I make sure to tell her I love her, leaving her with the security of my feelings for her.
Chapter 19
Dina
After Ryder left, I call Maggie back from earlier. She sounds deliriously happy, “Ok so he didn’t propose, but he did say he wanted to get married.” I give her a brief rundown of my time with Ryder leaving out the potential pregnancy. I don’t want to burst her bubble that Brayden lied about the accident so for now I stayed silent but concerned.
I spend the weekend relaxing and seeing Ryder as much as he can fit in with breaks at his shop.
Maggie and I spend the week working on a few upcoming events. Since we are steady at work but not overwhelming busy, I ask, “Mags, the car show is coming up that Ryder is delivering a car to. I am thinking, even though I haven’t even asked if he wants company, about going with him. Can you handle work for me to take the few days off for the trip with him?”
She laughs, “Dina, you are the boss, why are you even bothering to ask me? And of course I can handle it. Go have some fun with your man, chicka.”
Step one done, work is covered, now step two asking Ryder if I can tag along.
Ryder
I arrive at the shop and Brayden is waiting out front. I walk up give him a fist bump and head inside. Brayden begins, “Man, I am sorry about everything. I just got overwhelmed and exhausted.”
He sighed almost defeated, “Ryder, Maggie wants to get married.” I laugh, “And what is wrong with that? You two have been together four years, you love her, and you live together, why not get married?” He rolls his shoulders like he is really uncomfortable, “I love her. I want to marry her, but it just feels like so much pressure.”
I smile, “Stop stressing man, about everything. We are good; just don’t ever talk about me and Dina like that again. Put a ring on Maggie, move forward. Now are you ready to get your ass back to work? He visibly relaxes, “Hell, yea. I have a ring to buy.”
We begin working in companionable silence. Jake arrived, seeing Brayden, he said, “You finally pulled your head out of your ass man?" Brayden answered in a laugh, “Yeah man, I did. Sorry about making more work for everyone.”
We take a break to eat. Brayden seems like he had a lot to get off his chest today. He spoke, “Guys, I know I love Maggie, I know I want to spend the rest of my life with her. I don’t want kids right away. Do you think if we get engaged, she is going to start wanting kids too? I know she wants a quick wedding, she has said so enough times.”
Jake laughed, “Bray, stop stressing and just ask Maggie what she wants. If this is what has you so wound tight lately, you need to have your head examined.”
I pipe up without going into detail about my own situation, “Plus B, sometimes things just happen and she could end up pregnant. Engaged, married, or not won’t stop or change it if it were to happen.”
Brayden shakes his head, stress pouring off him, “Kids are expensive. I just don’t know what we would do. I barely keep up now, and I don’t want Maggie paying any bills, so I get stressed.” I look at my friend, “Is that your issue, you have been stressing over money since buying Maggie that house? Look, Jake is on full time now, you are back, I hired that Andy guy from the paint shop, so we are going to take on more projects. I will get you a raise worked out, so don’t stress bro. All you had to do was talk to me.”
With that Brayden relaxed and we got on with the day. As the day went on I felt like the old Brayden was back.
The week went by relatively quickly and productively. We are actually on schedule for all projects and ahead on the Rolls-Royce.
Dina and I manage to see each other almost every day even if some days it was just for dinner. We spend our nights bouncing between her house and mine. Having her toothbrush and toiletries occupy the other vanity in my bathroom just seemed like the perfect fit. Things are going well, even with the wonder of the pregnancy.
With the car show coming up I don’t want to be away from Dina. I am surprised that when I ask her to come with me that she has already arranged things with Maggie.
To go away, just the two of us, oh I am one happy man.
Chapter 20
Dina
The week passed quickly. Ryder is busy with last minute touches to finalize the Cadillac for delivery. I do manage to spend every night comfortably in his arms bouncing between his house and mine.
Maggie helps me shop for a few outfits for my trip. She is confident that Brayden will propose soon. She also told me Brayden came clean about the fight with Ryder. I am glad because I wasn’t sure how to tell her exactly what really happened.
Thursday arrives, Ryder and I head out. We spend the day just travelling. Friday morning, we meet with Mr. Poe, the Caddy’s owner. He is exceptionally pleased with the end result. He pays Ryder and goes straight to the registration table to get his car entered in the show.
Ryder and I spend the day hand in hand going around the show. He introduces me to his clients and friends as his girlfriend. It makes me feel giddy like a teenager again.
After seeing the early arrivals, taking in the vendor tents, we leave the show grounds to go to dinner. We have an amazing meal, followed by a night spent lost in one another. The more time I am with Ryder, the more comfortable I feel. I know I am safe always with him. He has my heart always and he is my half that makes me whole.
Saturday morning comes, which is official judging day and all the cars are present. We spend the entire day talking cars and making our own personal judgments.
It takes me back to times with my dad and his buddies going to the shows. It is so relaxing. Ryder is confident he brought his client an all-around top five trophy winner and by the reactions from most, a people’s choice winner. We happily leave for the hotel looking forward to awards day tomorrow.
Ryder and I wake up extra early to head out for the day. This trip is just what we needed, to have the time just for us. Yes, we both agree, we have met our soul mate. We have a leisurely breakfast and then are headed to the awards. Before we arrive at the show grounds, my phone rings.
I answer, seeing it was Maggie. “Hey chicka.” I hear her hysterically crying, “Dina, I need you to come home now!” I can’t get her to calm down enough to understand anything else she is saying. Ryder understanding my need to be there for my friend, immediately heads for home.
Coming Soon
Salvaged
Brayden and Maggie’s story.
Brayden and Maggie have been dating for four years. Maggie is ready and expecting an engagement ring. Brayden has a past full of human weaknesses and mistakes that he just can’t seem to shake. As he slowly loses everything from the car he built to the woman he loves, he tries to put his life back together from rock bottom. Can Maggie overcome the deception? Can they find a way to love and trust again or is it all lost?
About the Author
Chelsea Camaron has a love for old muscle cars and Harley Davidson motorcycles. She currently resides in Southern Louisiana with her husband and two children. She was born and raised in Coastal North Carolina and her heart is always Carolina day dreaming. Her love for reading has sparked a new love for writing with a few projects currently in the works.
I love hearing from my fans, feel free to email me at [email protected].
Thank you for taking the time to read this story, I hope that you enjoy you reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. When I was younger I once said I wanted to become an author “when I grow up”. Well, I am a big kid and don’t plan to ever fully grow up, but this is an amazing journey to accomplish something I set out to do in childhood.
Never stop dreaming and reaching for the stars.
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Restore My Heart (Daddy's Girls) Page 8
