Not only did I find the most incredible man, but I discovered a group of friends who have become more like family. “I hope they’re not going to replace me,” Jaz confessed a few months ago, half-joking, half-serious.
“Never,” I assured her. “You’re my best friend. That’s never going to change.”
I have two jobs I love, and I feel more fulfilled than I ever have before.
Both men who wanted to hurt me are gone for good. First Ken, and then, six months ago, Dario, who ironically died of arealheart attack right in the middle of the prison cafeteria.
It’s a blessing, in my opinion. Now the people affected by his sadistic plays will never have to worry about him coming after them again. The actors who survived—all the ones I was with, even Paul and Hector—can hopefully move on. The families of the victims Dario preyed on, using their youth and dreams of success to draw them into a deadly trap, can finally get closure.
As for me? My nightmares have diminished from daily to weekly, to maybe once or twice a month at most. I can walk through downtown Williston without jumping at sudden noises. I’m not scared to be alone anymore.
And I didn’t let him win. I didn’t let either of them win—KenorDario. Because I’m still here. Still making magic, like I’d always dreamed. And now I know I’m so much stronger than I ever thought I was.
Yes, a lot can happen in a year. Some of it terrible, and some the complete opposite. But it’s like I’ve talked about with Eden and Bea. If it hadn’t happened, we might not be where we are today. And where we are now is pretty great.
“We’ll be landing in a few minutes,” Webb says, interrupting my silent tangent. “There might be a bump or two when we land. So don’t be scared if it happens.”
Patting his arm, I reply, “I’m not worried.” Then I turn my attention back to Mount Hood again. The plan isn’t to land near the summit—too risky if you’re with me,Webb explained—but at a trail shelter on the way up. There, we’ll have a picnic to celebrate our first anniversary, followed by a pass overthe summit before heading back home. Tonight, we’re going to have a nice dinner at Frolicking Goats, the new farm-to-table restaurant in Williston. And after?
Well, I think I might ask Webb to take control again. And I’ll wear the new, sexy lingerie I bought, just for the occasion.
I smile to myself at the mental image it brings. Webb coming up behind me, palming my breasts through the lacy fabric, one hand moving between my legs, his erection jutting hard behind me…
Heat blossoms in my belly. My core squeezes.
“Get ready,” Webb says. “I’m taking her down now.”
I look out the side window as the ground moves towards us. With it being summer, the grass is still green, spotted with clusters of yellow and purple flowers. The grass rustles from the wind created by the propeller. Several small pines nearby bend slightly in the breeze. And above that, Mount Hood rises into the horizon, still covered with patches of snow.
The helo bumps once before settling, and Webb makes a face at the controls. “Little crosswind at the end,” he grumbles.
As he powers down the engine, I reach behind us to grab the picnic basket. Once the helo is quiet, he takes the basket and unclips my harness, then kisses me on the cheek. “Don’t get out yet,” he says. “Wait here until I come get you. Okay?”
“Okay.” I kiss him back. “I’ll wait.”
But Ithoughthe meant for me to wait just long enough for him to come around to my side of the helo. Not for me to sit here, five minutes on, wondering what he’s doing.
Setting up the picnic,my inner voice of logic explains.He’s trying to make it romantic. And having you help set everything up isn’t.
Or,my heart whispers,maybe he’s setting something else up. Something you’ve been thinking about for months.
Nervous flutters fill my stomach. Would he? Today? Here?
And if he does, would I say yes?
I snort quietly to myself at the lunacy of my question. Of course I would. I would have said yes six months ago, if Webb had asked.
But today? Could he?
“Okay, gorgeous,” Webb says from beside me. I’m so deep in my thoughts, I jump in surprise. He immediately looks contrite. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“You didn’t.” Taking his hand, I let Webb help me from the helo and onto the ground. “I was just thinking, that’s all.”
His eyes crinkle up as he smiles. “Good things, I hope.”
“Definitely good things.” I put my other hand on his shoulder for balance as I kiss him. “Great things, really.”
“Well, I hope this is one of them.” Webb leads me across the grass to a picnic blanket set up a short distance away.
