“Oh my God! Baxter!!” She laughs as he runs and jumps into her arms, no longer in fear of the alarm I set off. I watch as Chloe massages his ears and rubs her face against his. I was counting on him to help me, not steal the show. “How did you get him back?”

“He never left,” I say, my breathing finally evening out.

Her brows crease with confusion. “He was adopted. I called the foster program.”

“I adopted him.” I clear my throat. “I mean, we adopted him.”

With a final pat to Baxter’s head, Chloe stands.

My hands move to her cheeks. I pull her closer, my forehead presses to hers. Damn. It feels so good to touch her again.

“We were taking pictures. The bridal party. And we heard the lift alarm and I saw you.”

Her hands wrap around my wrists. Initially, I think it’s so she can touch me, too, but she pulls my hands away from her face and steps back.

“I’m glad you’re okay, but I can’t do this.”

Seeing her. Feeling her. I’d forgotten what I wanted to tell her.

“Chloe, wait.” I reach for her hand. “I need to explain. I’m sorry. I messed up. With you. With us.”

She pulls her hand away and crosses her arms against her chest, but she doesn’t make a move to leave. Hope blooms inside my chest. As long as she’s willing to listen, I know I can make it right between us. I have to. I love this woman so much; I don’t know what I’ll do if she walks away again.

I step forward, needing to be closer to her.

“I told Fred about Frankie,” I say.

Chloe’s eyes lift to mine.

“What did he say?”

“That I was wrong. He didn’t want to believe it.”

Chloe nods. “Sometimes you don’t want to believe the worst about the person you love.”

Her statement hurts. I know she’s talking about me. But she also said that she loves me. I hope it’s still true.

“He called off the deal.”

Chloe’s deep inhale is audible.

“I thought he’d understand.” She bites her lip. “Appreciate your honesty.”

I know she thinks I’m devastated about the deal falling through. I shake my head.