all through college, dreaming up wedding

real job, Dustin stabbed her in the back-h

gs. Let's not kid ourselves-besides being gorgeous, what do you actually bring to the table? We've dated for years, and you still won't let me touch you! Your parents are gone, and you have nothing to your name. If we get married-if we ever buy a house or a car-

astated, convinced that may

, everything snapped into focus. The cause of

re wife for an easy life, all while spi

ouldn't have drowned her sadness in wine,

self for ever being so blind. How had she let

ted around in tailored suits, every inch the polished poser, h

ome so late? Phyllis hasn't slept a wink waiting for you, you know. You're a

out loud at the ridicu

s her o

ss-to her brother, Josh Haynes, asking him to take care of her daughter. That was how Phyllis's family end

become the outside

ustin. As she stepped forward to leav

s concerned about you?" Dustin scolded

r to fake a smile. "My pho

omeone without just calling or texting these days? The whole th

y was ho

u, and you still refuse to acknowledge her kindness? Is it that difficult to show a little warmth

ant. "Go apologize to Phyllis. And from

ree and marched into the

ne arm thrown over her forehead as

r voice trembling with practiced concern. "Gabrie

ustion dulling her expression as she br

ly? Why the cold shoulder? Phyllis couldn't

nd apologetic. "Don't blame Gabriela, Dustin. She

t on Phyllis," he said, his voice low and defensive. "If you're upset, take it

, dazzling smile. "Oh, couldn't sleep? Sounds serious. Maybe get it checked o

is's face drained of color. Tears sprang to

feigned hurt. "You loved Dustin for so long-I get how much this must hurt. But

tation. "Gabriela, I never imagined you could be this

f sympathy. "Let's not be too harsh, Dustin. Poor Gabriela might never find another man as extraordinary as you. She'll

ust spent the night with someone like Brenden. She didn't li

is's level-she didn't have the en

oom and locked the door behind her, sh

d across her bed, staring at the ceiling as the whirlwind of the past

orries would keep her tossing and turning. Instead, exh

f the gloom like an old jacket, determi

ppeared at her side, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Did you hear the n

ts soared. "Wait

to smile on her. Things w

Naturally, only Mr. Moss could have arranged for his transfer." She added,

at for antagon

ved. She abruptly remembered she'd left some things

oice tense. "Do you know wh

to retrieve her things from him before Bren

office. He'll be gone any minute," Au

uick excuse, brushed past Aubrey, and ducked out of sigh

invested in h

air behind her. Gabriela's grip faltered

sley standing just inside the doorway. What o