Edge felt the beat of his heart picking up, pounding a painful rhythm inside his chest. “You’re right. It took me a while to figure things out. I’m in love with her. After we came back from your expedition in Mexico, the attraction I felt for her just kept getting stronger. I told myself to leave her alone, but it was impossible to do.”
“I could see how much she meant to you whenever the two of you were together.”
“I was just beginning to figure things out when I found out about Bradley Markham. It seemed like the time had finally come to clear my name, go back in the army, and get on with my life. But once I was back at Fort Campbell, I began to realize it wasn’t the army I wanted. It was Skye.”
Gage smiled. “I thought you’d figure it out—eventually. I’m a little surprised it took you so long.”
“I’m going to ask her to marry me, Gage. If she says yes, I won’t re-up. I’ll stay in Denver with Skye.”
A broad grin stretched over his brother’s face. “I should have known you’d come to your senses.” Gage stuck out a big, suntanned hand. “Congratulations.”
Edge ignored the handshake. “Not yet. I have no idea how Skye feels about me. I’m not sure she’ll say yes.”
“She loves you. She’ll say yes.”
But Edge wasn’t completely sure. Skye had a mind of her own. He might not fit into her plans for the future.
Gage checked the time on his phone. “Let’s go get that beer. A couple of drinks might help you get your courage up to propose to the lady you love.”
Edge nodded, hoping his brother was right.
It was dark by the time they reached the Fainting Goat. Trace was waiting near the front door with Conn.
“I got us a table in the backroom,” Conn said.
Edge followed him, less enthusiastic by the minute. He didn’t want a beer with his friends. He wanted to talk to Skye. He shouldn’t have waited.
He started to say he had changed his mind, when Conn opened the door to the backroom and stepped aside so he could look inside.
A cheer went up that echoed against the walls of the room. “Surprise!”
Jesus.Edge flashed a phony smile. A surprise farewell party. Just what he didn’t need.
He glanced around, saw that everyone he knew was there. Besides Trace and Conn, Morgan Burke and a couple of part-timers were there; Zoey Rosen and her boyfriend, Chad; Kade and his wife, Ellie; and Gage’s wife, Abby. Callie and her mom were there; Lila and her husband, Raul—a story he had heard from Trace over the phone.
He had to admit it made him feel good to know he had so many friends who cared about him. He glanced at Gage. “You knew about this?”
“I was sent to make sure you got here.”
Edge looked around the crowded room. “Where’s Skye?”
Gage followed his gaze and frowned. “She was supposed to be here.” He made another survey of the room. “I don’t see her.”
Edge turned to Conn. “Where’s your sister?”
“I don’t know. She said she was coming.”
Standing behind him, Trace tapped him on the shoulder. “You talked to her, right? You called her when you got to town?”
“No. I should have. I had things I wanted to say. I just wanted to get it right. But—” He pulled out his cell and hit her number. It rang straight through to voice mail. “She’s not picking up.”
“You screwed up, dude,” Trace said. “She knew you were in town. I figured you’d call. You owed her that much.”
Edge’s chest clamped down. He raked a hand through his thick black hair. “Dammit.” The last thing he wanted to do was to hurt Skye. He gave the room a final glance, and his stomach balled into a fist. “I’ve got to go. I’ve got to find her. Call my cell if she shows up.”
“Will do,” Trace said. “Good luck.”
Edge hustled out of the backroom, down the hall, and out the front door. He had no real idea where to look. He’d start with her apartment, but she could be anywhere. What was she thinking right now? That he didn’t even care enough to call her when he got back to the city?
