The next couple of days were kind of surreal for Lacey. Sunday night she'd made the decision to call off the wedding but she now had the hard task of breaking the news to Julian. He left town for a business trip on Monday but was due back in town tonight in preparation for the wedding rehearsal and dinner on Friday. With it being Wednesday, she still didn't know how she would begin the conversation with Julian, but the only thing she knew was that it needed to be done. Adding to her stress was the unfortunate fact that her and Danny hadn't talked since he asked her to leave his hospital room on Sunday. She only knew that he was released yesterday and going home with Sam for a couple of days.

The only person that knew there wasn't going to be a wedding was her father, who was pressuring her to hurry up and tell everyone. Fortunately, Jo and Rico were joining her, Clara and their mom for breakfast, so she decided that's when she would tell them as a group.

"You're awfully quiet for a bride to be," her mother said as they sat at the kitchen table. "The wedding is in 3 days. This is supposed to be a happy time."

"Mom, I'm sure everything that's happened with Danny would make this less than a happy time. It's understandable if she's anything but happy right now," said Clara coming to her sister's defense.

"I'm sorry sweetie. I know how much Danny means to you. We're all happy he's okay. If it wasn't so close to the wedding date, I'd suggest postponing it until he's 100% healed." Judy said.

Judy was the only one at the table who didn't know Danny was no longer invited to the wedding. Lacey had never came to her mom about certain problems in her life simply because she was always busy with work, but she had always wished things were different. "Well that's kind of what I wanted to talk to you guys about." She took a deep breath and continued. "I've decided to call off the wedding."

Everyone fell silent but soon Jo spoke up. "I think it's safe to say we're all surprised by this announcement. You've just been so sure that marrying Julian is what you want. Why the sudden change of heart," Jo asked already suspecting it had a lot to do with Danny almost dying.

The only people she felt she owed a detailed explanation were Julian of course but also Danny because her decision was also about him. Everyone else would get a half truth. "Julian and I want different things," she said. "As cliche as that sounds, it's the truth. I possibly want to start a family within the next three years and he might not want that. He's taken on a bigger position in the Ashford Hotel business and he's traveling a lot but I'm going to medical school. Things are never going to work between us."

"Well, does Julian know about this? Is that really why he's not here right now?" Clara asked.

"No he doesn't. I'm going to talk to him when gets home later this evening. He's not going to take it well so I just really needed to tell you guys first to know that I could do it."

"Well I told you a few weeks back that I support whatever decision you'd make regarding this wedding. You have to do what makes you happy," said Jo. "I'm sure we all agree." Just then Jo grabbed her stomach and winced in pain. Everyone rushed to her side and she realized that it was just the baby kicking. "See," she said, "Even the baby agrees."

"I guess my godchild knows best," Lacey said while laughing. It felt good to be smiling after the weekend she'd had and it felt even better to have the support of her family behind her.

Soon after breakfast, her mom left for work so it was just her, Rico and Clara. "I'm sure you guys— especially you two," she said while pointing at Clara and Jo, "are wondering if I'm going to tell Danny."

"Well the thought has crossed my mind," said Jo smiling.

"I'm just glad you came to your senses. I thought he was going to have to do the thing like in the movies where the minister asks does anyone object and the dude bursts into the church and says how much he loves the bride," she said jokingly.

Lacey laughed, remembering how much she loved parts like that in movies, but she doubted that would've happened with Danny. "He can't even stand the sight of me so I don't think we would've had to worry about that," she said positively. "But anyways, of course I'm going to tell him that I'm no longer getting married, but not until I'm ready. That's why I need your promise that you guys won't say anything." she said. Knowing how close they all were, she wouldn't be surprised if either one of them had already texted him the news.

"You have my promise," said Rico, who she wasn't particularly worried about.

"Well seeing as how I blew up at him for the way he treated you at the hospital, you don't have to worry about me either," she said.

Lastly Clara said, "My lips are sealed."

"Thanks guys, your support means a lot," said Lacey. They all continued talking, mostly about the future and Lacey wondered if Danny would be included in hers. Right now, they weren't on speaking terms but she hoped he would at least try to forgive her and be friends with her.

Lacey sat in a booth at Johnny Cakes transfixed by the environment around her. People laughed and ate with their kids. For a second, she imagined Danny behind the counter showing their kid how to bake one of Johnny's fresh pies. She smiled at the thought of a family with Danny—at a life with Danny. It was the most natural feeling in the world. She wasn't scared by it and neither did she feel a pang of guilt. Sure she was still engaged to Julian but it didn't change the fact that she was still in love with Danny. It never did—she knew that now.

She was pulled out of her thoughts by Sam who'd joined her in the booth. "Hey Lacey, It's really good to see you," said Sam.

"Hello Sam. Thanks for taking the time to talk to me. I know you must be busy with being interim boss."

"Thank god it's just temporary. I couldn't take doing this every day. I don't see how Danny keeps this place together."

"He's a hard worker—always has been." She paused and continued, "I also want to think you for texting me about his release… Um how is he?" Lacey asked. She contemplated asking Sam about Danny's condition but she couldn't stand not knowing how his recovery was going.

"And here I thought you wanted to talk about our friendship or lack thereof," said Sam laughing. She realized how nervous Lacey was and she grew a serious tone. "Honestly, he's just trying to recover as quickly as possible so he can come back to work. He misses this place. It's all he got."

"Has he—has he talked about me?" she stammered out. She already knew the answer to the question but she was hoping maybe she was wrong.

"No. It seems that he's not only recovering from a bullet wound but also a broken heart. I guess he's trying to find a way to move on without you." When Lacey didn't say anything, Sam continued. "Do you love him?"

Lacey was caught off guard by the question and even more caught off guard by her truthfulness with Sam. "Yes. So much that it hurts," Lacey admitted.

Sam smiled at Lacey's admission. "I don't mean to tell you what to do with your life but I don't think you should marry that other guy."

"I know. That's why when Julian comes home tonight; I'm going to tell him that I can't marry him."

"Finally," Sam said. "You remember that day you first came into the diner and I gave you a dirty look?" Lacey nodded remembering that day well because she mentioned it to Danny. "Well it was only because I knew that he loved you but I also knew that it would break him if you didn't feel the same. I just didn't want to see him like that again."

"What do you mean again?"

"I mean Florida and how he would talk about you endlessly. How much he loved and missed you. How it hurt that he had to walk away from you. He was really upset that you guys stopped writing and talking. He was feeling pretty bad for quite some time. And as far as dating—there wasn't a girl in Florida who could replace you. He only hung out with me and that's because I already had a boyfriend. He didn't have to worry about me fawning over him."

"So you're telling me he hasn't dated anyone since me?" asked Lacey in disbelief.

"I'm sure he's probably had some casual hookups but a real relationship? No. He told me he could never love anyone the way he loved you."

If anything, what she just learned only added to her guilt about her current situation with Danny. She couldn't believe she felt guilty for being happy with Julian in front of him this past summer. But one thing she could assure Danny is that she too would never love someone the way she did him. "I don't know how to fix things. He won't even talk to me," said Lacey hopelessly. "And even if I did tell him how I felt, it probably wouldn't change anything. He's moving to Florida and then he'll be gone for good." Lacey was confused by Sam's sudden outburst of laughter. "What's so funny?"

"The idea of Danny back in Florida, that's what. Where did you get an idea like that?

"He told me—well he said he was thinking about moving there. And getting his degree to become a teacher," Lacey explained. "He sounded pretty sure so I'm positive he'll be joining you in Florida before the year is out."

"That part is true. He is going back to school," Sam confirmed. "…But here in New York. He's been accepted to NYU already and he starts next month. I don't know why he would lead you to believe he was even thinking about living in Florida again. He hated it there. And he couldn't wait to come back here."

"Oh," said Lacey feeling like a fool for believing him because that's exactly what he wanted. It was another bluff to get her to realize she didn't want to be without him. And it worked.

"So, now that you know he's not going anywhere, what's your plan now?" asked Sam. "Are you going to talk to Danny?"

"I want to but I'm not going to force him to hear me out. I hurt him pretty badly," said Lacey. Once again she was regretting all the time she wasted not being honest with herself and him.

"He's just being stubborn right now. He'll come around," said Sam positively.

"You really love him don't you?" asked Lacey. "I mean as a friend," she clarified.

"How can I not? He's the best friend I've ever had and more importantly the best father figure Jag has ever had. I hope things can stay the same between us. I'm not worried though. But what I am worried about is his happiness and I know that you make him happy."

Out of all people, she never would've thought Sam would've been able to make her feel less crappy about hurting Danny. "Thank you for everything you've said and told me. I regret not getting to know you better."

"Well I didn't exactly try to make friends with you either but I'm glad we had this talk."

Lacey figured she'd better get to the airport to pick up Julian. She hugged Sam and wished her a good luck on her move while Sam assured her things would work out with Danny. She wanted to believe that but truthfully she was scared the damage had already been done.

…

Lacey was helping Julian unpack some of things while he talked about the highlights of his business trip. With every second that passed, she grew more scared to tell him that she no longer wanted to marry him. She had been trying to predict his reaction and each one was worse than the last.

"Sweetheart, where are you right now?" asked Julian trying to capture Lacey's attention. "You're acting strange and you were quiet in the car."

"I know. I um— I just had long day that's all."

"I could give you a massage," he said while walking towards her.

She stepped away making him more suspicious than he had been before. "I don't need a massage. I'll be fine," she said. When she heard the front door upstairs, she told Julian she'd be right back. Whoever was upstairs would be the person to give her the pep talk she desperately needed. Lacey got upstairs and half expected to find Clara but instead she found her mother.

"Hey Lacey, you don't look so—" Judy Porter was silenced as her daughter rushed into her arms and started crying. She rubbed her back while holding her tight. "Come, let's go upstairs." Once they were in her room, Judy closed the door and went into her bathroom to get her daughter some tissue. She waited patiently until her daughter was ready to talk.

"Mom I can't do it. I can't tell Julian that I'm not going to marry him," Lacey admitted.

"What do you mean you can't do it?" Ms. Porter asked her daughter.

"He's going to hate me. I just don't like letting people down," cried Lacey.

"Sweetie you can't worry about that. He's going to hurt and so are you. It's isn't about letting anybody down. It's about your happiness and if he isn't the person who can make you happy, then marrying him isn't right."

"I know—I just…You know what? You're right. I can't worry about him hating me. I need to do this now," she said standing.

"Do you want me to come with you?" asked Ms. Porter.

"As much as I'd like that, I need to do this alone. Thanks mom," said Lacey in a low voice. Before leaving, she turned back towards her mom. "Can I ask you something mom?" Judy nodded and she continued, "Are you angry with me for not wanting to marry Julian? It's just that earlier you were quiet and you left for work so we didn't get to talk. Are you disappointed in me?" asked Lacey.

"Of course I'm not angry or disappointed with you Lacey. Yes, I was excited that you had finally found someone to be happy with. And I was looking forward to your wedding but I could never be angry with you for not wanting to settle. I'm proud of every single choice you have made in life so far and that will never change," she said with a smile.

"I love you mom," Lacey said while wiping away her tears. She had no idea how much she needed to hear her mom say that and it gave her the strength she needed to go talk to Julian.

As she got back downstairs, Lacey was curious as to why Julian seemed to be packing clothes instead of unpacking like he had been before. "Taking another business trip?" Lacey asked as she stood with her arms crossed.

"No," he said with an icy tone as he continued to put his clothes in his luggage.

"Well then why are you putting clothes in suitcases?" she asked worriedly.

"I'm leaving," he said.

She gathered that from him packing but she was still confused by the scene that was in front her. "Going where?" she asked nervously.

"Away from here," he said giving her another short answer. It was clear that he was pissed off but what about?

His evasiveness was really starting to annoy her so she decided she wouldn't be so nice with her questions anymore. "Look Julian your 2 word answers are starting to piss me. Tell me what's going on. Are you leaving for the night or are you leaving me?" she asked genuinely worried of his response but she didn't know why when she was about to do the same thing.

"You're pissed with me? I'm the one who should be pissed," he said while slamming the drawer. "You've been leading me on for god knows how long and you're pissed with me?" he asked again.

"What are you even talking about Julian?"

"I'm talking about your decision to call off this wedding and telling people you were doing so without talking to me first. Did you think you think you were marrying yourself?"

So he knew, she thought. He knew that she didn't want to marry him anymore, but how? "Who told you?" Lacey asked.

"Your father told me," he said. He watched her confused expression so he clarified his statement. "As in he told me through a text—that he sent to your phone 5 minutes ago."

She grabbed her phone and scrolled though her messages. And there it was on the screen

Dad

Have you told Julian that you're calling off the wedding yet? Call me soon! Love You.

She looked up at Julian who was waiting for her to explain the text. The words of encouragement from her mom slowly meant nothing as she felt like she was about to enter World War 3 with Julian. "First of all, you shouldn't have went through my phone and second—"

"It doesn't matter if I read your text or not but it was only because I knew you were keeping something from me. Turns out, I was right. And probably not just about that either," he said.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"I'm talking about Danny. Is he the reason you're doing this?" he asked.

"I don't know—"

"Don't pretend like he has nothing to do with this!" he shouts interrupting her again. "Please Lacey. If I meant something to you, you'd give me the truth."

Lacey knew he was right but she didn't want to make their breakup about Danny. "Fine…Yes, he's partially the reason why I can't marry you. I've been lying to myself about my feelings for him and I don't want to do that anymore." She inched closer to him and was surprised that he didn't back away. "But if you can just think for a second about everything, do you honestly think we would've worked? Sure maybe for a couple years but what about 20 or 30? Or when I decide I want to have a baby? We're a lot alike yet different at the same time and I'm just sorry it took me until now to realize that."

Julian fell silent as if he was digesting everything Lacey had just said. "So you mean to tell me that after I leave you're not going to run over to Danny's and fall into bed with him," he said.

Lacey was disgusted by his statement and even more disgusted that he was letting his pride keep him from realizing the truth in everything she'd just said. "Did you not just hear me? I said Danny has little to do with it. We aren't even speaking. So to answer your question, no I'm not going to his house. I'm going to wake up tomorrow and not feel bad about the way things have happened because regardless of us breaking up, you will always be important to me. You saved my life and I can never forget that. I just want us to end this relationship on as good terms as possible." She realized how foolish that sounded but it was the truth.

"Good Terms huh?" he asked. The pain and betrayal was clear in his voice and he looked as if he wanted to punch a wall. "The only good term we're ending on is that no one is to think that you left me. Clearly, I packed my bags and was about to leave you. Don't worry about canceling anything since I paid for most of it. I'll make all the calls and you just worry about getting yourself cleared from the apartment in D.C." Before he left, he turned to look at her and said, "You know they warned me. My family, that maybe you didn't want this. Like a fool, I assured them of the opposite." With that, he left the room.

Lacey sat on the edge of the bed with her face in her hands. She had no idea Julian could be so callous least of all towards her. He wasn't the man who saved her from her dangerous situation almost 3 years ago but she didn't doubt he that was somewhere inside of the angry man who just left. She had hoped they could work their way back to being friends but she didn't anticipate that happening anytime soon, not with him or Danny.

Pretty long huh? So so sorry for the wait! Wont waist time with excuses but I have to make this an extra chapter longer so now it's 2 more instead of one. And the wait won't be long. Thanks for continued interest and patience. xo