She hadn’t expected him at her bathroom door as she’d lain in the bath this morning. He had placed the designs on the sink counter, walked over to her, and sat next to the tub. He’d held her hand as they’d enjoyed the peaceful moment. By the time the hot water had turned lukewarm, Callum had let go of her hand and stood up. She’d tilted her head at him, and he’d kissed her forehead before telling her that he’d let her bathe. Once he’d walked out, she’d sat in the water until it had gone cold before she’d gotten out and changed.

Now, sitting on the couch, she watched him sleep. He hadn’t been himself since returning to her house, his smile never quite becoming full and his eyes filled in concern. When she’d asked him what was wrong, he’d blamed it on a mild headache and exhaustion with working on the designs so late.

Peyton removed the laptop from her lap and placed it on the blanket she had been using to cover her legs before approaching the fireplace. After picking up a log from the basket, she threw it in the pit and watched the flames inhale the wood.

Turning around, she got on her knees and started to pick up the pens around Callum. She was just able to see the design of the lakeside dance floor, but he was sleeping over most of the design. Slowly, she pulled on the piece of paper that was under his arm. When she got it out from under him, Callum opened his eyes and sat up. She couldn’t help but laugh at the startled look on his face.

“How long have I been asleep?” he asked, rubbing his eyes.

Placing the paper on the coffee table, Peyton said, “Not long. Few hours, I think. It’s almost two.”

Callum threw his head back and sighed. “Should have woken me. We missed lunch.”

“You looked like you needed sleep. I got work done and prepped everything for when my first guests arrive on Monday. I’ve been busy.” She smiled and picked up the creased design. “Is this for the lakeside dance floor for the wedding?”

She took in the design. It was beautiful. From what she could see, the dance floor would be an octagon. On the edges, small lights were to be placed in a cut in the wood, and in the middle would be a glass plate.

“You like it?” he asked.

Peyton couldn’t help the smile that developed on her face. “I love it.”

“That’s a relief. It’s not quite done yet. I need to modify some of the measurements and add an inner row of lights. I want posts outside of the dance floor where we can have lights above them while they dance. On the water, I was thinking floating lanterns. That way, it adds to the scenery. I think Marissa would like that.”

She could just imagine the bride and groom dancing after the sun had set. The way the lanterns would reflect on the water would be a perfect backing for photos. She couldn’t help the jealousy she felt. Marissa and Oliver’s wedding would be absolutely stunning.

“It is going to be beautiful, Callum. Thank you for this,” she said gratefully.

The concept was just what The Spencer-Dayle needed. It would be as beautiful as it had been when her parents had run the place. Callum Reid was her saviour.

Peyton frowned the moment she saw the sullen expression on his face. “What’s wrong?” she asked.

Callum scratched his head and his shoulders sagged. “I’m leaving Daylesford tonight.”

No.

Peyton held the design tighter, almost ripping it. She had expected him to leave sometime, but the breathtaking ache in her chest proved that she wasn’t ready for him to go. Their ending had caught up with them. He would be gone in a matter of hours.

She placed the paper in her lap and said, “Okay.”

She wasn’t sure what else to say, but her eyes had started to water. Blinking quickly, she gave him a smile. When she went to stand up, Callum grabbed her wrist to stop her and pulled her into his arms. He held her tight against his chest, and that’s when the tears she tried to prevent started to roll down her cheeks. She would now know a life without him.

Peyton wrapped her arms around his waist. It would be for the last time, and she’d memorise it and reflect on it later in life.

“It’s only for the rest of the weekend,” he said.

Peyton pulled back and stared at him. “What?”

Callum’s hands cupped her face before his thumbs wiped away her tears. “Tonight’s Oliver’s bachelor party.”

Relief poured through her. The end had once again been prolonged. She needed him for bit longer. Her heart wasn’t ready to let him go just yet.

“I thought...” she managed out before she shook her head.

“We have until the wedding,” he reminded her. Then he pushed back her hair and kissed her lips once.

“What time are you leaving?”

“I have to stop by my apartment before I see Oliver. I would need to leave town at about four.”

Her eyebrows furrowed. “That’s in two hours.”

“Yeah. I’m sorry. I’ve spent the week trying to tell you, but I thought I’d give you space. And then, well...” He stopped, referring to their confessions and the sex between them.

“I have you for two hours.”

He nodded. “You do. I’m at your mercy, Peyton Spencer. What do you want to do for two hours?”

The grin on his face had her rolling her eyes. Peyton stood up and looked down at him. “I’d like you to hold me for two hours.”

It surprised her to see his grin grow larger.

“I can do that. I want to do that.”

Callum stood up and threaded his fingers with hers. She peeked at and then smiled at their connection. Her heart approved of their hand holding with heavy beats against her ribcage.

“Bedroom or couch?” he asked with a raised brow.

“Couch,” she said, leading him to it.

He picked up her laptop and placed it on the coffee table. Her eyes stared at it sitting on the glass top. Her letter to herself was saved there. For a moment, she had believed that she was hours away from rereading it. Pushing the thought of the letter away, she took in his chin dimple that she loved. Callum tugged her onto the couch, and she placed her head on the cushion, lying next to him. Then he shifted and placed his chin on the top of her head, before he wrapped his arm around her body.

She felt his chest rise and fall against her back as she stared at her laptop. Less than two weeks. That’s what they had left. It would only be weeks until she read the letter she wrote. Weeks left of enduring the slow death of her heart.

“I’ll be back on Monday,” Callum said softly.

She held her breath. Déjà vu. In that one second, she was back in his arms in the forest. He had said the same words moments after she’d lost her virginity to him.

Knowing these were potentially the last moments they had together, Peyton closed her eyes. “Okay.”

Peyton stared at the calendar on her laptop. Tomorrow. He promised he’d be back tomorrow. But the doubt was still settled in her heart. She wouldn’t hold her breath. He had kissed her goodbye before he’d gotten in his car and driven away. This time, Peyton had watched. His kiss hadn’t felt final against her lips. But then again, if it had, she’d have ignored it.

Her phone buzzed and she reached for it immediately. The moment that she saw his name, a foolish smile broke upon her face.

Callum: Less than twenty-four hours, Peyton.

Peyton: Unless something happens.

Callum: Like?

Like you could be in an accident like my parents. Like you could find the love of your life at lunch.

Peyton: You might meet your future wife. If you do, stay with her. Spend all night with her. Make her laugh. Make an impression. Fall hopelessly in love with her. And most importantly, forget me. She will make it possible.