Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 107012 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 535(@200wpm)___ 428(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107012 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 535(@200wpm)___ 428(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
With our easy banter, dinner is finished in no time. I’ve set a romantic dinner for two in the dining room, and we eat and enjoy the night like a couple who’s been together forever, not just four weeks.
Ciara sighs and falls back in her seat. “That was so good. Want to watch a movie, or should we go to bed to get up for our flight?”
“Actually, I have something I want to show you.”
“Oh really?”
Standing from my seat, I then blow out the candles. I scoop Ciara up into my arms. She wraps her arms around my neck and kisses my cheek.
Holding her tight, I make my way up to the rooftop. I smile as the glow from the lights and candles comes into view. Once outside, I walk over to the tent I had Taegan purchase and set up for me. Then I place Ciara on her feet in front of the opening.
More lights and candles light the inside. There are also two sleeping bags. Ciara steps inside as I wave her in. I then duck in as best I can after her and quickly take a seat on one of the sleeping bags.
“What’s all of this?” she asks.
Then her gaze lands on the little ballerina with boxing gloves on. I had Taegan commission the piece two weeks ago, as I remembered her father giving her a similar item. His only played music and spun around on its pedestal. This is a figurine on top of a jewelry box.
It still plays music. “Time After Time,” just like her old one played. During our chat tonight, she mentioned liking to dance and how it sometimes helps her in the ring.
Her mother was the dancer, but Ciara took to fighting more than her dance classes. Her ma and mine would take her and Kate to dance. I wasn’t sure if the piece was ready, but I’ll have to thank Taegan because it’s the perfect touch.
Ciara reaches for her head and stumbles to take a seat across from me. Quickly, I crawl over to her and palm her face. I search her eyes as they seem to be a bit distant.
“Your brothers teased me and told me there would be snakes in my sleeping bag. I cried, but you were there, and you hugged me until I calmed down,” she says as she looks back into my eyes.
“Yeah, I did. That was the first time I realized I loved you and always would.”
“But … why did the ballerina trigger that memory?”
“Your dad gifted you one just like it that same day. I played the music from it while you calmed down and you fell asleep.”
“I carried her around with me all day, didn’t I?”
“Yeah. How is your head? I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking about the headaches. We can save the champagne and strawberries for another time. If you want to go back inside, we can,” I say and kiss her forehead.
“No, no, it’s fine. My head is okay. It’s already passing.
“This is so romantic and cute. I want to stay. Thanks, Dylan.
“You just reminded me of the day you became my little hero. I think I might have known I loved you that day too.”
I crush her lips with mine and kiss her deeply. Everything else is forgotten as I make love to her in the tent on my rooftop. It’s one of the most amazing nights of my life.
CHAPTER 26
Distracted Mind
Dylan
This week has gone by entirely too fast. Ciara has only been here with me for four days and has to head back today, but I don’t want her to go. However, I have no choice but to let her.
Cole was right. He did need me here. Lincoln’s wife’s friend was shot and is in a coma.
I’ve been tasked with helping my cousin John look after Mark’s girlfriend. She was an eyewitness to the shooting and saved the guy’s life. I agree that she needs someone to look out for her.
John and I have been taking turns here at the hospital since the shooting. I only got to spend one day and night with Ciara since we’ve been here.
“Hey, go on. Take your girl to the airport. I’ve got this,” John says as I look down at my phone, frowning.
I look up into his golden eyes and think of my mother and her brother. Uncle Joe was happy to see me when I got in. I could tell by the bear hug he gave me.
I’ve often wished we all lived closer to one another. However, I now know that wasn’t possible because of my scumbag grandfather. From what I know, we’re lucky to have the relationship we have. Especially the relationship we had with Grandda Ian before cancer took him from us.
“Nah, you’ve been with Bailey all day and last night. I’ve got it,” I reply.