Page 152 of All This Time
Leaning closer to him, I make sure his eyes are locked with mine when I say these next words. “Listen closely because I’m only going to say this once. I’mdonewith you. I am done being your verbal and physical punching bag. I am done covering for you, feeding your fucking habit, and feeling sorry for you because I know that the game was the one thing that made you feel worthy, and you lost it before you were ready. But if there’s anything I’ve learned watching you, it’s that football isn’t everything.”
I glance over at Laney, her eyes brimming with tears as she nods, encouraging me to continue.
“You hit me, took out your anger on me, and Laney was the one who helped me heal. She iced my bruises, she cleaned up my cuts, and she’s the reason that I became the man I am today. Not you.”
A tear slips down my dad’s cheek.
“So here’s what’s going to happen. You’re going to get help, go to rehab, and publicly admit to the abuse and agree that I punched you out of self-defense, or I will never speak to you again.”
“Fletcher…” he croaks.
“Your hospital bills are covered, so don’t worry about that. But if you decide to call me when you get out of here, it had better be to tell me you agree to my terms, or kindly delete my fucking number and forget that I ever existed.”
He closes his eyes and turns his head away from me. When I look over at Laney, she’s smiling at me even as tears stream down her face.
I lead her out of the room. She hops up just enough to wrap her arms around my neck. “I’m so proud of you.”
I hold onto her like the lifeline that she is. “I’m shaking.”
“You’re okay. I’ve got you.”
My emotions overwhelm me. “The look on his face…” I mutter as my lips find her temple. Gratitude radiates from my chest as I hold onto her, squeezing her tight enough that I know she’s not going to disappear.
“He needed to hear it. If he genuinely loves you, he’ll do what he needs to do.”
“How can a parent hit their child?” I murmur, asking the question I’ve never been able to find the answer to. “How could he hit me and say he loved me at the same time?”
She leans back and holds my face between her hands. “I don’t know, butIlove you. You are the man who defined strength and determination for me. You’re the man I’ve measured all others against. Andyou’re the man I want to build a life with. I can’t wait to have our own children to love the way you deserved to be loved, Fletcher.”
Fuck. This is how I know this woman saved me—because she loved me even when I thought I didn’t deserve it.
“That’s why you’re my angel, Laney.”
“And I always will be.” Our lips meet and I take as much time as I need to gather myself while holding this woman in my arms.
When I glance down the hall, two police officers are waiting for me, as well as several reporters.
So, with my girl by my side, I tackle this next hurdle in my life, knowing I have her to lean on this time. And soon the entire world will know that this woman owns me—mind, body, and soul.
***
“Are you sure this is a good idea? I thought we were trying to keep a low profile after Saturday.”
Lifting Laney’s hand, I bring it to my lips and kiss the back of it, continuing to drive as fast as I can away from Blossom Peak. It’s Wednesday night, and since all of the wedding stuff is done and my father is still in the hospital for a while, I decided to surprise Laney with a night out, away from the rumors in town and the tension with my friends, but in a place that I know I can still have control over who sees us. Plus, I’ve waited twelve years to take this woman on a date, and I’m not waiting any longer.
“Angel, I’m about to show you how having money has changed my life.”
She rolls her eyes. “Look, I’m not naïve to the fact that you earn an eight-figure salary, Fletcher. But if you think acting like a pompous assand throwing it around will impress me, then you don’t know me as well as you thought.”
I glance over at her before focusing my eyes back on the road. “Look, I didn’t mean it like that. I’m just trying to reassure you that I can guarantee us some privacy tonight, all right? I have connections and the ability to spoil you, so I’m going to. Tonight means a lot to me, Laney.”
“Really? Why?”
“Because it’s our first official date and the last first date you’ll ever have.”
“What makes you think that?”
“Because you and me are endgame, angel. Plain and simple.”
