The silence of the house closed in around Leah, surrounding her with new questions. What just happened, and what would Trev think of Allison’s visit? Had he given her his blessing? She wished she’d asked.
And what about the money? Leah searched herself. She had decided to take the gift but replace Trev on the account with her father. But now, she wasn’t so sure. One thing was certain: there was no way she could stay connected to Trev if he didn’t belong to her. Just being in Allison’s company was exquisite in both its joy and suffering. She loved the nearness of someone from Trev’s family and being able to speak of him in the present moment, but with Allison’s departure came heartrending recollection of their breakup. All the healing she thought she’d done in the last month, ripped out like poor stitching.
She moved to the couch and sank into its cushions. Could her and Trev’s love be resurrected? Fragile peace was her answer. Yes, it was possible, because it had never really died. But first, she needed to talk to her parents.
Chapter 33
Leah sat on the front porch straining to see down the street while drumming her fingers on her thigh. Her parents were due home any minute. She had decided to accept Trev’s financial gift and possibly renew their love, but she wanted to talk with her folks before contacting Trev. She sat back and tried to sort out the jumble of words that were tied up in her head along with her worry and hope. What if her parents disapproved of her decision to take Trev’s gift? Maybe they wouldn’t like the idea of her rekindling her romance with him either.
She took a deep breath and let it out, promising herself she’d be open-minded to whatever they had to say.
Her father drove up first, parking behind her VW. Her mother followed seconds behind and pulled beside Leah’s car. They greeted her with a smile and a hug.
“Dinner is on the stove, and I’ve turned off the burner,” she told them as they made their way up the walk. “But there’s something I need to tell you before we eat.”
Together, they sat on the front porch, facing the tree-lined street dappled with sunshine. Leah’s nerves sparked under her skin like firecrackers.
The three of them settled on the porch. An evening breeze whispered through the trees, but Leah didn’t notice.
“What’s going on?” her mother asked. “You look like you’re about to jump out of your skin.”
Leah shared with her folks her phone conversation with Paige and then told them the details of Allison’s visit. She was timid at first, but once she began, the words tumbled from her with animation.
Her father gave her a wary look. “Something tells me this isn’t the end of the story.”
“No,” Leah said. Now for the hard part. “A month ago, Trev visited me and offered to pay for part of my schooling. Even though we weren’t together, he still wanted to help.” She took a deep breath. “I’ve decided to take him up on his offer.”
Her father shook his head, but Leah cut him off. “There aren’t any strings attached, and it’ll mean the two of you won’t have to work so hard.” She talked fast in hopes of convincing both of her parents. “You’ll be able to be more available for Sophia and Gina.”
A look passed between Leah’s parents.
“We appreciate the thought,” her mother started.
Her father took over. “But we don’t need his money. So far, we’ve managed without his help. I think we can figure it out from here.”
Leah needed to tread lightly. “I have no doubt that we’d make it work. But he’s sincere in his offer. I won’t touch the money until I’m in med school, so if things go south within the next year or so, we can return it.” She paused. “I’ve given this a lot of thought, and I’ll still work as an RN, but I won’t need to take another dime from you.” Her voice softened. “It’ll be easier on everyone.” She looked down at her hands folded in her lap. She chose her words carefully even as her pulse raced. “There’s more. On the day he told me about the account, he also asked me to come back to him. He wanted us to get back together.” She looked into the faces of her parents; careworn and lovely, praying they’d understand Trev’s sincerity and her deepening love for him.
Her father’s face tensed. “Is this what you want?”
Leah’s heart leapt at the possibility. “More than anything.”
The color drained from her father’s face. “Is it because of the money? I won’t have you sell yourself to the highest bidder, Leah.”
Leah vehemently shook her head. “No, Dad. I love him.” She leaned forward and took her father’s hands in her own, her voice softening. “You know this. We talked about it the other day.”
Her mother’s eyes darted to her father with a look of warning.
Her father took a deep breath, his answer measured. “I know you’ve missed him, but he’s not our kind, Leah. The fact that his sister even had to come here with her apology makes that clear.”
Leah understood her father’s worry. Was there a way she could navigate it for both of them? “I know, Dad, and you’re right. Trev and I are cut from different cloth, but I love him. And if I don’t try to make this work, I’ll always regret it.”
Her father squeezed her fingers before releasing them to sit back in his chair. “I know a little something about regret,” he replied. He gave a small laugh. “All your life, I’ve tried to save you from making the same mistakes I’ve made, but I’ve never considered how my effort might force you into making new mistakes not of your choosing.”
Leah brightened with cheer. “Yes. You understand.” She leaned forward, reaching for his hands once again. “Dad, I choose Trev. And I choose you.” Whispers of an earlier memory came to Leah when she’d been fifteen and full of desire and determination to become a doctor. That same determination rose up now. More than anything, she wanted to breach the divide between her family and Trev’s and let love rule instead of poverty, fear, or ignorance. “I can do this, Dad.”
A gentle smile came to her father, reaching his steely gray eyes, which softened as he looked at Leah. He sat up and took her hands into his own, squeezing her fingers. “I know you can, and if it’s what you want, your mother and I will help.” When he looked at her mother, his smile enlarged. “My dear, we’re going to have a doctor in the family. But more importantly, we already have an amazing daughter.”
Her mother reached and took one of Leah’s hands, her eyes brimming with tears. “We certainly do,” she said.
Leah took her mother’s fingers into her own, smiling with untethered joy. “Thank you for trusting me. I won’t let you down,” she promised.
“I know,” her father replied. “You never have.”
“Now, how about if we dish up some of that dinner?” her mother said. “It smells great.”
Leah stood. “Can you save me some?”
“Sure.” Her mother cocked her head to the side. “But where are you going?”
Urgency underscored Leah’s words. “I’m not sure yet, but I hope I’ll find Trev when I get there.”
Chapter 34
Leah stood near the fence, looking over the vista at Inspiration Point. The minute she’d realized that she and Trev had a chance, she had decided to come to this place, where they had kissed weeks ago in the fire of the setting sun, and in the shadow of the coming storm. So much had changed since that night, it seemed like another life time.
Before leaving home, Leah had texted Trev to let him know she’d be grateful to accept his gift. He texted her back with a note of appreciation for her willingness to take what he so freely offered. She’d considered asking to meet him here but she wasn’t ready. In this quiet space, suspended above the valley, she hoped to find the words that would help bridge the gap between who they were during that terrible afternoon when they’d argued with such painful accusations and who they had become.
Leah looked over the view. Whatever she decided to tell Trev, she needed to honor her parents’ truth, which had also become her own. She and Trev came from different worlds. If he still w
ished for them to be together, there’d be storms, and there was no way to know how much destruction their fury would cause or the punch they’d deliver—but being with Trev was worth any tempest, and they’d already weathered a few gales.
Her fingers trembled as she pulled her phone from her pocket and stared at the screen. Trev had risked his heart. Was she ready to risk hers? Would he still want her back? Allison seemed to think so.
Leah laughed in disbelief. To think she was trusting Allison’s words about Trev. How far they’d come.
A car pulled into the graveled lot, and Leah wished whoever wanted to share her view would vanish. This place was sacred, and she wanted to talk with Trev in complete privacy. She turned to see who would be sharing this sunset with her, and her eyes widened as Trev stepped out of the BMW. Leah drank in everything about him: his lean, fit frame, the way his brown hair fell over his forehead, and the uncertain smile on his face.
“I didn’t expect to see you,” Trev said softly.
“What are you doing here?” Leah stammered in happy surprise.
Trev took tentative steps toward her. “I came because I love the memory of this place. I feel close to you here, and it’s sacred to me.”
Leah gazed at Trev, afraid that if she blinked, he’d disappear. She wished to rush toward him and throw herself in his arms and taste his sweet tea kiss, but she willed herself to stay back. This wasn’t the time. There was so much that needed to be said.
Trev moved beside her, and Leah’s pulse raced, making her light-headed. He was so near and so available. After weeks of living without him, she yearned for the simplest touch. She licked her lips and tried not to look at him. If he met her eye, he’d surely see her glowing love, and she would come undone.
Together they made their way to the fence where Trev leaned on the railing, looking over the view, and Leah settled the fluttering of her heart, trading it for the ease of his familiar companionship. He was the last missing piece of her full life, and now he was here. Would he stay? There was only one way to find out. They needed to share the last of their secrets. “Allison came to see me.”
Trev continued to look over the view. “She told me she wanted to, but I haven’t seen her since. I’m glad she did. She needed to do her best to make it right.”
“She made it right.” Leah turned toward Trev. “She told me the APS case is closed. I’m glad everything worked out for your family.”
“Me too.” Trev straightened and turned toward her. “Do you think things can work out between the two of us?”
Leah’s breath caught at his direct gaze. She gave him a relieved and joyful smile. He still wanted her, still wanted what the two of them could share, but the clarity she’d gained over the last few weeks made her cautious. She placed her hand over her own heart. “I want to, Trev. Ever since Allison came by this afternoon, I haven’t been able to think about anything but the two of us making this work.” Leah’s chest tightened. She needed to risk everything she and Trev would ever share by speaking her truth. “But I’m not like you, and I never will be.”
Trev smiled tenderly. “I know, Leah. This may not be what you want to hear, but I love you because you’re not like me. I need you just as you are. You see things differently because of how hard you and your family have had to work.” His voice took on passion. “You challenge everything I thought I knew, and you bring out my best.” He stepped closer, his eyes intense and blue. “You make me a better man because you’re not like me.”
Leah bowed her head in relief. She had spoken her truth and Trev met her there with his own. But there was so much more. He offered her the same difficult thing. “I understand,” she murmured. “I feel the same. You’ve called me out on my own poor behavior and held me to a higher standard, and I’m grateful to you.” She smiled into his eyes with one desire. All she wanted was to be held by this man. They’d both found the courage to share their last remaining secrets and nothing stood between them.
“Isn’t that reason enough to give this a try?” He beseeched her.
“Yes, it’s more than enough,” Leah said tenderly. All she wanted was to feel him near and his lips pressed to hers. She traced his forearm with her fingers while moving into his arms. The feel of his skin under her fingertips sent a delightful shiver down her spine as he pulled her close, satiating her thirst for him. Closing her eyes, she went to him in complete surrender, her cheek against his shirt; the sound of his heartbeat matching hers. Raising her face, she gazed up at him, almost overcome with the gentle love gleaming from his blue eyes and his soul.
He smoothed her hair from her face, and Leah leaned into his touch before kissing his warm palm. Her breathing shallowed and her heart opened as he bent over her, his tender and warm lips meeting hers.
“Oh, Leah. I’ve missed you.” His whisper was ragged with emotion as he kissed her again with more urgency; his mouth firm and eager in his exploration of her.
Leah opened to his kiss, hungry for more. With new abandon, she spread her hands against his chest and ran her hands over his shoulders and around his neck, running her fingers through his hair. She pulled him close as their shared kiss deepened, filling her with the love she’d once thought out of reach.
Trev placed his cheek next to hers, whispering, “I hope someday we can have a doctor in the house.”
Leah smiled as she brought her lips to his once again. “Then I’m your girl,” she murmured, her heart finally gratified with all of her wishes coming true. A deep, rolling thunder rumbled as heavy pewter clouds rolled across the distant horizon. “There’s a storm coming,” Leah whispered as she pressed herself against Trev, tightening her arms around his neck.
“Let it come. We can handle it,” he whispered in her ear before his lips pressed hers once again.
Leah snuggled close as the first pattering of rain hit her skin. She smiled as Trev pulled her safely within his arms. With Trev by her side, she was ready for anything.
Thanks for visiting Billionaire Bachelor Mountain Cove! We hope you enjoyed your time here and will come back in The Billionaire’s Second Chance.
Pick up your copy today!
Dear Reader,
If you've enjoyed this book, I hope you'll tell a friend. Authors are always looking for ways to get their books out to new people, but our efforts can't beat a good word from a satisfied reader.
Thanks again!
Danni Lee
About the Author
Danni Lee Nicholls wrote her first story when she was ten-years-old, and she’s been putting pen to paper ever since. When she isn’t writing, she can be found reading or playing outside. She loves hiking the forested mountains and beaches of her Pacific Northwest home with her husband and mischievous Golden Retriever, even though these adventures leave her as wet and muddy as the pup.
Find more about Danni at http://www.dannileenicholls.com/
Or join her newsletter here: https://www.facebook.com/dannileenicholls
Also by Danni Lee Nicholls
Her Billionaire Betrayal
Diamonds and Denim
Rubies and Boots
Sapphires and Sagebrush
Topaz and Sunflowers
The Second Chance Bride
The Billionaire's Family Secret (Billionaire Bachelor Mountain Cove Book 15) Page 24
