Page 70 of Your Love

“Talk to her,” Lauren forces out through clenched teeth, her body tense and rigid.

“This is the worst timing, but I have to talk to you,” Kerri continues, her voice pleading.

“Kerri, I’m in the middle of getting married.” That should be fairly obvious to everyone here, and I’m annoyed that I have to point it out. I’m doing my best to maintain my composure, but I’m starting to lose the battle.

“I know, and it’s terrible that I waited until now to tell you. I’m so sorry. This can’t wait any longer.”

Kerri’s eyes mirror my own from a few years ago. Memories flood back, both good and bad. Everything I’ve buried deep down is bubbling to the surface.

The officiant stands by awkwardly, unsure of what to do. He looks like he’s ready to make a run for it. I feel the same way, Dude. Silence swallowed the air, drowning out the peaceful sounds of the beach.

“Landry, please listen,” Kerri beseeches. She looks so lost and fragile. As much as I want to resist, I need to hear her out.

I glance at Lauren and then back to Kerri. “Okay, fine. But whatever you need to say, Lauren can hear it, too,” I insist.

Kerri hesitates, her eyes shifting nervously between me and the ocean waves crashing behind us. “But, it’s more of a private conversation,” she says in a small voice.

I release a frustrated sigh. “Well, this was a private event before you stormed the beach,” I remind her sharply. “This is the best you’ll get.”

Kerri’s composure breaks, and she struggles to speak through choked sobs. She tugs at the hem of her dress, twisting it between her fingers as she shifts her weight from side to side.

My stomach clenches with guilt and sadness as I see how splintered and desperate Kerri looks. This is the first time since her accident that I’ve seen her like this—completely vulnerable and helpless. The memory of the day I walked into her hospital room floods my mind, bringing back all the pain and regret I thought I had buried long ago.

Lauren’s patience is quickly dwindling as she moves toward Kerri, her steps heavy and determined. Instinctively, I stepped between the two women. Breaking up a catfight on my wedding day was not on my radar when I woke up this morning.

I speak in a calm, gentle voice, trying to diffuse the tension. “Kerri, please listen to me. I understand this is difficult for you, but you shouldn’t have come here. Whatever you thought would happen, it’s not going to.”

Kerri’s face contorts with emotion, like a storm brewing under her skin. Her shoulders sink, and her eyes glisten. My heart sits heavy in my chest as I understand the pain in her own.

“You need to go home,” I say, knowing that it’s for her own good. I can’t have this conversation right now. I probably shouldn’t have this conversation, ever. Our time has passed, or at least that’s what I’m trying to remind my traitorous heart.

With every word, Kerri shrinks back further into herself, looking smaller than I ever thought possible. Beyond me, Lauren makes a triumphant chuckle, causing Kerri to retreat further.

“I’m so sorry,” she mumbles hoarsely. “I didn’t mean—I had to try—I shouldn’t have—.” Her words trail off as she continues to back away from the spot where she was rooted in the sand.

“Are you going to be okay?” I call out after her, feeling a sense of helplessness wash over me.

As she disappears into the distance, my heart twists with conflicting emotions—love, concern, and regret, all battling for dominance within me.

I turn my gaze back to Lauren. Her expression is a blend of shock and anger. I step toward her, but she takes one back. “You are never going to see that woman or the rest of your ‘so-called’ friends again. Do you understand me?”

Turning to the officiant, I speak through clenched teeth. “We’re going to need a moment.”

Chapter 32

“Everywhere”

Kerri - Age 24, 1994

Iwas climbing the walls in my hotel room after talking to everyone yesterday and spending the night reminiscing about my past with Landry. So many things have been working against us—time, outside circumstances, my fear—but I really thought in my heart we would end up together someday, even as I pushed him away.

It was a foolish mistake, and now he’s off on his honeymoon with someone new, someone who has never put him through the pain I did. I should be happy for him. I am happy for him because my love for him runs deep. But at the same time, my heart aches with the realization of how things have turned out.

Maybe Taz was right all along. Maybe I do need to take some time in this place, surrounded by nature and peacefulness, and try to find a new path for myself. I need to gather the shattered pieces of my heart and move forward, even if it feels impossible at the moment.

Last night, my mind was consumed by memories of the past. I found myself oscillating between deep belly laughs at the absurd moments we’ve shared and teary-eyed sobs for what could have been but will never be. The emotional rollercoaster left me drained, both mentally and physically. My tear-streaked face and puffy eyes were evidence of the floodgates that had opened and left me seriously dehydrated. My head throbs with each beat of my heart, and my tongue feels like straw.

As much as I long to stay holed up in this room all day, I know I need to venture out in search of water and fresh air.