Page 122 of Resisting Temptation (Men of Honor 3)
“Well it turns out we actually do agree on something.”
He smiles, but it fades quickly. “Have you been to see her yet?”
“No, but I plan to soon. I’ve had to take care of some stuff first but I’d appreciate it if you don’t tell her that I came here. I’d like to.”
He nods. “All right, just don’t wait too much longer, she misses you and she needs you.”
I try to push aside the guilt that threatens to rise again. “I won’t, and trust me I need her more.” I stand, then before I can think better of it I blurt out, “I’m going to ask her to marry me.”
He doesn’t look surprised. “Are you telling me or asking me?”
“I thought about asking you, but figured I should just tell you since it wouldn’t matter what you said because I’d ask her anyway.”
He smiles and nods. “Fair enough.”
I offer him my hand and he clasps it firmly. “I know I’m not good enough, but I’ll take care of her, I promise.”
“Obviously, as her father I think no one is good enough for her, but as a man, I will tell you, I think you are worthy of her.” His response surprises me; clearly the guy is as forgiving as his daughter. “But I should warn you, if you mess up again there will be no stopping my dad, and I won’t try.”
I nod, having no fucking doubt about that. “I won’t, and if I do, I’ll beat the shit out of myself.”
He chuckles then claps me on the back before walking me out. I drive away with only one last thing to do, and then, hopefully, Red will be mine.
CHAPTER 39
Faith
I watch Christopher pace back and forth nervously as we wait in the back of the church before my father calls us out.
“Oh man, Faith. I’m not sure I can do this anymore.”
I walk up to him then grab his shoulders, and pray he doesn’t notice my own hands shake from nerves. “Yes, you can. We are going to do this, Christopher, and we’re going to be amazing. Because together we make one heck of a powerhouse and you know it.”
He grunts. “Yeah, we make one heck of a team all right, especially sporting our matching, faded bruises.”
I smile. “It means we’re survivors, sport them proudly.”
“I’m proud to go out there with you.”
My heart warms, loving how much he has opened up to me in the last few weeks. My smile fades when he asks, “Have you heard anything from him yet?”
I become overwhelmed with sadness, my soul missing the man who promised to come back but I haven’t heard from in two excruciatingly long weeks. I shake my head and smile sadly.
“I’m sure you will hear from him soon.”
“I’m sure I will too,” I say with more confidence than I feel. The more time that passes, the more I start to doubt, although I try not to. I’m trying to stay positive and keep busy. The kids and I have had a lot to deal with, but we have also done a lot of healing together, so for that I’m grateful, but I wish Cade was a part of that with us, because I know he needs to do some healing of his own. I pray every night that I will wake up and he will be beside me. I have no idea how I managed to live without him for those two years after Iraq. I didn’t think he would be gone this long and I’m constantly wondering where he is, what he’s doing and, more than anything, if he’s okay. Sawyer tells me he is but I’d rather see for myself.
Alissa suddenly pops her head in the room, her eyes and sweet smile only for Christopher. “All right, we’re ready when y’all are.” She gives him a wink before disappearing again.
I inhale a nervous breath of my own, and look back at Christopher. “Well, are you ready?”
“Nope, but I’m going to do it anyway. I just pray Alissa still thinks I’m hot after this.”
I giggle. “She’s going to find you even sexier, I just know it.”
He smirks, “Well I am pretty irresistible.”
I grab his hand and smile softly. “Yes, you are. I love you, Christopher.”
He clears his throat uncomfortably and says, “I love you too. Now let’s get this over with before I back out on you.”
My heart warms that he said it back. Now if only I could get the other man I love to say it back. Then my life would be complete. I push aside my sadness and walk toward the stage of the packed church. I pray this turns out exactly how I have planned.
*
Cade
My stomach churns and my heart pounds in my chest like a fucking jackhammer as I stand outside and stare at the small, white building. When my palms begin to sweat so bad that I have to wipe them down the front of my jeans I want to punch myself. “Come on, Walker, quit being such a pussy, it’s just a building for fuck’s sake.” With that little pep talk, I get my ass moving before I can back out, and walk into the one place I never thought I would ever enter again after my sister died.
The entire church is packed and silent except for Faith’s father preaching at the front. I close the big, heavy wooden door softly and stand off to the side so I don’t draw attention to myself, but it turns out I don’t go unnoticed.
“Tade!” The loud, excited whisper comes from the center of the room, where I look to see Ruthie crawling over a bunch of people, all of them Faith’s family and our friends. They help her across and put her on the ground before she runs toward me.
I smirk at the white dress she’s wearing with the black beanie and pick her up before she slams into me. I pull her in close as she hugs me tightly, her tiny body trembles against me from her tears. “I’ve missed you so much, big guy.”
