I remember the time Charles told me about his mole at Christiansen. This is that guy?
“That’s ridiculous. Mackenzie took nothing from him. He never applied.”
Sydney looks down at him. “No, he thought Charles would just hire him.”
“That’s not how it works.” I walk in a little closer and she jumps.
“Don’t come near me.”
“Okay.” I raise my hands. “Explain to me how his hatred of Mackenzie involved you.”
“We bumped into each other. At least that’s how I thought it was. Now I know he planned it. He targeted me to get close to her. Eventually I told him about my relationship with you and it just got out of hand from there.”
“Got out of hand? You kidnapped a person for almost three days. He assaulted her. She could have died.”
“I wasn’t going to let that happen. You have to believe me.”
“I don’t understand why you were upset with me in the first place? High school was a long time ago, Sydney.”
She shakes her head and runs her blood stained fingers through her tangled hair. “Don’t you get it? All you ever did was use me. For your tests, for your homework, even to make other girls jealous. You don’t think I knew what was happening at the wedding? You brought me, but you wanted her.”
“I thought I was clear we were just friends.”
“We weren’t friends! Friends don’t use each other. Friends don’t call only when it’s convenient. You are not a friend. You’re a self-centered jerk. I’m so sick of watching your life unfold exactly as you want it to.”
She has no idea what my life is like. “Why do you want my attention then, if I’m such a jerk?”
“I don’t know,” she says softly. “I just wanted to make a point and he kept pushing me to do more until it turned into this.”
“Okay, you’ve told me your side of the story. Now what?”
“Do you forgive me? It was just a misunderstanding.”
A misunderstanding? I am filled with so much rage right now and she calls it a misunderstanding. I look back at the officer and Theresa, who nods to me. I sigh.
“Yes, I forgive you. Now hand over the gun and let’s get out of here.”
“Oh, that’s not going to happen. I’m going to kill this bastard.”
“You don’t want to do that. You’ll go to jail and he’s not worth it.”
“I’m not going to jail. We’re both dying tonight. There is no other way. I’ll destroy my family and I would just rather be gone.”
“You know that won’t happen. As soon as you shoot him, the cops will be all over you.”
“All I have to do is point the gun at one of them and they’ll shoot me. It’s perfect, really.”
“So that’s it? He gets to die and not pay the consequences of anything he did to you and Mackenzie? Then you die and make some police officer doing his job live with that? He has to take a life because you don’t want to deal with what you did?”
She looks down at the floor. “I didn’t think about it like that.”
“Now is the time to start thinking. Things got out of hand and you didn’t mean to hurt anyone. Everyone knows that. The police will listen to you. The best thing to do at this point is not to hurt anyone else.”
“Where is Mackenzie?”
“She’s not here.”
“Why not?”
“It’s not safe.”
“I wasn’t going to hurt her.”
“I know. Hand me the gun, Sydney.”
She stands slowly as a police officer moves in closer. Her eyes focus on him, and then back at me.
She shakes her head. “I don’t know.”
“It’s the smartest thing to do and you are a smart girl. You always have been.”
“Yeah.”
“Sydney?” I put my hand out and walk slowly towards her. Just as I think she’s going to hand me the gun she turns around and fires it. I drop to the floor as shouting police officers rush into the room.
I hear a noise that sounds like a muffled pop and my breath catches.
“What was that noise?” I ask.
The police officer frowns at me. “It was a gunshot.”
I clutch my chest as the officer puts his arm around my shoulder. Oh my god. Brayden. I watch the building in horror, waiting for a sign that my love is unharmed. It seems like ages and no one comes out. The parking lot is full of frightened evacuated residents and I can barely see the front door.
“Can’t you call someone?” I ask the officer.
“Not yet, ma’am. We’ll hear something soon.”
I’m going to go insane standing here. I try to run towards the building, but I am quickly pulled back by the police officer who stayed with me. Finally, I see Theresa push her way through the crowd and I look behind her for the only face that matters. When I see him, a giant sob escapes my throat and I rush towards him.
He opens his arms for me and swings me around, kissing my neck as he does.
“Are you hurt?” I ask, through my joyous tears.
“I’m okay.”
“What happened?”
He squeezes me tight. “It was awful.”
“Is she hurt?”
“Definitely.”
“Who fired the shot?”
“She did.”
“At you?”
“No, at the man she is with. His name is Phillip Williamson. He worked with you at-”
“Phillip? Are you fucking serious?”
“That’s what she said his name was.”
“Oh my god, that bastard. He was such a creep and always gave me a hard time. He said I wasn’t good enough to work at Capella. He hated me.”
“Yes, he did. Enough to hurt you.”
“I didn’t even think of him. I didn’t recognize his voice at all. I can’t believe it.” I rub my forehead. “Is he dead?”
“I have no idea. Theresa grabbed my arm and got me the hell out of that room. Sydney acted like she was gonna give me the gun, but then she just turned around and shot him. She wanted him dead.”
“How horrible.”
“Yes, it is.”
“Come on, you two,” Theresa says. “Over here.”
We walk away from the entrance and sit on the back bumper of an ambulance. A while later, the doors open and the police walk out with Sydney in handcuffs. They walk right by us and when she sees me, she stops. I’m shocked at how bruised and beaten she looks.
“I killed him for you, Mackenzie. He’ll never hurt anyone again.” The police officer drags her forward as we sit with her chilling words.
“I can’t believe she is capable of killing someone,” Brayden says.
“I think she went through a lot. Just those few days I was with them were pretty bad.”
“He pushed her too far.”
“Yes.”
The doors open again and a stretcher comes out carrying Phillip. He is wearing an oxygen mask, but blood is gushing from his abdomen. They put him in an ambulance and speed off.
“He didn’t look dead to me,” I note.
“No, they must have wanted her to believe it. Either that or she’s just delusional.”
“At this point, it could be anything.”
“True.” He turns and rubs my cheek. “Do you want to go back to your place instead?”
“No, I’m happy here. Even now.” I brush the hair off his forehead. “I’m so thankful you weren’t hurt. I wouldn’t be able to bear it. All this happiness, only to lose it? It would destroy me.”
“Good thing we don’t even have to think about that. We still have each other.”
“Yes, we do.”
Theresa approaches us and briefs us on what happened. Phillip is in critical condition and it’s unclear if he will survive. Sydney is being taken to a maximum security mental institution for evaluation. Brayden and I are free to go home. Brayden shakes Theresa’s hand.
“Thank you for everything. You were amazing.”
“Yo
u’re welcome. You did a lot to help. Getting this address was the big key.”
“I really can’t believe she was right under my nose the entire time.”
“She was pretty crafty,” Theresa says.
“Yes. Now what happens?”
“Charges will be filed. Depending on her mental condition, there may be a plea or a trial. You’ll both be contacted about that and I’ll be here every step of the way.”
“And Phillip?” I ask.
“If he survives, same drill.”
“If he dies, will Sydney be charged with murder?” I ask.
“That will all depend on her lawyers. If they prove she is crazy or abused, it could be a lesser charge.”
“Okay.”
“I’ll keep you posted on what’s happening.”
“Thank you,” Brayden says and then turns to me. “Let’s go home.”
“Yes. Home.”
“Come on, Kenzie. We need to go or we’ll be late.”
“I’m coming. One sec.”
I pace the living room, waiting for my girl to appear. I know when I see her it will be well worth the wait, but I really don’t want to be late for Dan’s wedding.
She glides down the hall in the beautiful baby blue gown she chose. Yep, she looks amazing. I kiss her cheek.
“You look gorgeous. Let’s go.”
“Okay. I’ll grab the gift.”
We hurry downstairs and into the car, speeding our way over to Coronado. I smile when I remember the last time I came to a wedding here and how different this night will end from that one.
“What are you smiling about?”
“You, weddings, Coronado.”
“Seems you would frown instead.”
“Nope, all that is in the past and I’m thankful for every minute of it to have this one.”
“Me, too.” She fusses with her hair in the mirror. “I hope I don’t cry. I hate getting all emotional in public.”
“I love it.”
“You should. You brought it out in me.”
I reach over and take her hand, lifting it to my mouth for a kiss. She has no idea how complete she makes me. I can’t believe it’s been six months since the night we found Sydney. Six months since Kenzie and I picked out a new home and moved in together, and six months since I learned what true love really feels like. I’ve never been so content in my life.
“Are you nervous?” she asks.
“No, it’s good practice for when I marry you.”
Kenzie grins. “So romantic.”
“If you’ll have me.”
“Like I’m going anywhere.”
“Do you think about it? Marriage?”
“Sometimes.”
“Does it scare you still?”
“Not as much anymore. I’m getting used to the idea.”
“The idea of being my wife?”
“Yes, and spending the rest of my life with you.”
“I’m glad because I’m never letting you go.”
She laughs. “Ditto.”
“I’m glad you think about marriage. I do, too. I know we have plenty of time, but I just want you to know it’s on my mind.”
“It’s nice to know, but no rush. I never expected this so I’m fine to wait.”
I squeeze her hand and smile. “I’m really glad all that Sydney business is behind us, too. The verdict wasn’t a surprise.”
“Not to me, either. I knew she wasn’t a bad person. I think time served and counseling is the best route for her. Things just got out of her control. Phillip, on the other hand, deserves everything he got.”
“Yeah, better to suffer with his paralysis and know how he got to that place than to die,” I say.
“True, although who knows what was waiting for him on the other side of this world.”
“He’ll still have to face that someday. For now, his punishment is justice for us.”
“Two inches to the left and that bullet would have killed him. I don’t know if he’s lucky or cursed.”
“Depends on how you look at it, I guess. I’m just glad there wasn’t a trial. I didn’t want you to have to go through that.”
“Yeah, I’m happy it’s over.”
“You and me both.”
We pull into the hotel parking lot. I kiss her cheek as we part ways so I can go meet my groomsman duties.
We file into the chapel and I take my place, all the while keeping my eye on the prettiest girl in the room. I barely listen to the ceremony, preoccupied with my own thoughts about the woman I love. Glancing into the audience, I catch her eye and she flashes me a radiant smile. She is so beautiful. I wonder if I’ll get used to it. Dan and Kelly exchange rings and then are pronounced husband and wife. His smile fills his face and I can’t wait for this to be me and Mackenzie. Soon, if I’m lucky. And I’m always lucky.
The wedding guests move outside and I hold back to finish some of the wedding photos. Mackenzie stands nearby and watches, sipping a martini. Dan pats me on the shoulder.
“You ready for this?”
“I am. Are you sure you and Kelly don’t mind?”
“Are you kidding? She’s so excited she can barely stand it. You better do it soon.”
“I will. As soon as the dance starts.”
Dan looks at his watch. “Fifteen minutes is our entrance and dance. Then the DJ will call you up and you can do your thing.”
“Whew. Okay. This is it.”
“Yes, it is. Did you ever think this would happen to either one of us?”
“Certainly not me. It’s right, though. I know it is.”
“I can’t wait.”
I look back at Kenzie as she talks to a bridesmaid. Here goes nothing.
I escort her into the ballroom and then walk in with the rest of the wedding party as Dan and Kelly are announced. We watch them dance as I take my place next to the woman who has changed my entire life. A few minutes later, the music stops and my name is called out. I try to act surprised as I stand and walk to the front. Kenzie looks confused and I just grin like the love struck fool that I am. When I get to the front, the DJ comes down from his booth.
“So, Brayden, I hear you have something special planned tonight.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Well, we would all like to help you with that, right, everyone?”
The crowd claps and Dan whistles. I avoid looking at Kenzie for a minute just to collect myself.
“Would Mackenzie please come up?” the DJ asks.
She looks confused as she walks slowly to the front and the crowd continues clapping. “What is this about?”
“May I have this dance?” I extend my hand as she takes it. The DJ disappears and starts to put my plan in place. “The Way You Look Tonight” begins to play and I pull Kenzie close to me and whisper to her.
“The last time we danced to this song was the night I realized I was in love with you.”
“I remember,” she whispers.
“That night didn’t end the way either of us wanted it to, but tonight is a chance to do it the way we should.”
“I would like that.” She squeezes me. “This is so romantic.”
She looks up at me, her eyes so full of emotion. There is no doubt in my mind that this is the right thing to do. As we sway to the music I think back to the day I met her. I never thought I would ever stop my womanizing ways, but then I didn’t expect her to affect me like she did. I couldn’t have envisioned this moment, or feeling this way. I didn’t think I would ever be in this position, ready to get down on bended knee and ask her to spend the rest of her life with me. There was a time that I thought we were not meant to be. So many things came between us. Now standing here, holding her in my arms, I know that everything led to this perfect moment. I’m ready for it.
I step back from her and lower down on my knee. The room rumbles with applause as I take her hand in mine. Her eyes open wide and a tear slides down her cheek. She is so stunning right now. She always is.
&n
bsp; “Brayden, what are you doing?”
“Something I’ve waited for all my life, but never thought would happen.” I take a deep breath and replay the words I’ve rehearsed in my mind a thousand times. I love this woman.
“No one, especially me, would have foreseen this moment. I was drawn to you before we even met and my need for you has only intensified. You are the yin to my yang, the female version of me, the Cleopatra to my Caesar, and my four leaf clover. I became a better man because you needed me to. You filled something in me I didn’t know was empty.”
Kenzie sobs, covering her mouth. Her green eyes glisten like emeralds in the twinkling lights of the ballroom.
“You are my Kenzie, the woman who has turned my life upside down and made everything better. The only thing I need for the rest of my life is your love.” I pull out the diamond ring that’s been burning a hole in my pocket for the past month. “Mackenzie Reed, I love you more than I can even express. Will you be my witness?”
She stares at me, tears streaming down her face. For a moment, I’m afraid she’s going to run, but she doesn’t. She smiles and nods her head.
“Absolutely.”
Placing the ring on her finger, I stand and embrace her. I swing her around as the crowd goes crazy. We are swarmed by people congratulating us. After several minutes, I pull her aside and we step outside for a minute.
“You’re amazing,” she says, staring at the ring on her finger.
“You like it?”
“I love it.”
“I love you.”
“I know.”
“Are you happy?”
“The happiest. I can’t wait to become Mrs. James.”
“Mrs. James? That sounds incredible.”
“It is. Just like the man who saved my life.”
I pull her close, kissing her as we dance under the stars.
One day, many months ago, Jennifer Domenico went to sleep and a beautiful love story played out in her dreams.
When she awoke, she felt compelled to write it down. So she did- for days and days she wrote. The result was her first novel, Turn Towards the Sun and a writing career was born.
Ms. Domenico lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with her very Italian husband, a dog that adores her, two cats that tolerate her, and a wicked sweet tooth.
Chasing Desire Page 47
