Edge: A Tortured Heroes Novel
Page 16
I took her hand. “Me too. But you’re amazing. You gave me a gift where he was concerned.”
“I’m just glad Garnett never caught wind of what really happened,” she said. That had been Henny too. He’d smashed her shop to bits. It was one more way he’d tried to shatter the peace I’d built for myself. I should have realized it sooner. I’d missed so many signs where he was concerned.
“Like I said. He’s like your brother.” Lila leaned forward and kissed me again. “And speaking of that, you gave me one too. I’m still sorry about Tommy. I should have told you the whole truth from the beginning.”
Tommy. After the fallout with Henny, we had a little chat. I’d proven my point to him well. No matter where he was, no matter who he was with, if I wanted to, I could get to him. No power on this earth would have stopped me if he came near Lila again. She told me he’d been shaking her down, trying to get her to launder his dirty money. We’d put a stop to that for good. If it had been only my threats, it might not have worked. But Lila told me something that ended up shocking us both.
The minute we realized Lila had gone missing, Damon revealed his truest loyalty. When I sent him out to the elevators, he’d called Tommy Kelly, Sr., Lila’s father. When he found out his son had been messing with Lila, he went a little nuts. I don’t know how and didn’t plan to find out, but Da Kelly clipped Tommy Jr.’s wings and ordered him back to Boston. Now he was someone else’s problem.
“And I told you I don’t care about any of that. I just care that you’re here, you’re safe, and you’re with me.”
“Mmm. You know that makes you the scandal of Crystal Falls, Sheriff Finch. Taking up with the out-of-town hussy.”
This got a laugh out of me. “About that.”
Lila was making her way around the counter, heading for the front door. I grabbed her arm and twirled her back to face me. She let out a little gasp as I pulled her close.
“Are you serious?” she whispered. “At this rate I’m not going to be able to stay on my feet let alone walk straight.”
This got a growl of lust out of me. “Damn, woman. Even I don’t have that kind of stamina. It’s not that. It’s something else. I was going to wait until later, but I’m feeling brave.”
Her eyes flashed. She knew me well enough to guess where I was headed. My heart thundered in my chest. There was no going back.
“I want you with me,” I said. “I love you. You brought me back to life, Lila Kelly. I didn’t even know I was flatlined.”
“Beckett ...”
“Let me finish. If I don’t get this out, I’ll lose my nerve.”
She laughed. “You? You’re the bravest man I know. I don’t care if you don’t like to hear that.”
“I’m scared to death when it comes to you. I don’t ever want to lose you again.”
I let her go and stepped off the stool. I had planned for this to go a little different. Right now, it felt awkward and my tongue was thick. But I went down on one knee and took Lila’s hand in mine. Tears slid down her cheeks and her fingers trembled.
“Baby, I love you. I’ve seen too much. I know this is soon but I also know how fragile everything can be. I’m set in my ways and stubborn. There are times when I’ll go quiet. You’ll want me to talk about it, but I probably never will. But just know that it’s you. From the second I laid eyes on you, I knew. You brought light into the darkest corners of my heart. I love you. More than anything. Will you marry me?”
Her hand shook when she brought it to her mouth. “Oh, Beckett.”
Time stood still. Lila sank to her knees beside me. She kissed my cheek and brought her hands to my face. “Yes,” she gasped. “Of course. Baby. I love you. I love you too. I don’t care that it’s soon. I just know that it’s right. What took you so long to ask?”
We were both laughing and crying. Then she was in my arms. Two seconds later, she let me slip the antique ring I’d bought from Garnett’s place on her finger. That was another secret I’d kept.
The bells clanged on the front door as Arlene unlocked them and walked inside. I don’t know what she thought, seeing Lila and me kneeling on the floor together. She stood with her hands on her hips and smiled.
“Well, are you two gonna just stay there like that, or are you going to help me get this place opened? You’ve got a line out there.”
“What?” Lila’s mouth dropped and she wiped the tears from her cheeks. I helped her to her feet. “Are you serious?”
“As a heart attack,” Arlene said. She opened the shades to let the sunlight in. Then she swung the front door open.
She was right. It seemed all of Crystal Falls had come to celebrate Lila’s grand re-opening. The crowd parted and my heart grew full. Garnett Morris came in with the crowd. She took the best booth, right by the window. Anyone passing by would be able to see her taking her coffee and breakfast at Lila’s.
I gave Garnett a solemn nod. She winked so quick, I don’t think anyone but me saw it. Lila squeezed my hand.
My ring twinkled on her finger. She gave me a quick kiss, smoothed her hair, then went to work. I took my seat on the counter. Crane came in and joined me. He slapped my back. He’d seen the rock on Lila’s hand and knew what I’d been planning.
“Congratulations, boss,” he whispered. “I knew she was a keeper from day one.”
“Glad you think so.” I took a sip of coffee. “Cuz I’m going to need a best man.”
Crane puffed out his chest, beaming with pride. I laughed and gestured to Addy as she walked by with a tray of fresh-baked muffins. I took a huge bite out of the best blueberry muffin I’d ever tasted.
Later, Lila and I would head down to the park, spread out a blanket, and watch the fireworks together. She caught my eye as she came back out of the kitchen. She mouthed “I love you.” I winked back. She went from table to table, greeting the people of Crystal Falls. She was one of them now. And she was mine.
THE END
A Special Surprise for My Loyal Readers
Want to catch up with Beckett and Lila one year later? Find out what happens when Lila gives Beckett a surprise birthday bundle of joy. Beckett may be tough as nails, but you won’t believe how he handles this one. Click the link below to receive an exclusive bonus epilogue to Edge.
http://www.jayneblue.com/edge_epilogue_bonus
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