I watch as Tessa places a tray of beautifully decorated cookies on the coffee table. I begin to reach for one, but something else catches my eye. I notice a couple of wedding magazines spread out on the table. I start to feel sick when I realize Tessa is engaged.

"Do they not look good?" she asks, with sadness in her voice.

"What?" I ask, still distracted by the wedding magazines.

"The cookies. You were going to try one, but then you stopped yourself." She pouts.

"Oh, no, it's not the cookies..."

"Then what's wrong?" she asks as she sits down.

"I didn't realize you were getting married. Who's the lucky guy?" I reluctantly ask.

"What?"

"There's all these wedding magazines... You're engaged, right?"

"Oh, no! They're for work."

"Work?" I ask curiously.

"I own my own wedding planning business."

"Are you serious?" I ask, a little shocked.

"Yes." She smiles proudly.

"I thought you were in publishing."

"I changed to business when I went to NYU."

"How come?"

"It's a little embarrassing."

"You can tell me anything, Tess."

"Books reminded me of you, and thinking of you made me feel sad."

"Tess, I..."

"It's okay, Hardin. I love my work. I get to watch people vow to spend the rest of their lives loving each other. It's very satisfying to know you're helping to make that happen, especially after losing your own chance at love," she says and then looks away.

"Well, I'm happy you found something you can be so passionate about."

"Thank you."

"Are you seeing... anyone?" I ask, afraid to hear the answer.

"No," she says with a shy smile.

"That's a shock. I mean, have you seen yourself? How are men not falling all over themselves to get to be with Tessa Young?"

"Stop!" She laughs and it's the most beautiful sound in the world.

"Have you dated much since we last spoke?" I ask cautiously.

"I tried to date a guy I met while I was waitressing at a restaurant, but it wasn't serious and we didn't date very long. I was still in love with... you," she says quietly.

I know I'm an asshole, but I can't help but smile to myself knowing she hasn't really dated anyone else after me.

"You must be keeping yourself busy, though," she interrupts my thoughts.

"What do you mean?"

"You know..."

"I know what?" I ask, unsure what she's referring to.

"A different city, a different girl," she says with a fake smile.

"What?" I ask, more confused than ever.

"It's okay, Hardin. I didn't expect you to keep that silly promise about never loving anyone but me."

"But I did keep that promise."

"You did?"

"Yes. Where did you hear that shit, anyway?"

"A girl who was standing in line behind me said she heard that whenever you're in a new city, you invite a new girl, or sometimes girls, back to your hotel room for the night."

"Fuck. I knew she was trouble," I groan. "Tessa, there's been no one else."

"You mean you haven't loved anyone else?"

"I mean... I haven't loved anyone but you, I haven't slept with anyone since you and I haven't even thought of anyone else but you."

"Hardin... I... I... I'm not going to lie, that means so much to me."

"Tess, you don't have to answer, but have you—"

"There's only been you."

"Really?" I practically grin.

"I've only ever wanted to be with you in that way, Hardin. No one else."

"Tess, I've thought about that night so many times. All I've ever wanted was to be in that moment with you again."

"Me, too," she whispers.

"Tess, I hope you don't mind if I ask you something..." I say nervously.