“That picture in my bedroom?It was taken maybe an hour before his death.Donovan Worldwide sponsored race cars back then.I wanted to drive one.So he put me in one.It wasn’t on the big professional circuit, but one down, with some other rookie drivers, like me.It was after qualifying, and not in my car, since mine only had one seat, but a car designed for a pro to take a passenger for a once-in-a-lifetime ride along.Someone else wrecked.I had nowhere to go.A tire got cut down, I went into the wall.The angle of impact…” He paused, took off his hat.“It was instant.”
“I…”
“I woke up in the hospital hours later.And when the doctor called for my mother when I asked where my dad was, I knew.I knew.”
“You don’t have to tell me this.”
“Yeah.I do.I was unconscious that day.And I’ve been that way since.It took your leaving to shake me up enough that I want to live.I owe Nathan for kicking my ass, encouraging me to look at the autopsy report.There was even a video.I’ve watched it six thousand times.”
Her heart was suddenly careening.
“I don’t deserve you.I’m probably going to be a little fucked up for the rest of my life.There will always be guilt.”
“I can’t imagine how there wouldn’t be.”
“Anniversaries of the wreck are always the worst.But if you’re willing to give me another chance, I vow to do my best never to shut you out, to be the man you deserve.”
“My God…”
He left the chair, got down on one knee and said, “Sofia McBride, make me the happiest man on earth.Marry me.”He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a box.He flipped it open to reveal a stunning marquis diamond engagement ring.
“I’m not sure what to say.”
“Start with yes.We can do anything from there.”
“I…”
He flipped the box closed then slipped it back in his pocket before standing.This close, at his full height, he overwhelmed the space and her.He put his hands on her shoulders and drew her to her feet.“Do you need a little convincing?”
His face was set in a determined tilt that made her nervous.
“What are you thinking?”she asked.
“Like that first night at Connor and Lara’s reception, you haven’t kicked me out.”
“True,” she whispered.
“You’re still here,” he continued.
She licked her upper lip.
His eyes were that ferocious gunmetal color that enchanted her, wouldn’t let her look away.
Before she knew what he was about, she was over his shoulder, grabbing for his waistband for stability.Even though she was laughing, she kicked.He trapped her legs with an upper arm and gave her buttocks one solid whack.“Let’s go have this conversation somewhere a little more private.Give me an opportunity and I will spend the rest of my life convincing you I’m worth a chance.”
“I think that’s a lascivious suggestion, Sir.”
“Sweet Sofia, I haven’t even gotten started.”
Epilogue
October
“Cade, really?We’re going to be late to our own party.”
He crossed his arms and regarded his wife, the beautiful Mrs.Sofia Donovan.“You shouldn’t have bent over.”
“For crying out loud, I was just putting on my boots.”She scowled.
