by Leah Atwood
“I’m watercooler fodder now?” His eyes flashed, narrowing for a fight. “Some friends you are.”
“You’re looking for an argument, so I’m going to let that slide.” Bryce tossed the can into the trash.
“Everything okay back there?” Adam called from the front.
“Just peachy.” The false cheerfulness in his own tone nauseated him.
Bryce sucked in a long breath, then exhaled. “For the record, we are your friends, which is why we care that you’re not happy.”
“I was perfectly fine till you brought her up.”
The bus stopped, and Bryce lowered his feet to the floor. He looked to Adam. “Why are we stopping?”
“Because we’re going to settle this once and for all.” Adam unbuckled and walked out of the driver’s cab, pointed a finger at Dominic. “Everyone should be so lucky to have someone love them as much as Maisy loves you. So she made a mistake. At least she made it out of love, thinking it was in your best interest.”
“But—”
“No buts,” Bryce interrupted. “Don’t you think she’s suffered enough? Yes, she should have told you, but you guys were nineteen. Do you know what I was doing at nineteen?”
“What?”
“Getting drunk every night, doing every dumb thing I could.”
Dominic crossed his arms. “Your point?”
“I was immature.” Squaring his shoulders, Bryce matched his rigid posture. “And I’d hate to think that someone would hold against me, something I did then.”
“Before you became a Christian, nonetheless.” Adam glowered at him with a challenge.
“Look, I could be the poster child for making poor decisions and mine were made for less than noble reasons.” Bryce raked his hair with his fingers. “Maisy, she loves you, man. Why can’t you see that and stop punishing her?”
“Let me ask you something.” Adam sat beside him. “If the roles were reversed, what would you have done?”
“I’d have told her.” But would he have if it meant jeopardizing her career and beloved grandmother’s health? “Or not.”
A smug look passed between Bryce and Adam.
“I’m the worst kind of fool.” He had been so blinded by the perceived offense, he hadn’t stopped to consider what she’d done for him or what she’d suffered for it. Never once put himself in her shoes. “What do I do?”
“Make it right.” A satisfied grin rested on Adam’s mouth.
“And if it’s too late?”
Bryce stood. “I have it on good authority that it’s not.”
“How long until we reach Nashville?” An overpowering urge to see Maisy took over.
“Three hours.” The corners of Bryce’s mouth turned down. “But she’s not there.”
“What do you mean?” Frantic thoughts raced erratically in his mind. Had she left? But Bryce just said it wasn’t too late.
“Elle took her to the airport last night. Something about needing to see her dad.”
He gripped the back of his neck. “When will she be back?”
“Tomorrow morning. Elle and I are picking her up from the airport.” Humor sparkled in Adam’s eyes. “But we might just oversleep.”
A plan quickly formed in Dominic’s mind. It was, without a doubt, crazy and impulsive, but the minute he thought of it, he knew there was no turning back. He could only pray Bryce was right.
He looked at both of them. “I’m going to need your help.”
Chapter 22
Maisy stood outside the prison, its gray walls dreary and depressing. Mustering whatever courage she could summon, she marched inside. She proceeded to complete the tasks necessary for visitation and was ushered into a barren room that contained only one table and two chairs.
She walked the length of the eight-by-ten room several times before the door opened. A uniformed guard with a stoic, impassive expression stood by the door. Next, Maisy’s father walked in. He’d aged a decade since she’d last seen him four months ago. His hair was more salt than pepper, his face gaunt and pale.
“Hello, Dad.”
“I’m glad you came, Maisy.”
His use of her informal name threw her off guard, chipped at her defenses. “Shall we sit?”
They sat at the table. Silence hung heavy in the air—she’d never been able to decide what to say to him.
He spoke first. “I’m sorry.”
An apology came as a surprise. “For?” There were so many actions of his to which it could be applied.
“Everything.” His chest sucked in with a deep breath. “A man hits rock bottom and it gives him a lot of time to think.”
Her lip trembled. She’d never known her father to be a humble man, but it seemed to come from an honest place within him. “There have been a lot of wrongs.”
“I know.” He bowed his head, allowing seconds to pass before he zeroed his gaze on her again. “And Dominic was the worst of them. Maureen tells me you’re seeing him again. Is this true?”
“Yes,” she answered after toying with the idea of lying. “Kind of.”
“You either are or you aren’t?” A glimpse of his old personality returned, and Maisy found it oddly comforting, in a familiar way.
“We were, then he found out about your ultimatum.” A tear was dangerously close to falling, and she rushed to wipe it from her eye. “We haven’t spoken since.”
“Do you love him?”
“Yes.”
“Does he treat you well?”
She nodded.
“I never should have tried to tear you apart.” He latched his fingers in front of himself on the table. Hung his head. “I’m so sorry.”
“He’s a good man. He always has been.”
“So Maureen tells me. The truth is, I’ve always known that.
“Then why’d you tear us apart.”
“I’ve not been a good father, but I do love you, Maisy. That’s why I agreed to pay for Dominic’s Nana because I knew how much they meant to you. Levi and Maureen, I always knew they’d stay nearby, but your heart belonged to Dominic from a young age and I knew you’d follow him.” He peered at her through smoky eyes. “I was afraid of losing you, but I realized too late, I did that all on my own by trying to force my way.”
Her hands, resting in her lap, balled into fists. She took a deep breath. Counted to ten. Said a prayer. She didn’t want to grant him forgiveness. He shouldn’t get it that easily, not after the years of heartache he’d caused. Another deep breath, another prayer. “It’s not too late.”
A glimmer of hope flickered in his weary eyes. “Will you forgive me?”
“Yes.” The single word set her free.
“I’ve made a decision.” He unclasped his hands and laid them on the table. “You’ll be the first to know.”
She licked her lips. “What about?”
“Last week I was offered a plea deal. I’m going to accept.”
“So the charges are true?” Her muscles recoiled. She’d wanted to believe he was innocent.
“Not exactly, but I was in charge of the company and the responsibility fell to me. I have to take ownership for turning a blind eye.”
“What are the terms?” Her throat was dry and scratchy—she wished she had something to drink.
“Six months in prison with credit for time served, hefty fines, and restitution. Most importantly, if I accept this deal, all charges against Levi will be dropped.” His fingertips drummed the table. “Another two months and I’ll be out of here. I’ll find a charity to donate to in order to satisfy restitution and our lives can continue into a new normal.”
“Is Levi guilty?”
“Your brother’s inexperience got him in over his head with the wrong people.” Apologetic creases lined his forehead, his tone torn between loyalty and penance. “We protect those we love. Right or wrong, it’s what we do.”
Don’t I know? Her ears perked when she realized another part of what he’d said. “What do you mean find a charity to donat
e to?”
“Part of the restitution requires me to pay back all monies gained illegally. Some of that came from charities which are now defunct, so the funds must go to another approved organization”
As inappropriate as it was, she laughed. “Would an under-funded youth community center count?”
“Probably. Why?”
She told him about the community center and the problems it faced. “I’m afraid we’ll lose the after-school program by winter.”
“It could be a conflict of interest since you’re the director, but I’ll talk to my lawyer and have him present it to the judge.” He rubbed a finger under his nose. “Either way, you’ll get your money.”
“Do you mean it?” Hope floated to the surface of her emotions. She’d lower her pride to accept his help if it meant saving the youth’s safe haven. “I can’t stand the idea of losing the program, but I’ve tried everything, applied for every grant possible.”
“Two minutes left,” the guard announced. He’d been so quiet, she’d forgotten he was there.
“I know it won’t atone for everything I’ve done, but I hope it will be a start.”
“Thank you.” That stubborn lump returned to her throat.
He nodded his acknowledgment. He was a different man than he’d been four months ago, and Maisy decided she liked this version. They stood and he extended his arms. She entered their circle. The embrace was mechanical, unpracticed between them for many years, but it was a beginning.
Everything had to start somewhere.
The next morning, Maisy awoke before dawn. Her bag was packed— everything was in one small carry-on. She walked downstairs and found Maureen in the kitchen prepping the coffee maker.
“I wish you could stay longer, but I’m so glad you came home and went to see Dad.” Maureen flipped a switch to turn on the coffee pot.
“Me too.”
Her sister reached into the pocket of her silk robe and pulled out a silver hair clip lined with sapphires. “I found this yesterday going through some boxes. I thought you might like to keep it.”
Taking it, Maisy ran her fingers over it, then clutched it to her chest. “It’s the one Mom wore in her wedding pictures. I thought it was lost forever.”
A hint of pink touched Maureen’s cheeks. “When you were in eighth grade, I found it mixed in your laundry one day. I was afraid you’d ruin it, so I hid it, intending to give it back to you when you were older but forgot all about it.”
“It’s found now. That’s what matters.” She grabbed Maureen’s shoulders and hugged her. “Thank you.”
“Are you going to be okay when you get to Nashville?” Maureen looked at her with the concern of an older sister who tried to double as a mother figure.
Maisy pursed her lips before answering. “I’ll be fine. I have to believe he’ll come around.”
“He will.” Maureen kissed her cheek. “You call anytime, day or night if you need me.”
“I will.”
Too soon, the time to leave arrived. Aaron dropped her off at the airport on his way to the office. He slipped a small fancy envelope into her hand after he’d pulled her bag from the trunk. “Maureen wanted me to give this to you, with specific instructions not to read it until an hour after you’ve been back in Nashville.”
She lifted her brows. “Huh?”
“Don’t ask.” He chuckled. “I’m only following her instructions.”
Taking the note, she slid it into the interior pocket of her purse. “Probably an emotional note and she didn’t want me to tear up in public.”
“Probably.” His smile revealed nothing.
Her brother-in-law escorted her as far as was allowed in the boarding process. When her turn came to go through security, he bid farewell and she was alone. Not for long. She’d have friends—makeshift family—waiting for her. And she’d go to Dominic. Not just call him, but go to his apartment where he couldn’t so easily avoid her. She’d apologize again, this time with a new understanding of where she’d gone wrong.
She boarded her plane for a quick, connecting flight to Charlotte. Once there, she hurried to the next gate for the final leg of her trip home. On the second plane, she walked down the aisle until she found her spot. She sat next to a young boy, six or seven she guessed.
His mother sat next to him in the window seat. “It’s his first flight.”
“How exciting.” She looked at the boy. “Where are you going?”
“Some state called Arizona, but Mommy says we have a layover before we get there.” His nose scrunched and his mouth twisted. “I don’t know what that means, but she said we get to eat then so I think I’ll like it.”
Stifling a laugh, she gave him a closed-mouth smile. “You’ll have fun, I’m sure.”
The boy’s mom looked over his head. “We’re visiting my parents, so I’m sure he’ll come home spoiled.” The friendly curve of her smile said she didn’t mind so much. “They usually come to see us twice a year, but Mom broke her hip in the spring.”
The comment struck up a conversation that lasted the remainder of the ninety-minute flight. She wished the woman and her son a happy visit and exited the plane. Walking down a narrow hallway, her bag strap digging into her shoulder, she watched the people around her, curious about their stories. Were they coming or going? Business or pleasure?
At the end of the corridor, behind a barrier, a crowd waited. The gate opened, allowing friends and loved ones to reunite. Maisy craned her head as she walked forward, scanning the people for Elle, who was supposed to be her ride home. She didn’t see her. The group thinned by a few people, and she looked a second time.
Her breath caught in her throat when she saw Dominic standing toward the back. Their eyes locked. Could it be? She didn’t realize she’d stopped moving until she saw him shoulder his way through the people between them.
Everything surrounding her became blurry as she focused on him. He stood in front of her, wearing black dress pants and a charcoal-colored shirt, not his usual casual attire. His throat bobbed when he swallowed, and she became oddly fascinated with the flecks of green overtaking the brown in his eyes. She reached out, grazed his chest with her fingertips to know he was real, not a figment of her wishful thinking.
Dominic took hold of her hand, brought it to his lips. Kissed her knuckles.
“I’m sorry. So sorry for everything,” she told him, her voice ragged.
He shook his head, “No, I’m the one who needs to say I’m sorry. I accused you of not believing in me, but I should have had enough faith in you to know something wasn’t right when you left.”
“I never wanted to leave you.”
“I know. And I’m sorry. For what your father did, for thinking the worst. And for being a jerk these last several weeks.” He pulled her to him, held her tight. “I love you, Maisy.” His breath warmed her cheek.
Tiny explosions of joy erupted through tears. “I love you, too.” The words were muffled, but their meaning clear.
“Can we start over?”
She nodded against his chest.
He crooked a finger under her chin and lifted her head so their eyes met. “Forever this time, no going back.”
Again, she nodded.
One hand released her and reached into his pocket. When she saw what he held, her eyes widened.
With an arm still around her waist, he held a ring in his other hand. “You’re the best friend I’ve ever had, you know me better than anybody. We’ve been through more than our fair share of ups and downs, and I’m sure we’ll face plenty more, but I want you by my side when they come. I’ve always loved you, and I always will. Will you marry me?”
“Yes.” She blinked away tears as he slipped the princess cut solitaire onto her finger. A perfect fit.
His arms crushed her against him, and there was no place she’d rather be. “Today,” he whispered.
“Today?”
“Let’s get married today.”
She giggled, feeling gi
ddy and light. “You’re funny.”
“I’m serious.”
Her head shot up. “That’s impossible. We don’t even have a marriage license.”
“We can stop at the courthouse on our way home for the license. I checked. Tennessee doesn’t have a waiting period.” He brushed a hair from her face. “I don’t want to spend another day without you as my wife.”
All the reasons she should say no came to mind, but not a single one held. Her only hesitation was not having her family there. She didn’t need an elaborate wedding. The perfect dress, a picturesque venue, sophisticated bouquets—that was all a bonus to celebrate a marriage. All she needed for her perfect wedding was Dominic at her side. “Yes, I’ll marry you today.”
“Thank you.” He gave her a final squeeze and brushed a kiss on her forehead.
She realized they still stood in the middle of the airport. Only a few stragglers from the flight remained. Those who did paid them little heed. “What do we do now?”
“Get your bags, then I have a few calls to make.”
“Shouldn’t we head to the courthouse or something?” Nervous flutters danced in her stomach. Not from doubt, she decided, but the reality of the mammoth commitment they would make today.
“Do you trust me?” A corner of his mouth curled.
“Yes.”
“Enough said.” Grabbing her hand, he led her to the baggage claim.
“Wait.” She raised a shoulder, showing him her bag. “This is all I have.”
He took her carry-on and held it for her as they walked to the short-term parking lot, all the while exchanging secret smiles. Dominic stopped walking and opened the passenger door to an unfamiliar truck. It took her a second to remember he’d bought a new one that she’d yet to ride in.
The leather seats were comfortable, more so than her car which she loved. They didn’t have the new stiffness she’d felt in many vehicles when she’d shopped around.
“What do you think?” Pressing his hands against the top frame of the truck, he partially leaned in.
“Nice, but I think I’ll miss your old one.” So many of their memories came from his first truck, and she’d never given thought to its sentimental value.
