want to start now. However, the thought occurred to me about the timing of things. I didn’t want to be a prize to be had, all because I’d played the game right.

The more I thought about it, the more I wondered if I’d flirted with Lucas right away, if he would have given me a second glance. Instead, I let him and his cousin have it about how they'd treated my sister. The thought brought a smile to my lips.

Yeah, I’d be fine no matter how this ended. I was resilient and wouldn’t let him play with my heart.

Chapter Eighteen

Lucas

Emily took my breath away. The beaded ivory dress clung to Emily’s curves and left little to the imagination.