I started to feel my legs give out, and Trevor was right there to catch me. Slowly dropping to the ground, I buried my face in his chest. His arms wrapped around me tightly.
“It was all I ever…wanted. And I wanted it with him.”
Slowly rocking us on the floor, Trevor whispered against my head. “I know, honey. But you can’t push him away any longer.”
It felt like I cried forever into my brother’s chest. I gripped his T-shirt so hard I was surprised it didn’t rip.
My mother rubbed her hand down my back. Over and over she said, “Let it out, baby. Let it all out.”
Pulling back, I looked at Trevor. “Will you take me home? I just want to be alone.”
“Are you sure?” he asked. “I don’t think you should be alone.”
My chin trembled. “I just want to sleep.”
He stood and picked me up in his arms. I didn’t want to look back at anyone. If I did, I would see the pity in their eyes.
“Come on, let’s get you home,” Trevor said as he walked past Amelia and my mother.
“Trev, call once you get her home.”
I didn’t remember anything. Not Trevor putting me in his truck, not the drive back to the ranch, not even Trevor carrying me into my bedroom and laying me on the bed.
“Waylynn, I’ve got a water and some Advil here for you.”
I had my back to him as I stared out the large window in my bedroom. “Thanks, Trev.”
He placed his hand on my shoulder, pulling me to face him. “Take it for me. I know that drop to the floor had to hurt your stomach.”
I slowly sat up and took the water and pills. After popping them into my mouth, I took a long drink.
“Where is everyone?” I asked.
“After we left, Mom and Dad came back to the ranch and everyone else stayed at the bar for a bit.”
Nodding, I took in a deep breath. “I didn’t mean to break down like that.”
“I’m glad you did, and I’m glad you said what you said.”
“Corina is probably afraid to even look at me now.”
He shook his head. “Hardly. She’s coming over later to bring you some food.”
I rubbed the side of my head and let out a breath. “I have a headache.”
“Rest for a bit. I’m going to be in the living room if you need anything.”
Chewing my lip, I felt my eyes burn with the threat of more tears. “You don’t have to babysit me, Trev. I’m not going to do anything.”
He laughed. “Hell, I know that. I want to be here. I’m waiting for my relief.”
With a roll of my eyes, I groaned. “Oh great, now y’all think I need to be monitored.”
Kissing me on the forehead, he chuckled. “Hardly. Get some sleep.”
I stared out the window. My mind kept drifting back to one thing…and it wasn’t the fact that I couldn’t have kids. It was Jonathon. I’d ignored him so much the last few weeks. When he was with me, I hardly spoken two words to him. The fact that he had swung by the dance studio earlier and not bothered to even stop and say hi scared me shitless. What if I had pushed him away enough that he was beginning to see the light? I was unable to give him a child, or the love he deserved. This was what I wanted after all, wasn’t it?
My eyes closed, and I laid there silently crying.
“Jonathon,” I whispered as I felt the entire room fill with warmth. I didn’t even have to look to know he was there.
The bed moved, and I held my breath.
“When I walk into any room with you in it, I am engulfed by your presence. It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever experienced.”
Unable to keep the sobs at bay, I turned to face him.
“What are you doing here?” I managed to ask as I sat up.
“Do you realize you have ignited a spark so deep inside of me, that no matter how much you push me away, it only burns deeper? You can try and disappear, but I swear to God, Waylynn Parker, I will wait for you a thousand years if I have to. There will never be anyone I love like I love you.”
My hand covered my mouth as I listened to him speak.
“You think you’re broken, but I don’t. What I see is the most amazing woman I’ve ever known, and I cannot wait to start my life with you. I promise you that I will always come to your rescue time and time again. You can pull me in and push me away, but I will always be right here. I love you, Waylynn Parker, and if you told me you would marry me today, I would marry you and happily spend the rest of my life with you.”