-

rror, his mind preoccupied with

s tie, his eyes gleaming with anticipation whi

d never really considered her feelings when he started dating Amy but now he

djusted his tie, his eyes meeting h

er as a fleeting image of Crystal's disappointment crossed

d across his face. As he heard Amy's voice , his e

e, one that didn't involve the com

hoed from downstairs and George

h a determined gaze, he told himself

s, his mind wandering back to Crystal. He f

-

r bedroom, discussing the re

urrowed with concern. "She's been through so much a

s he considered Sarah's words, hi

learing his throat

rcles on her palm. "She'll be fine" he said, his voice low.

wanted to say something more. Something about Crystal's past, about the

yes searching Edwin's face. "I mean, really happy

ve done what's best for h

ust wish she could find someone who truly

softened "We will he

on to something that's already slipping a

aces etched with concern and affection for

ories of Crystal's childhood. She recalled the way Crystal's smile

she remembered the countless nights she'd stayed up

-

low of the candles casting a golden li

ok of quiet purpose on his f

voice low and respectful, as he extende

as he took the parchment, his fi

lded the parchment, his eye

page, but one phrase caught h

e read the words. That's where she was – the

with possibilities. Ryder's fingers tightened around the par

see her, to

ce as he gazed at the invitation, his

she would react to his presence. But he couldn't shake off

s response. After a moment, Ryder lo

wedding," Ryder said, hi

face. "I'll make the necessary arrangem

group to accompany me. We'll need to be discreet,

pression serious. "I

He stood up, walking over to the window to gaze out at the night

his mind racing with possibilities. He couldn't wait to see her again. The t