Stolen Course (Wrecked and Ruined #2)(67)

I sit for a few minutes, trying to figure out how long I need to sit out here to make her believe I followed through with her elementary ploy, when suddenly a single bright red leaf blows across my foot. It’s the middle of August in Chicago. There are nothing but green leaves on the trees this time of year, and while I know it’s probably left over from last fall, blown from the yard of my neighbor who never rakes, I still take it as a sign from Manda. After uncapping the marker, I begin to write.

Four hours later and six pink balloons that are now more black than pink, I let them go and watch them float away, taking with them a huge weight off my chest. My words weren’t all sweet and kind. Some of them were angry and even scathing. I’ve been pissed off for a long time, but you can’t exactly take that out on the woman who lost her own life. However, you can’t take it out on the woman you hope to spend the rest of your life with either.

I lie back on the rocky grass and stare into the midday sun, reminiscing over the days leading up to the accident and the ones immediately following it. It’s been over five f*cking years. I shouldn’t still be gutted every time I think about the past. It may not have happened the way I wanted it to, but as I think about Emma sitting on my couch, probably drinking one of those nasty-ass smoothies she loves so much, I know I can finally move forward.

I reach over and pull away one of the white balloons I tied to the small bush in my flowerbed. As I look at the blank slate, I realize that this part is going to be harder than I ever could have imagined. I have hated Sarah for a long time. I can’t muster anything to say to her. I think back on those last moments in the restaurant before Brett and I got called away. Sarah was always a little crazy…just like her sister…but she had a good heart before the accident. The four of us always had fun together, but remembering those happier times hurts like hell. Emma said to make it hurt. So sitting like douche in the middle of my front yard, holding a single white balloon, I try to remember every silly moment of Sarah, Manda, and even Casey. It was always a blast when we were all together.

After a long day of strolling down memory lane, just as the sun sets, I pick up the marker and finish this whole stupid game. Using one of Sarah’s white balloons, I send a final message up to Manda.

Manda, it took me long enough, but I think this will make you happy, and that might be the best reason of all.

I reach back, snagging the last balloon.

Sarah, I forgive you.

I rise to my feet, stretching my aching legs. Looking up, I whisper a final, “I love you,” and let them go. I don’t stand there to watch them fly into the sky. I have a woman and child inside who need me, and nothing will keep me from them ever again.

Fucking balloons.





I WALK back into my house hours after I walked out of it. I’m probably sunburned all to hell and back, I’m starving, and I need water something fierce, yet I only have one thing on my mind. I rush through the house, turning off the lights and locking the doors as I go. Finally, I reach our room and gently push the door open wide.

“Hey, you,” she says when her eyes immediately jump to mine. She’s sitting up watching TV, a million pillows propping her up

“I’m going to kiss you,” I start, and her eyes go wide. “Then I’m going to make love to you.” Her smile slides away as heat immediately fills her face. “And then we are going to make plans to spend the next one hundred years together.”

Just as quickly as it fell, her soft smile returns.

“You always do make good plans.”

“I’m sorry. I don’t think I’ll be able to say that enough. I pushed my own personal shit on you when you needed me. I’m so f*cking sorry, Emmy.”

Her lip begins to quiver, but she bites it to hold back the tears. “It’s not all your fault. I might be a tad hormonal and have taken that out on you…a little bit.”

“A tad?” I smirk and walk over to sit on the edge of the bed. I reach out and wipe away her tears before cupping my hand against her cheek. She sways into my touch. “I’m sorry.” I repeat.

“You really are an ass, but I’ve missed you.”

And that’s it. I push my mouth against hers for an emotional kiss. One by one, I pull the pillows out from behind her until she’s flat on the bed. I strip away the blankets and step back just to look at her for a minute.

Stunning—that’s the only word I can use to describe the vision that lies before me. What I did to deserve her and the little boy growing in her belly, I will never understand. Emma was right. I need her. But right now, I really need to be inside her. The emotions buzzing around inside me are enough to make a man go crazy. I just need to show her—make her feel it too.

Grabbing the top of her yoga pants, I slide them down her legs. I take my time on the way down to appreciate her body—to appreciate her. She’s quiet and still, which is a little unnerving. Emma is always playing for the upper hand in the bedroom—always trying to capture control.

“You’re not going to argue with me? No smartass comments?”

“Not tonight.” She lifts her hips off the bed as I hook my fingers in her panties and drag them down her legs.

“Nothing?” I ask again.

“No. I have a suspicion you need to do this one your way.” She reaches out and rubs a hand up my arm.