“Whoa, that’s so cool,” Providence said. “You know, you have to be in great shape to do that. Oatmeal is a very healthy food.”
It took a little convincing, but Providence got Sammy to eat her oatmeal.
“I should get dressed, then I’ve got to work on our case,” Providence said after breakfast.
“Not today,” Dakota replied. “Today, we’re spending the entire day playing, right, Sammy?”
“Yay!”
“Dakota, I feel like I’m one step behind Detective Beeker. I need to—”
“You need to spend the day with us.”
Sammy hurried out of the room.
“Where are you going?” Dakota asked.
“To get dressed for our day.”
“Your day starts with karate.”
Spinning around, she scowled at him. “I don’t want—”
“Karate?” Providence asked. “I wouldloveto watch you in class. Can I come with you?”
Still scowling, Sammy stared at her.
“I’m so impressed that you study martial arts,” Providence said. “That’s the coolest thing ever.”
The frustration in Sammy’s eyes faded and she bolted from the room.
“Headed upstairs to put your gi on?” Dakota called.
“Yes,” Sammy replied as she raced up the stairs.
Dakota drew Providence into his arms and kissed her. Holding her close, he peered into her eyes. She was his missing piece, the woman who would complete his family. “I’ve been drowning for so long, I’d forgotten what it feels like to breathe.”
“I feel like I’m failing you, but you went out of your way to buy me flowers and a beautiful necklace.” She caressed his cheeks. “I don’t deserve this.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. You do. You definitely do. We both adore you, Providence.”
Her joyous expression touched his soul.
“I love you,” she said, with conviction. “I love you both.”
“I loveyou…so damn much.” Dakota kissed her and she clutched him so hard, he felt like she would never, ever let him go. Hope took root. Could this amazing woman be his forever?
“I explained to Sammy that you mean a lot to me,” Dakota said. “I’m not sure how much of this she’s grasping, but I trust you. I trust you completely.”
Providence’s eyes misted. “That means more to me than any present you could ever buy me.” Then, she shot him a little smile. “But that doesn’t mean I’m giving you back the necklace.”
After karate class, Providence took Sammy into a changing room and helped her out of her gi and into her pants and shirt. In the car, Dakota said, “I’ve got a surprise for you two.”
“What is it?” Sammy asked.
“Samantha, you want to be a race car driver, and Providence, you said you would love to take lessons at Summit Point, so we’re going to Summit Point Motorsports Park in West Virginia to watch a few races today.”
Sammy clapped her hands. “Does Provi get to race?”
