Page 39 of His Stubborn Girl

But I did hurt her. The light has gone out in her eyes. The glow in her cheeks has burned out. And she’s been suffering for weeks. Alone. And I couldn’t do anything about it.

“Nearly losing my life, I’ve come to realize that I’ve made a huge mistake. You and Torrin are my family. And whatever time I have left on this earth, I don’t want it to be spent without my kids. I can’t live with you thinking I hate you. Because I don’t. You two have always had good heads on your shoulders and I can’t imagine you came to this decision lightly.”

“We tried to stop it from happening.” I tried so fucking hard, but my heart knew what it wanted. “But she’s pretty special, and it was hard to stop the feelings from growing.”

He nods. His lips lifting ever so slightly. “She is special. And so are you. You know, when I fell in love with your mother, I knew I’d met my soulmate. I loved her so much. But she was taken from me, and I thought I’d never pick up the pieces of my heart and be able to go on. But then I met Sheryll. And she was able to bring me back to life, and even though I never wanted to betray your mother, to disgrace or replace the love we shared, I couldn’t stop my heart from falling in love. And now, I can’t imagine my life without her. I guess my point is that we can’t stop who we fall in love with. Me telling you and your…and Torrin not to be together is like someone telling me I shouldn’t be with Sheryll because it dishonors your mother. But I don’t believe that. Your mom wanted me to be happy. She told me on her death bed to go out and find love again. And without her blessing, I wouldn’t have done it. So, what I’m telling you is to go out and be happy. If Torrin is the one, don’t let the world stand in your way. And it may take time for us to adjust to the new family dynamic, but you have our support. We are a family and that will never change.”

The tears slip down my cheeks. His hands squeeze mine, feeding me strength. His blessing means more than he could know. He just freed the guilt and regret that’s been weighing me down. It’s not just about having his blessing, it’s knowing he doesn’t think I’m some kind of monster. That accusation nearly broke me.

“But I am going to say one thing, son. You should go home and shower before you get your girl, because you kind of stink.”

The laughter breaks through the tears. It has been a few days. I need a shower, a shave, and a plan. It’s not just about getting my girl back; it’s about making up for all the hurt and pain I’ve caused her.

30

Torrin

“Knock, knock!”

I turn to see him standing in the doorway of my room. My heart stops. He showered and shaved and looks heartbreakingly handsome.

“Is that the graduation present I got you?”

I look down, having forgotten I was holding it. I never opened it. Too worried it would be a reminder of what I could never have. It’s still unopened. Now, it will only be a reminder of what I lost.

“Yeah, I um… I had hidden it in my drawer after you left. I was trying not to want you more than I already did.”

“Open it, babe.”

I really don’t want to. But I don’t want to hurt him. He bought it for me because he cares. I slip the ribbon off, letting it drop to the bed. I lift the lid slowly like it might jump out and bite me. The air is taken from my lungs. It’s beautiful. A diamond and sapphire bracelet.

“This is too nice, Luke.” I know he has money. He’s been saving every penny from the sponsorships, but this looks like it cost a fortune.

“Nothing is too nice for my girl.” Those words wrap me in warmth, but they don’t have the same meaning anymore. Now, I’m just his stepsister.

“Thank you.” And as soon as he leaves the room, I’ll be tucking it back in its hiding place.

“Baby, look at me.”

“I can’t, Luke.” It’s too hard.

He steps forward, tipping my chin up with his finger. It hurts looking into his handsome eyes. The way they look at me makes me yearn to be back in his arms, him telling me how much he loves me. How lucky he is.

“I’m so sorry I hurt you, Torre.”

I try to pull away, but his hold tightens. I can’t hear another apology. It doesn’t change anything.

“Please, just let me say what I need to. And then you can decide?”

Decide? I lift my eyes, wondering what decision I have to make. Wondering if he’s going to offer a visitation schedule for our family. I take Christmas, he takes Easter.

“There are few things that I’ve ever been sure about. I’ve always known I wanted to be a professional football player.” And he doesn’t want to ruin his big future. He doesn’t have to explain. Deep down, beyond my broken heart, I know he’s right. Us being together creates complications, and I don’t want to ruin anything for him either. “And you.” The words rock through me. “I’ve never been more sure of the fact that you’re my girl. You’re the one I want to spend my future with, baby. You’re the one I want to wake up to every day. Marriage and kids—I don’t want them with anyone else.”

He slides down to his knees and my own nearly buckle.

“I have another present for you, babe.” He holds up a little blue box, and my eyes are nearly blinded by the tears. There’s a huge sparkly diamond ring sitting on the satin cushion. “This one is more of a gift for me. Because if you promise me your heart, it will be the best thing anyone has ever given me. Will you marry me, Torre? It doesn’t have to be now. We can wait until you’re ready. But when I’m in Dallas next year, I’d really like to know that no one’s going to try to take my girl from me.”

Dallas? Oh my God! “You got drafted by the Cowboys?”

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