The letter fell out of an old novel on a rainy Tuesday.
Emma almost missed it.
She had been cleaning her apartment, trying desperately to distract herself from the fact that tomorrow was Liam Carter's wedding day.
Not that she cared.At least that was the lie she'd been repeating for six months.
The cream-colored envelope slid onto the floor as she picked up a worn copy of Pride and Prejudice. Her name was written across the front in familiar handwriting.
Emma.
Just Emma.
No last name.
No date.
Her stomach tightened.She would recognize that handwriting anywhere.
Liam.
For a long moment, she simply stared.The envelope looked old. The corners were bent, the paper slightly yellowed.With trembling fingers, she picked it up.
She should throw it away.
She should burn it.
She should do anything except open it.
Instead, she tore the seal.A folded sheet of paper waited inside.The date at the top made her breath catch.
Three years ago.
Three years.
Before Olivia.
Before the engagement.
Before everything changed.
Emma began to read.
Emma,
You once told me that some feelings become too heavy to carry alone.I've been carrying this one for years.
I love you.
There. I finally wrote it.
God, that sounds terrifying.You're my best friend, and maybe I'm ruining everything by putting this on paper. Maybe you'll laugh. Maybe you'll never speak to me again.But I need you to know.I've loved you since the summer we were sixteen and you pushed me into the lake because I said your painting looked like a potato.
Emma laughed through a sudden tear.
She remembered.
The lake.
The terrible painting.
The way he'd chased her through the water afterward.
Her eyes moved down the page.
I love the way you overthink every decision.I love the way you smile when you're trying not to.I love that you pretend not to cry during movies even though you're the most emotional person I've ever met.
I love you.
And if there's even the smallest chance you feel the same, meet me at Riverside Park tomorrow at six.If you don't come...
I'll understand.
I'll never mention this letter again.
But at least you'll know.
- Liam
