Page 143 of Cautious Love

“That doesn’t make any sense. We all saw the way she looked at you. She’s head over heels,” Fletcher says.

“If she’s so head over heels, then why isn’t she here?” I ask him, trying not to yell. I’m angry and confused, and none of it makes sense to me.

“If it were me, I’d say fine, do what you need to do. And sure, we can be friends, but I’d remind her why she fell for you in the first place. Remind her why she’s worth loving.”

How would I do that?

“In here, Tate,” Fletcher calls.

“Do you want me to ask Tate what she thinks?” Fletcher asks.

I roll my eyes, thankful they can’t see it. I know they mean well. “It’s alright,” I mumble.

“Dude, if I don’t tell her, she’ll have my balls,” he says.

“She already has them, you idiot,” I mumble.

“Give me the phone,” she says.

“Ledger?”

“Hey Tate, how are you feeling?” I ask her.

“Oh, we’re doing fine. But I wanted to tell you that you need to be patient with Shiloh. You’re a special man and I know she’s aware of that, but she’s also been through a lot. Okay? I think Fletch is right. You need to remind her why she’s worth loving.” She pauses. “Fletcher had to do that for me because I was so in my head about all of it. We might be smarter than you men, but sometimes we need reminders too.”

I puff out a breath, lost with all this. “Like how, Tate? I took her out on dates, we … we got really close. I thought she was feeling the same way.”

“You said you love her?” Tatum asks.

“Yeah, because I do.”

“Then keep your word and love her through this. I don’t know Shiloh well. We never really interacted when we were younger. But based on the woman I know today, I have a feeling there’s a reason she’s being slow to give in. And yes, part of it probably has to do with getting beat by that piece of shit. But she’s a tough one, and I don’t think that’s all of it.”

“Is it possible she doesn’t want me anymore?”

Tatum sighs, and I take that as my answer. “I really don’t think so, but I’m not her Ledge. Do what your brother suggests and remind her. It would work on me,” she says.

“It did work on you, baby,” Fletcher says.

“Okay, that’s my cue.”

“Wait, Ledge!” Fletcher yells, right as I’m about to hang up.

“Yeah?”

“I saw the way you looked at her. You’re like a cartoon with hearts in his eyes, and I can tell she settles something in you.I know you love her. But do what my wife says. She’s always right.”

“She does,” I rasp.

Fletcher clears his throat. “I’ll let you know about the other stuff, okay? And keep us updated,” Fletcher says vaguely.

“Will do,” I grunt and hang up.

They’re right. None of this makes sense. Tatum is onto something. Shiloh is holding back, and while I wait for her to get through it, I’m going to remind her why I love her. And even after all of it, and she still doesn’t want me, I’ll sign the papers still loving her, but at least I’ll know that I tried.

They know. The Kensingtons are in full lockdown. They must have determined their people aren’t just blowing them off.

Will checked in to say he was okay, but that’s all he could give us. I’m on pins and needles, but I have another mission to attend to tonight. I hate feeling split between obligations and desires, but it’s the reality I live in.