Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 78631 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78631 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
“She probably does. Aren’t those given at birth these days?”
“Maybe. I don’t know. All I know is that when I turned eighteen, my caseworker handed me a Social Security card and said I would need it.”
I lean over, rest my head on his shoulder. “It’s awful what both of you went through.”
“I don’t need your pity, Diana, and neither does Griffin. She’s strong, and so am I.”
“I agree about that. But I do feel pity, Dragon. About what she’s been through. She’s a beautiful woman, and she should’ve had an amazing life.” I cup his cheek. “You should have too.”
He sighs. “Griffin and I will both play the hands we were dealt. I’ll see that she gets the best care.”
“About that,” I say. “What do you think about taking Griffin and Bridget back to the ranch?”
He raises an eyebrow. “You mean your ranch?”
“Yeah. My Aunt Melanie just happens to be one of the best psychiatrists in the country. And she specializes in childhood trauma.”
“Isn’t she retired?”
“Yes, but she still takes special cases now and then. I can’t think of a better case than this one. I know she can help Griffin and Bridget.”
“I can’t pay for that,” he says.
“All right then.” I shrug. “Marry me.”
He drops his jaw.
“Did I stumble over those words?” I ask.
“Diana…”
I grab his hands. “Look, you love me, and I love you. Once we’re married, what’s mine is yours. I’ve got more than enough to take care of you, Griffin, and Bridget. You’ll be back with the band soon, and you’re on your way up. You’re going to have your own money, and you won’t even have to use mine. But your sister and your niece need help now. I believe I can get the best help there is for them.”
He doesn’t respond for a moment.
I know exactly what’s going through his mind. It feels all wrong to take help from me, but on the other hand, he wants the best for his sister and niece. And he knows I can get that for them.
Also, the idea of spending the rest of his life with me can’t be too bad.
“I’m not marrying you,” he finally says.
A knife pierces my heart.
I try to hide the hurt on my face. “All right.”
“Not until I can afford to buy you a ring.”
Then I laugh. “Dragon, I don’t care about a ring.”
“I do,” he says. “And it will be a while before I can afford one, Diana, because like an idiot, I forgot to call Antonio last night and tell him I wasn’t going to be at work, so clearly I’m fired.”
I clamp my hand over my mouth. “Oh God. I forgot to remind you.”
He shakes his head. “It wasn’t your responsibility. It was mine.” He sighs. “As if I need one more thing to feel bad about.”
“You had your mind elsewhere,” I say, “just like I did. And rescuing your long-lost sister from a bunch of degenerates is way more important than teaching a few kids how to play drums. If Antonio doesn’t understand that, then fuck him.”
Dragon smiles then. He actually smiles. “Yeah, fuck him.”
“Seriously, though, what do you think?” I give his hands a light squeeze. “I’m out of work right now, and so are you. Let’s go back to the Western Slope. I’ll talk to Aunt Melanie. I’m sure I can get her on board, and if not, she can recommend somebody just as good. Maybe I’ll hang out a shingle in Grand Junction. Surely a few people there need an architect. And you already have a job once the band is back in business. Until then, you can teach lessons nearby.”
He smiles.
“You know what?” he says.
“What?”
He drops down on one knee. “Fuck the ring. Marry me, Diana. Marry me today.”
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Dragon
Five days later, Diana and I stand before a judge in the Denver City and County building, and we exchange vows.
Griffin and Bridget are with us, and when the justice of the peace asks me if I will take Diana Steel, love her and honor her, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health…it’s the easiest thing in the world to say “I do.”
We’re going back to the Western Slope.
Diana talked to her aunt, and she agreed to work with Griffin and Bridget.