When the Heart Falls(178)

He shakes his head. “It’s not a favor, or a gift, it’s payment owed for work you did. Take it and build your dream home for you and your family, invest some, pay for school, do whatever you want. It’s yours.”

Winter tugs at my sleeve and points to the clock.

“Dad, Mom, I’m so happy to see you, but we’re late. Would you like to join us for the ceremony?”

Dad smiles. “Nothing would make me prouder.”



The ceremony is long and boring and takes forever. My nerves are on edge as they award the runner-ups. My name is not called.

And then the woman on stage holds up an envelope and makes a big show of tearing it open. “And announcing this year’s winner. This young entrant shows great promise as an architect and will have an opportunity to work with the best in the field. Cade Savage, please come to the stage to accept your award, and welcome to the team!”



It’s an emotional night with so many highs that I’m worn out when we get back to our hotel. I’m holding my award, thinking of what it took to get here, when Winter wraps her arms around me. "Your brothers would be proud of you. Not just for tonight, but for how you've changed your family forever."

I put the award down and hug her, enjoying the feel of our bodies pressed together. "I wish they could have been here. I wish they could have had the father they deserved."

"They had you, just like our children will. And their lives served a purpose. They helped break the cycle of abuse in your family. Now, you are all free."

I kiss her then, grateful that I'm with this remarkable woman. "I have something for you.” I reach into my bag and bring out a tube with a red bow on it, handing it to her.

“What’s this?”

“Just open it.”

She pops the top off and pulls out the blueprint inside, spreading it on the coffee table. I can see the moment it registers and her eyes light up. “It’s the design for a house. It’s… incredible!”

“Our house, if you want it.” I open a black velvet box that’s been burning a hole in my pants all night and drop to one knee. “Winter Deveaux, will you do me the great honor of being my wife? I want to build you this house and raise our family in it.”

She claps her hands together, eyes brimming with tears as she looks at the two-karat princess cut diamond in platinum. She holds out her left hand, and I slide the ring onto her finger, then she throws herself into my arms. “Of course I’ll marry you. I love you so much.”

I kiss my fiancé for the first time, relieved that she said yes, excited about our future and so in love and happy I can barely stand it. "I promised to ravage you before this night was over. I'm a man of my word."

"You also promised little Cades." Winter wiggles out of my embrace and leans over the blueprint again. “There’s one thing missing from this design.”

I look at it, sure that I didn’t miss anything. “What’s that?”

She takes my hand and places it on her belly. “The nursery.”

I look down, then back up at her face. “You’re pregnant?”

She nods, tears in her eyes. “You’re going to be a daddy.”

I kiss her, imagining our home filled with the laughter of children. Children who will know a love that frees them to be who they are.

I turn on my iPod and plug it into the speakers. The song that comes on is familiar to us both. I hold out my hand.

And we dance.