Page 142 of Just Let Go

He studied her as if she were the only person there. “Am I dreaming?”

She smiled up at him, the kind of smile that made the rest of the world melt away, then sobered. “I was so stubborn and stupid.”

“I understand why you were upset.”

“No, it was wrong of me. My dad told me the truth about everything. And I was mad at him, too, but I know you didn’t tell me about my mom because you didn’t want to hurt me. She left without saying a word to me, and that does hurt. I know I may never understand all of the real reasons why she stayed away—why she didn’t fight for us—but none of that was ever your fault, and I’m sorry if I acted like it was.”

He reached over and brushed a stray hair away from her face. “Forgotten. I’m just so glad you’re here.” He pulled her into a tight hug, drawing in the scent of her, mapping the moment in his mind.

She pulled away and brought her eyes to his. “Are you nervous?”

He shook his head. “I’m ready.”

“I’m going to be here cheering you on—no matter what. And Jaden and Carly and my dad and everyone else are watching the race in the clubhouse at Cedar Grove. They’re all really excited for you.”

He gave her a nod. “I gotta go. You okay here?”

She smiled again. “Don’t give me a second thought. Go do what you came here to do.”

He leaned in and kissed her. “I could never not give you a second thought.” He walked off to where Happy stood and tried to get ready for the most important race of his life, a newfound hope bursting inside at the knowledge that the woman he loved was here to carry him through.

As soon as she saw him, all her hesitations about coming to the race floated away like driftwood on the lake.

Now she stood off to the side, puzzled by the scene in front of her.

“Quinn?” Happy motioned for her to come closer. She scooted through the crowd and stood next to him. “Grady wanted me to make sure you were okay. Said it might all get a little confusing to you.”

“Yeah, I’m not much of a skier.”

“He told me.” A grin from the muscular man, whose eyes were warm and friendly. “Look, I don’t know how you feel about the guy, but he’s changed, and I really do think we have you to thank.”

She shook her head and glanced up at the big screen in front of her, where she saw Grady at the top of the mountain. “I didn’t do anything.”

“You gave him something he’s never really had: a true, genuine relationship. He’s like a different guy. Humble, willing to learn. Yeah, he’s still got some rough corners, but he’s trying—he’s even asked me a few questions about God, and I never thought I’d see that happen.”

“Really?” Quinn had hoped—and prayed—that Grady might’ve finally made his peace with God. Could it be true?

“Yeah,” Happy said. “It’s good you’re here—he needs you, no matter what happens today.”

Quinn let the words soak in. She’d never really felt needed before—and she’d never let herself need anyone else. She had a feeling those days were over.

Risky as it was, it was worth it.Hewas worth it.

“Here he goes.” Happy squeezed her arm, and she turned her attention back to the screen.

“What does he need to do to qualify?”

Happy glanced at her, then looked back at the screen. “Technically third place or higher, but you know Grady—he needs to win.”

The realization sent a nervous chill down her spine, but her panic was short-lived. He took off like a shot just as a text came in from Carly. A photo of so many familiar faces gathered at the clubhouse at Cedar Grove. The caption read,Go Grady! Your Harbor Pointe family is cheering you on!

She wished it had come in a little bit sooner, because now she wouldn’t be able to show him until he finished.

She glanced up and saw him shoot down the hill, taking each jump with the relaxed coolness of someone who didn’t have a care in the world. He landed each one perfectly.

She leaned over to Happy. “He’s doing well, right?”

Happy’s laugh bubbled over. “He’s doing awesome!”

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