“Along those lines, I want to ask you something.” He pulled out his phone. “Do you mind if I video ourconversation?”
She frowned. “If youmust.”
He tapped the record button as she finished fluffing herhair.
“You look lovely. Not even a hospital stay can change that.” He turned the lens on himself—flashed a grin—thenswitched it back to Kimberly. “I’ve given this a lot of thought…for a lot of years. You know how much I adoreAlexandra.”
“I do,” she said, with a smile. “And I tried to help you out every time she came home. But my sweet girl can be strong-willed,too.”
“She is and I love that about her.” Crockett paused. “Kimberly, I’d like to ask you for Alexandra’s hand in marriage. I’m waiting to pop the question, but I’d love yourblessing.”
Beaming, Kimberly said, “I’ve waited a long time forthis.”
“You and me both. I’m not sure she’ll sayyes.”
“If she doesn’t, she’ll have to answer to me.” They both laughed. “It means a lot that you asked me,Crockett.”
“I’ve loved our Goth Girl for a long time. Even time and distance couldn’t changethat.”
Kimberly patted his hand. “I know that,dear.”
“You have my word that I’ll keep her safe and make sure she knows how much I love her—every day. I’ll protect her and build a wonderful life withher.”
Through the tears in her eyes, Kimberly smiled. “I wholeheartedly give you my blessing. But you’ve had it from the very beginning. I wish you both a lifetime of love and laughter. Be good to each other and you’ll find that life is beautiful, even in the darkesttimes.”
With the phone still recording, Crockett sat next to Kimberly, placed himself in the shot, and kissed her on thecheek.
“Ooooh, a selfie,” Alexandra quipped as she breezed into the hospital room, but her red eyes were a clear indication she’d been crying. “What did Imiss?”
“Crockett doing what he does best,” Kimberly said. “Making mehappy.”
He flipped the camera on Alex. She blew him a kiss and he stopped filming. Kimberly said she needed to rest. After Alexandra promised to visit the following day, theydeparted.
As soon as they entered the busy lobby, she pulled him out of the flow of foot traffic. “Colton answered my questions for the first time, ever. I have you to thank for that. So, thank you.” After kissing his cheek, she stared into his eyes. “Her dying has become very real to me.” She choked back asob.
He pulled her close and hugged her, then kissed her forehead. “What really happened with yourmom?”
“There are several new tumors. The radiation treatment didn’t work. Neither did the chemo.” Tears slid down her cheeks. “How will I survive withouther?”
He cupped his hands on her shoulders and peered into her eyes. “Focus on the now. Because now is all wehave.”
28
Egomaniac
Just before seveninthe morning, Alexandra helped Crockett into his overcoat. “You. Go towork.”
“Are you sure?” he asked, caressing herbottom.
She dropped a light kiss on his lips. “Of course I want you to stay, but I’ve got to research No Man’s Land before calling RuthLizzard.”
“You’ll do great.” He stroked her arm. Even his simple caress sent tingles scurrying through her. “Her ego’s too big toresist.”
“I hope our plan works.” They walked hand in hand to the front door of the condo. “I’ll text you if there’s a change to Incognito’swebsite.”
“You’ve been worried about Sage, haven’t you?” He threw his laptop bag over hisshoulder.
“How’d youknow?”
