Winner Takes All

by Judy Kentrus

  Lincoln, too, saw his administrative assistant and shook his head. “I sure hope you have a good explanation. You two are supposed to start the race at one o’clock.”

  “Wish me luck,” he said, searching his mind for something to tell her.

  Hands clenched into fists, Cindi took a step toward the big fat liar, but a full-of-life ten-year-old ran in her direction and yanked on her wrist.

  “Cindi, come meet Belinda. She is special.”

  It was the distraction she needed to take the edge off her anger, and she followed Edie. She forced a smile and wrapped her arms around the eleven-year-old in the wheelchair. “I am so glad to see you.”

  “Me too,” she smiled, returning Cindi’s hug.

  “Belinda is my new friend, and her birthday is the day after mine,” Edie eagerly stated. “Her mom said it was okay for me to come over to her house and hang out sometimes. And guess what? She plays the piano, too!”

  Edith Amanda’s exuberance evaporated, and she turned away from her new friend. She needed to get something off her chest and lowered her voice. “Cindi, I know God makes all children, but I don’t understand why they aren’t all perfect and healthy. Belinda had cancer and lost part of her leg. She can’t run around and play basketball and soccer like me. I know God isn’t mean, but why would he do something like that?”

  The frank and touching question took Cindi totally by surprise, and she blinked back the hot tears that filled her eyes. Think, Cindi, think. She recalled they both played the piano and it gave her an idea. She laced her voice with softness and addressed both of the girls. “We don’t always understand why God does things or his reason. Children with physical and mental disabilities hold a very special place in God’s heart.” She took a hand from each girl and entwined their fingers. “Edie, you too, are special, but in a different way. God has guardian angels on earth to help him take care of his special children. Maybe God’s plan was to have you two meet at this exact moment so you could become pals. Friendship between two people is very powerful and lasting. Who knows? Someday you and Belinda might play duet pianos at Madison Square Garden.”

  “Yeah, like Billy Joel and Elton John!” Edie cried.

  Her explanation seemed to appease Edie and Belinda, but she still needed answers about the personal mess she was facing She turned and came face to face with the deceiving good-for-nothing.

  “That was quite beautiful,” Preston said and he braced himself for the storm brewing in her eyes.

  She jabbed a finger in the center of the letter A on his chest. “This must stand for asshole!”

  As usual, her rant drew attention, and he put a hand to her wrist. “Can we discuss this in private?”

  She yanked her arm away. “Why? Am I embarrassing you?”

  “No, you are embarrassing yourself.” Things were going downhill fast. The entire town was waiting for the special race.

  Edie Adams had no problem stepping into the fray and clasped Cindi’s hand. “Don’t be mad, Cindi. He only put the holes in the bathroom wall so you would think there was a problem with the pipes. Mr. Preston needed an excuse to move to the farm to protect you and the animals.”

  “Who told you that?”

  “Daddy and Mommy told me because I missed Mr. Preston. We couldn’t play one-on-one anymore.”

  Cindi glowered at her boss when all he did was offer a tight-lipped smile. Luckily her brother had made himself scarce. As a member of the board, he was probably a part of this farce.

  “You all should be given Oscars for your performances!”

  “Oh, you have to be in a movie to get one of those,” Edie said. Adults were so confusing.

  “They were in a movie. It’s called Let’s Make a Fool out of Cindi Pearl.”

  Preston took her arm again, using a bit more force. “Let’s take a walk and I’ll answer your questions.”

  She didn’t budge and studied the numbers on his shirt. “You’re the secret benefactor.” Before he could reply, she suddenly realized what the numbers represented and jabbed the number four, then fifteen, then twelve with her finger. “Those damn numbers spell out the word dolphin!”

  “Can’t get anything by you, Cindi Pearl.” Preston noticed the surrounding crowd was getting larger. They were also wasting time.

  “You knew all about derby racing and let me go on and on, explaining everything. ‘Oh, Cindi, I’m so impressed with your knowledge of soap box derby racing.’ Bullshit!”

  While she continued her tirade, he guided her away from their audience and took refuge behind the concession stand, which afforded them some privacy.

  “Now, to answer your initial question, yes, I knew about derby racing, and no, I didn’t make a fool out of you.”

  She pulled her arm out of his grasp and struck a belligerent pose against the side of the frame building. “Were you in LA a full two weeks?”

  “No.” Preston crossed his arms in front of his chest and stood directly in front of her. “I came back last Tuesday and have been staying in the apartment above the garage. In case you were wondering, they replaced the old pipes since I wasn’t living there. It killed me to stay away from you, but it was necessary.” He really wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her until they were both incoherent.

  “Why?”

  “I can’t tell you just yet.”

  “So you’re the mysterious Mr. Smith.”

  He gave a slight bow. “Hannibal Smith, at your service.”

  “Right, from The A-Team,” she sneered. “How could I have missed that obvious corny clue? Why didn’t you want me to know you are the one who has been sending us money every year?”

  “I can’t tell you just yet.”

  “Does my brother know what’s going on?”

  “I can’t tell you just yet.”

  “Why did you have them hold my car for a week and give the driver crazy directions to the farm?”

  “I can’t tell you just yet.”

  “Is that to be your standard evasive answer?”

  “For now.”

  “Why did you fake the plumbing problem at the apartment?”

  “I can answer that question. I didn’t want you to become more alarmed if I suddenly moved into the barn apartment, so I devised the fake plumbing problem. I wanted to be close if there was any more trouble. Truthfully, I wanted to be close to you.”

  Cindi tapped a foot in irritation. “Since when did you become my fiancé? I don’t recall you ever asking me to marry you. Right now, I wouldn’t give the question a moment of my time!”

  “I can’t tell you just yet.” From the way things were going, he was facing a lonely future. How could all of his precise plans have gone awry? Thanks to Jessie, he’d even gotten the cooperation of the Laurel Heights police.

  She needed to put a great deal of distance between them and pushed away from the building. “I’ve had enough of being made the fool and your stupid bullshit answers.”

  When she started to walk away, he knew of only one way to stop her. “I love you!”

  His confession doused some of her anger and shot straight to her heart. She stopped. Hadn’t she done things behind his back, all in the name of love? She didn’t fight the hands that rested on her shoulders and the familiar hard body pressed against her back. She closed her eyes and breathed in his clean scent, the scent she’d missed and craved these past two weeks. The warmth of his breath swept across her ear, and she melted against his strong chest. “I love you, Cindi Pearl, more than life itself. I’ve been waiting forever. You’ve made me whole. Give me a chance to prove that love. All of your questions will be answered if you’ll come with me.”

  Chapter 14

  He was a lying, conniving jerk, but she loved him. She just nodded.

  “I have to blindfold you.”

  She spun around and jammed her hands on her hips. “You’re kidding, right?”

  “No,” he laughed and pulled his white handkerchief from his back pocket. “I can assure you, I’m no
t in this alone. It’s only a short distance to the reviewing stand.” He kissed her pouting lips. “Come on. We’ve kept everyone waiting long enough.”

  “Who is everyone?”

  “All in good time.” He secured the soft cloth in the back of her head and laid his lips on her soft neck. “It will all be worth it, Cindi Pearl Sullivan.” He reached for his cell phone. “We’re coming,” he said when Lincoln answered.

  He kept a secure arm around her waist as they walked down the blacktop walkway that led to the hub of the festivities. Voices filled with excitement grew louder the closer they got to the bleachers and reviewing stand filled with town dignitaries. When Preston and Cindi came in sight, everyone started cheering and clapping.

  “From the sound of things, everyone knew what was going on but me.”

  “It wasn’t easy with the gossip that flies around this town. We’re at the reviewing stand. Go up four steps and don’t move until I take off your blindfold.”

  The moment the handkerchief was removed, Cindi blinked to make sure she was seeing clearly. A huge banner had been erected over the track. “Winner Takes All.” Sitting under the arched marquee that designated the starting line, were two derby cars, each big enough to accommodate a single adult. One was freshly painted a sunny yellow and displayed the name Canary in black script letters. The other car was a bright sea green. Supporting the name Dolphin was a surfboard.

  “How did you get my car? Dolphin, that’s your nickname. Does that mean you raced in soap box derbies?”

  “Until I was eighteen. I modified both cars and adjusted the length and weights to accommodate our mature bodies. That’s what I’ve been working on the past few days. As for how I got your car, look.” He grinned and nodded toward the bleachers closest to the reviewing stand. Her parents were sitting next to her brother and his family on the third row. They were joined by Jennie Reynolds and an older couple. Preston resembled his handsome father. All were wearing happy smiles and waving.

  “I expected the entire town, but why are my parents and your family here?”

  “A long time ago, you lost a race at the last minute and were labeled a terrible driver. I thought it appropriate we have a special race to celebrate the opening of the derby track.” He swept a hand in front of the reviewing stand. “This was all your idea. Everything you do for others is a gift from your heart. I wouldn’t be standing here, whole and hearty, if it wasn’t for you. It’s time you were recognized for your personal sacrifice and generosity. The kids, the entire town and I thank you, Cindi Pearl.” Preston’s voice bellowed out of the loudspeaker system, and everyone started cheering.

  He gave a nod and all eyes turned to the track. The Super Kids, led by Jasper, made their way to the front of the reviewing stand. Colorful balloons had been tied to their wheelchairs. Those walking had tied the balloons to their wrists. They carried a homemade sign: “Thank you, Cindi. We love you.”

  Phillip, one of the boys with Down syndrome, walked across the platform holding a bouquet of flowers and a bag. “These are for you, Ms. Cindi, from the Super Kids. We had a meeting and decided to make you part of our A-Team,” he said and handed her the gift.

  She reached in the bag and pulled out a black T-shirt. “I am overwhelmed.” She kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you, all of you,” she said, smiling at the Super Kids, who held a special place in her heart.

  When Phillip joined his friends, she brought the pale pink petals of a small mountain laurel to her nose. “So this is why you needed to distract me from getting here.”

  “Yes, I wanted everything in place, including our cars.”

  “Why didn’t you want me to know you were our secret benefactor?”

  “When I researched your background, I saw you were heavily involved in soap box derby racing. I did it for you and all the kids. I never wanted any thanks.”

  “What’s the significance of ‘Winner Takes All’?”

  “This is our race. It doesn’t matter who crosses the finish line first because we’ve already won the greatest prize of all, never-ending love and happiness.” Preston slowly knelt down on one knee, reached into his pocket and pulled out an engagement ring. “Cindi Pearl, will you marry me?” .

  This day was full of surprises, she decided, staring at the large white diamond surrounded by soft purple gemstones, sparkling in the early afternoon sun. He’d done all this, for her. She ached to give him her answer and have him slip the beautiful ring on her finger, but not just yet. He stood up, unassisted, and she patted his cheek. “I have to think about it. You’ll get my answer when we cross the finish line.”

  The spectators never expected to enjoy a “soap opera” drama before the race, and her comment was met with a mixture of gasps, cheers and whistles.

  “You’re going to make me wait?” Preston decided that life with Cindi Pearl was going to be fun, full of surprises and exasperating.

  “After what you put me through? Oh, and if I beat your time, you’ll have to confess to the entire town you surfed bare-ass naked in full view of Mount Saint Elias, Alaska.”

  Cindi was well aware the loudspeaker system had picked up everything she’d said. She slipped the A-Team shirt over her head and yanked it down before giving him a quick, hard kiss. “Beat you across the finish line!”

  Eagerness had her running down the steps, and she headed for Canary. This was the most important race of her life, with the greatest prize of all, a life of love and happiness with Preston, the man of her dreams. “Winner takes all!” she shouted.

  Epilogue

  Cindi stretched her arms above the white sheet and smiled, deciding that would be her new look. Sometime during the night she’d finally fallen asleep wearing the same smile. Just after dawn, a warm breath swept her forehead and soft lips brushed her cheekbone before she returned to dreamland. Had it been only three days since they arrived at the Reynolds’ beach house on the shores of the Pacific? Lincoln offered the newly engaged couple the use of the company jet for a well-deserved getaway. Preston wanted to introduce his future wife to Otter Rock, Oregon, where he’d learned to surf and gained his nickname. Yesterday they’d walked hand and hand along the magnificent rocky beach and were entertained by the antics of the otters frolicking in large tide pools. Others sunned themselves on the flat boulders that dotted the shoreline.

  She turned on her side and enjoyed the view through the triple French doors that overlooked the vast ocean of white curls dancing atop the deep blue water. A lone surfer stood straight and tall, balanced on the deck of his board. His golden tanned arms, spread wide like an eagle in flight, countered his swaying balance on his way to the sandy beach. A man in his element, enjoying something he’d denied himself for seven years. He’d been hesitant at first, but determined. After wiping out and taking numerous poundings from the epic waves, and he’d achieved success after a few hours. She was so proud of him.

  After a long shower, she spread moisturizer on her sunburned skin and dressed in shorts and a camisole. Ocean swimming wasn’t her forte, so while Preston surfed, she’d enjoyed the sun on their private beach. She grabbed a glass of orange juice and her tablet before sitting in one of the padded lounge chairs on the sprawling open porch. She relaxed against the cushions and let the cool breeze coming off of the water dry her wet hair.

  Even though they were on vacation, she wanted to check her e-mail and wasn’t surprised there were over a hundred messages. A half dozen were from Lincoln with information he requested she pass along to Preston. One had her totally confused. It was from a realtor about a bid Preston had submitted on a piece of property. When she spotted a message from Maryann, Preston’s mother, she opened it immediately.

  Cindi, since my son doesn’t leave you alone for more than a minute, I’ve resorted to e-mail. Bennett and I want to thank you for bringing Preston back to us. He is once again the son we have always love, and we have never seen him happier. Since our children have decided to move to the other side of the country, Bennett and I p
lan to explore the eastern part of the US. Your mother and I have been e-mailing back and forth, and I would love to talk to you about wedding plans. See you later. Maryann.

  Her happiness dimmed when she read the brief e-mail from Samantha. Lincoln needed her to take on an undercover assignment. Cindi was privy to the dangerous situation, and she was scared for her best friend. They’d located the person who almost killed Treig Taylor and Nate Haines, his FBI partner. Sam would literally be putting herself in harm’s way.

  Cold sprinkles of water on Cindi’s legs made her look up, and her smile was back. “I don’t have to ask how much you enjoyed the water. Dolphin is in his element.”

  “The wind is blowing offshore so it makes ideal surfing conditions, and the waves are firing.” He paused. “That means the waves are breaking nicely. When we get some time, we’ll watch Point Break, the movie with Patrick Swayze. The ending was actually shot at Indian Beach, Oregon. Listen to me going on and on,” he laughed before lowering his lips to give her a love-filled good-morning kiss. “When was the last time I told you how much I love you?”

  “Just before I fell asleep, but I never get tired of hearing you tell me. You were up early.”

  “I always enjoyed being part of the dawn patrol, going surfing the first thing in the morning.”

  “Better you than me. Are you hungry?”

  Preston took the towel from around his neck and ruffled his hair before tossing the damp cloth on a vacant beach chair. He wiggled his brows. “Not for food, but always for you.” He stretched out on the opposite lounge and noticed the magazine on the table beside Cindi’s chair. The front cover displayed a naked male model on a beach wearing a prosthetic leg. He glowered at his lady love. “No way! Don’t even think about it!”

  She gave him an impish smile and offered him her glass of juice. “You have a great body and could pose for a few photos.”