“I didn’t mean for her to fall, I didn’t think we were that close to the edge, but it served her right. You said you might forgive her for cheating on you.” I shake my head. “I couldn’t let you marry her, but when she died you blamed yourself. You said it was penance for what we’d done to Celine. You thought you didn’t have the right to be happy, and it broke my heart. But when I told you the truth, when I explained what happened to take away your guilt and your pain, I woke up the next day and you’d left Newdale. You’d left me.”

“Because...you’re...a...monster,” he whispers. “We both...are.”

I smile, and as I stroke his cheek he tries to move his head away, so I put my thumb and index finger under his chin, forcing him to look at me. “We belong together,” I say. “And I understand now. You could’ve told the police about what I did to Kate, but you didn’t, not even after you left, because you knew I could tell them about Celine. You protected us, just like you promised, because you love me. Tell me you love me, Ash. Help make all this better.”

He closes his eyes, tries to move away again, and I sigh. Maybe I shouldn’t have told him about Kate, he wasn’t ready after all, but eventually he’ll come around. He’ll see what I’m doing—what I’ve always done—is the best thing for him. For us. I’ve known since I was twelve years old that we’re destined to be together. For now, it might not be the fairy tale I’d imagined, but I’ve been patient for sixteen years and I’ll do the same for another sixteen if I must. Because it will happen. And when it does, I already know he’ll be worth the wait.

ACKNOWLEGMENTS

The acknowledgments section has quickly become one of my favorite parts of novel writing. Not because it means I’ve finished another book, although that’s a stellar feeling, too, but because it’s an immense pleasure and privilege to put together a list of wonderful people to whom my infinite gratitude extends.

Let’s start with you, the reader. Whether you deal with books in a professional capacity, review them for fun, or simply enjoy novels during your commute or while curled up on your sofa, thank you for picking this one up, and for letting me take you into my fictional world. I hope you enjoyed the ride. Huge shout-outs to the amazing social media and #bookstagram communities who spread book love with infectious enthusiasm and boundless originality. Your friendship and support are precious gifts.