Page 246 of The Nanny and the Beefcake
She turned her attention back to her beefcake. “What are you fighting for?” she asked as the crowd melted away and all she could see was Raz.
“I’m fighting for you and for Sebastian. I’m fighting to make this world a better place. That’s what Meredith would want. She started the Cress Family Foundation. She wanted to help people live better lives like you want to help people through fitness and yoga.”
“Mibby!” Sebastian called, running onto the stage.
She fell to her knees and embraced the boy. “I’ve missed you.”
“I missed you, too. Did you hear the ‘Chicken Dance’ song?” he asked.
“I did,” she said, blinking away tears.
“That was my idea. Dad didn’t get to do it at my donkey birthday party, so we’re doing it here, with everybody in Denver and my new friends on the International Space Station.”
“It’s a catchy tune,” she answered through a teary chuckle.
“Every time we get a thousand donations, the band plays the song, and we dance. We’ve done it five times already. We’re doing this because of my mum and because of you. Because you both like making people happy and because my dad loves you like Beefcake loves Plum.” Sebastian glanced up at his dad. “Have you gotten to the good part?”
“I’m getting there, lad, but you’re stealing a bit of my thunder with your thoughtful words,” he teased.
“Mibby,” Sebastian whispered, waving her in.
“Yes.”
“You’re lucky my dad doesn’t fart like Beefcake.”
“I certainly am,” she answered, not sure if to laugh or to cry.
“Enough of that,” Raz said, taking her hands and helping her to her feet. He turned to his son. “You mind if I keep talking to Libby.”
The boy beamed. “Go on, Dad. That’s why we’re here.”
Raz gazed into her eyes. “I owe you an apology, and I want everyone we love and the entire world to hear it. I thought that winning belts and titles was the way to honor Meredith’s memory. But that’s not what mattered to her. I lost my way. I let pain cloud my mind. When I stood on the stage weighing in for the fight, I realized that I was going at it wrong. I’m a lucky man. Lightning has struck twice two times in my life. First, when I met Mere, and then here, in Colorado, with you.”
“What are you saying, Raz?” she asked, her heart swelling in her chest.
He brushed his knuckles down her jawline, caressing her cheek. “I’m saying that I’ve already won. I don’t need to win in the ring to know who I am. I don’t need the titles or the belts or the accolades. You were right when you said I had a choice. I do. And I choose you. I choose Sebastian. I choose to fight for love and honor you and Meredith, not with victories in the ring but with action here at home.”
“And where is home?” she asked, her voice a scrape of a sound.
“Wherever you are, plum.” He sank to his knee. “I’m trading one ring for another,” he said, tears in his eyes. He glanced at Sebastian. “Do you have it, mate?”
The boy pulled a small wooden box from his pocket. “Sorry, Dad, I was looking at the crazy crow flying above us in circles.”
A crow?
She looked up as the bird made another loop, then dropped something.
“Ouch!” Harper called, rubbing her head. “That bird dropped a rock on me.”
“Sorry H, but FYI,” she said. “I’m pretty sure that crow is the spiritual bird equivalent of my mom.”
Harper stared into the sky. “Next time, aim for Charlotte or Penny, Mrs. Lamb,” H grouched, then grimaced. “And so nice to see you. Have fun crowing out up there.”
Raz cocked his head to the side. “That’s your mum?”
“Her intention, her hope for me to find love. It’s a long story,” she said, smiling down at him. “But it’s a good omen, a blessing.”
“With your mum’s spirit with us, it’s only right that I tell you there’s one title I’m aiming for now,” he said, holding the little box in his hand.
