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JOSH WRAPPED HIS ARMS around Charlie in an attempt to soothe her, but she sobbed even harder. Why did he have to push her? He shouldn't have tried so hard. He shouldn't have asked her to consider the possibility of a relationship with him. At least not here, not now. Not at her sister's wedding, which should have been one of the happiest events of her life. Now she was crying and it was his fault.
“Sh sh sh,” he whispered in her ear as he lightly rubbed her back. “It’s okay. It’s okay.” She had good reason not to trust him. He had to prove himself first. And he hadn’t done that yet.
He led her back to her chair and handed her a clean napkin, kneeling down in front of her. He loved Charlie, loved holding her, but he couldn’t bear knowing he caused the tears that rolled down her face. He had to let her go, leave her alone.
“Charlie. I’m not going to do this to you anymore. I love you, and I want to be with you. But I want you to be happy even more. I can’t stand that I made you cry. I’m really sorry. I won’t bother you anymore. But please... If you ever change your mind, please come find me.”
He brushed his lips against hers, fighting with all his might to stop himself from drawing her back into his arms and crushing her against him. With tears stinging his eyes, he pulled back and walked away from the only woman he’d ever loved. But he would wait for her. He was patient. He was committed and determined. If he couldn’t have Charlie, he didn’t want anyone.
“I love you, Charlie,” he said again, though he knew she couldn’t hear him. “I love you. And I’ll wait for you, as long as it takes.”
