See Me(156)

They’d both had angels on their shoulders. Maria believed that as she’d seen Lily and Evan emerge from the Prius, and though some people might laugh at the notion, she didn’t care.

She knew.





Behind her, the wedding reception was in full swing, solemnity finally giving way to festivities. Lily had wanted the reception held at her parents’ spacious second home on the banks of the Ashley River, and as far as Maria could tell, no expense had been spared. A palatial white tent glowed with elaborately strung lights, and guests were dancing on a parquet floor before a ten-piece band. The food had been catered by one of the finest restaurants in the city, and the spring flower arrangements were works of art. Maria knew she’d never have a wedding like this; it wasn’t her style. As long as she had her friends and family – and maybe a couple of pi?atas later for the younger guests – she would be happy.

Not that she was thinking of getting married in the near future. The subject had yet to come up, and Maria had no intention of asking Colin about it directly. In most ways, Colin hadn’t changed at all. He’d tell her the truth, and she wasn’t sure she was ready to hear the answer. She might be inclined to hint if the opportunity presented itself, but even the thought of that sometimes made her nervous.

Colin had only recently managed to resume his workout routine, but he was sometimes frustrated he wasn’t able to do the things he used to do, including MMA training. He needed at least another six months, the doctors insisted. The shotgun blast had torn through part of his shoulder muscle, leaving vivid scars and a weakness that might be permanent. He’d already undergone one operation on his hand, and another was planned in a few more months. The injury that concerned the doctors most, however, had been the skull fracture, and he’d spent four days in the ICU, near Pete Margolis.

Margolis had been the first one to speak to Colin when he regained consciousness.

“They tell me you saved my life,” Margolis had said to him. “But don’t think this changes anything about your deal. I’m still going to keep an eye on you.”

“Okay,” Colin had managed to croak out.

“They also tell me that Dr. Manning beat the crap out of you, and that Evan ended up being the one who finally took him out. I find that very hard to imagine.”

“Okay,” Colin said again.

“My wife said you came to check on me. Said you were polite, too. And that my friend Larry apparently thinks you’re pretty smart.”

His throat dry, Colin merely grunted this time.

Margolis shook his head and sighed. “Do me a favor and stay out of trouble. And one more thing.” He finally cracked a smile. “Thank you.”

Since then, Margolis hadn’t dropped by to check on Colin even once.





Maria sensed Colin’s approach and then felt his arm settle around her. She leaned into him.

“There you are,” he said. “I was looking for you.”

“It’s so beautiful by the water,” she said. She turned, slipping her arms around him.

“Maria?” he whispered into her hair. “Would you do something for me?” When she pulled back and looked at him quizzically, he went on. “I’d like you to meet my parents.”

Her eyes widened. “They’re here? Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

“I wanted to talk to them first. See where we stand.”

“And?”

“They’re good people. I told them about you. They asked if they could meet you, but I said I’d have to check with you first.”

“Of course I’ll meet your parents. Why would you have to check with me?”

“I wasn’t sure what else to say. I’ve never introduced them to a girl before.”

“Never? Wow. That makes me feel pretty special.”

“It should. You are.”

“So let’s go meet your parents. Since I’m so special and you’re crazy about me and you probably can’t imagine living without me. In fact, you just might be thinking that I’m the one, right?”

He smiled, his eyes never leaving hers. “Okay.”





ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS





Every novel presents its own unique set of challenges, and this novel was no different. As always, there are those whose help and support were invaluable to me as I worked my way through those challenges.

I’d like to thank:

Cathy, who remains a wonderful friend. She will always be dear to me.

Our children – Miles, Ryan, Landon, Lexie, and Savannah – for the joy they continually add to my life.

Theresa Park, my fabulous literary agent, manager, and producing partner, who is always there to listen to me and provide constructive advice when I need it most. I’m not sure where I would be without her.

Jamie Raab, my terrific editor, who works wonders with my manuscripts. We’ve worked together on every book, and I consider myself blessed not only because of her expertise, but because of her unwavering friendship.

Howie Sanders and Keya Khayatian, my film agents at UTA, who are not only exceptional at what they do, they’re creative, intelligent, and fun to be around.

Scott Schwimer, my entertainment attorney, is one of the best friends I have in the world, and my life has been enriched by his presence.