“Come on . . .” I checked my phone. Now that airplane mode was off, seven texts from Faithcame through.
Faith: Where are you?
I had never meant to cut it this close. All I could do at this point was speed and hope I didn’t get caught. I rented a car at the airport and drove like mad.
Faith: Mar!!!! Stalling!!
Faith: Can’t stall any longer
Faith: Mar . . . we have to start the auction soon . . .
I sped as safely as possible. I should've planned better.
I got caught.
It was just outside of Hillsdale by Sheriff Max. “Mar, aren’t you supposed to be winning that lawyer of yours tonight?” His scruffy eyebrows pulled down.
I sighed in relief. “Yes! My plane was late and now I'm worried it will be over before I get there.”
He nodded. “This is serious,” he gasped. “I got you. Follow me.”
I never expected a police escort to help me get a date.Only in my town of Hillsdale! I smiled as I followed the lights to the B&B and parked in a lot full of cars. I had gotten a text from Faith that Scott was going up to the stage.
I jumped out of my car and started running for the barn, careful of the ice.
“Thanks Max!” I waved over my shoulder.
I made it through the doors in time to hear Betty Ann yell about auctioning Scott for a date. I watched Scott’s face turn from smiling to worry. This was perfect. I stared up at the man who had given up so much for me. I also loved this town. I spent so long trying to run away that I missed the goodness I had right in front of me. I reached Faith’s side and gave her a quick hug.
“Thanks for stalling.” I tried to catch my breath.
“You just about gave me a heart attack.” She hugged me back.
They were really bidding Scott up, although to be honest, I wasn’t sure if Ashley was here to help me, or if she wanted Scott for herself.
“Two hundred dollars going once,” Carol called. She winked at me. “Going twice . . .”
“Wait!” I hollered. All heads turned in my direction. “I have three hundred dollars, some animal shelter coupons, and a chance on forever.”
At the sound of my voice, Scott went rigid and frantically began scanning the crowd. I walked up the center aisle toward the stage and when his eyes found mine, I was home. A smile erupted from his face.
“SOLD!” he yelled as he jumped off the stage and rushed to me. I couldn’t contain my laughter as he picked me up and spun me in a circle in front of the whole town.
“I can’t believe you are here! I was worried you might not come back. Marissa, I'm so, so sorry. I?—”
I reached my arms around his neck and silenced his lips with mine. He kissed me back. I saw my future in that kiss. Whatever my future brought, I wanted Scott to be a part of it.
When he set me back down, we stood there, our foreheads touching as we held each other.
“Scott, I know I already told you I can’t have kids.” It was time. Time to trust and hope and love. Time to embrace every piece of me without guilt or shame. “And although this isn’t the life I expected, it’s still going to be a great one. And if you’ll give us a try, I still want to plan my future with you.”
Scott rubbed a stray tear from my cheek that I didn’t know was even there.
“Mar,” he whispered and pulled me into a tighter hug. “I’m sorry for your pain.”
I leaned into him for support. “Are you disappointed?” I couldn’t keep the tremble from my voice.
“Never.” I looked up at his eyes, searching for the truth. “Sure, I thought one day I might have kids.” He shrugged, and I deflated. He tipped my chin up to see his eyes. “But Marissa, I know what I can and can’t live without.” He kissed the top of my forehead, mysalty cheeks, and my lips. “I choose you, over and over again. I choose you and whatever life that comes with it. Adoption, travel, pets, chaos, flying pumpkins . . . anything. Marissa, you are my happiness.”
