“I had no idea you wanted to be on my team, son. None at all.”
“Yeah, well, you were too busy accusing me of ruining your daughter and cheating. And…” And I sounded like a loon myself. The past was the past. “Hear me. I love your daughter. And there’s a good chance I’m going to marry her. I mean, if she’ll have me. There’s nothing you can do about it this time. We’re adults.”
He cocked his head. “Alright. I understand.”
“And I’m not my father, although if someone were to tell me that I reminded them of him, I’d be honored. Not embarrassed. I’m sorry that he fell in love with your wife. I mean, if things hadgone differently, I wouldn’t be standing here confessing my love, but I had nothing to do with that.”
Now I had a freaking audience. Great. Including his wife.
“Say something, Bart.” Rebecca Sterling had her arms folded, her mouth pinched. “I already told Kenzie what happened back when we were in college. There is no reason for you to be carrying a grudge any longer. We are not twenty-two anymore. Grow up.”
He acted sheepish. “Fine. Yes, I get it. I was an idiot. I’m sorry. I just… I didn’t want anyone touching Rebecca. She’s all mine.”
“That much I can understand.”
The entire fucking smokejumping team was standing around listening in. If this ended up on the front-page news, I would be pissed as hell.
“Do it, Bart. They’re in love,” Rebecca chided.
The asshole was actually debating if that was okay by him. I almost walked away.
He threw out his hand. “Can you forgive me?”
“For years of being a stubborn ass,” she added, her face hopeful.
I stared at his hand for a few seconds.
“For years of being a stubborn ass.” His grip on my hand was firm.
I’d been ready to punch him, not shake hands. What the hell. I accepted the gesture, sighing when I did.
“You’re a good man, Stephen. I’ll be thankful to have your help with the rodeo.”
When he backed away, I groaned. “It’s Axe.” I glanced at the building again, wondering how things had gotten so off track.
“Not bad. I think I’m going to tell the captain your rage is cured.”
Laughing again, I dropped my head. Jameson was determined to keep me on the right track. “I’d appreciate that, brother. I really would.”
I noticed he backed away, holding up his hands. Well, shit. I had an audience and I could tell by the surge of electricity who stood inches behind me.
A few seconds later, I tipped my head over my shoulder. “And how long have you been standing there?”
“Long enough to hear that you love me.”
Hearing her voice brought a huge smile to my face. I turned around and as if in some stupid movie, the sounds around me faded. “You did, huh?”
“Yeah, I did.”
“Why aren’t you resting?”
“Because I needed to say a few things to the man who saved my life.”
“Like what?” I cupped her face, thankful she wasn’t injured. But she was hardheaded, Gina staring at us with clear chastisement lacing her expression.
“Like I wish I could take back some time.” She crowded even closer, brushing her fingers on my shirt. “You’re burned.”
“I’m fine.”
