CHAPTER TWENTY
The ballroom of the Beverly Hills hotel sparkled with bejeweled guests. Crystal chandeliers hung over white linen-draped tables and tea candles glowed and flickered in clear glass holders.
A waiter leaned in. “Finished?”
Leaning back, Sophie let him take her plate. She didn’t bother eating food she didn’t like, so she nodded. Dry chicken and limp, julienned vegetables just didn’t do it for her.
Laura squeezed her hand, forcing her attention back on the podium, where King stood addressing the room of hundreds of philanthropic citizens of Beverly Hills. Her mom had been honored ten years ago. Of course, as an eleven-year-old Sophie hadn’t attended, but every day as she walked the long hallway to her bedroom she passed the picture of her glamorous mom holding the plaque and standing between the mayor and the president of Head Start.
Sophie pushed her chair back to give King her full attention. With his tousled blonde hair and tan skin, he looked like a surfer. Boyish and charming, he’d made a wonderful first boyfriend. He’d loved her as best he could, which hadn’t been easy for a guy who’d come from such a dysfunctional family.
When he’d found out her sister had bailed on her for this event, King had offered to come. She appreciated his loyalty and enduring affection more than she could say. For some reason, he’d been extra sweet all day. Nostalgic, even.
It had made her wonder if he was thinking of getting back with her. But that ship had sailed. If only…nope. Not going to think about Ryan O’Donnell. His relentless attempts to contact her boiled down to one thing. Guilt. He couldn’t stand upsetting people. He’d upset her, so he needed to make it right. To make her like him again. Well, she liked him plenty, but she was looking forward—not back. He could just deal with it.
Her chest ached under the weight of her lie. It took everything she had not to answer his call. Return his text. She missed him with her whole heart.
King must’ve touched the microphone, because it screeched. He laughed, raising his hands in surrender. “Sorry. But, yeah, I mean, she never gives up, man. That’s the thing about her. Sophie gives her heart to something and that’s it. She’s in. No matter what I was doing or where I was in the world, I always knew I had her right there for me. She’s one of the nicest, most generous, people I know. So…I don’t know, man, she listens, and she cares. And there’s not a lot of people like that. And, you know, she was my best friend. I hope she still is. So, yeah, that’s my Soph.” He raised his champagne flute and gave her his lazy smile.
Applause cracked the silence, and all eyes turned to her. Heat washed through her, and she gave a little wave, just like her mom used to do when she was honored for her work. Only her mom loved the attention. Sophie wanted to slide under the table and make a tablecloth fort.
The mayor resumed her place at the podium. “Thank you, King.”
Oh, good, her time in the spotlight was over. They could move onto the next honoree.
“I’m going to the ladies’ room,” she whispered to Laura.
But before she could push her chair back, a hand settled at the back of her neck. King collapsed into the chair beside her.
“Thank you.” She reached for his hand, clasped it. “That was sweet. And thanks for coming here tonight.”
“Anything for you, Soph.” He smiled, his cheeks as pink as if he’d just come off the slopes. He looked at her a little too long. “I can’t believe you’re moving to Montana.”
“I’m excited.” Why did he look so sad? They hadn’t been together in a year and a half.
“I’m gonna miss you.”
“Are you kidding? I’m going to Big Sky, the biggest ski resort in the country. And I’m buying a house big enough to fit all you bums.”
She was excited about the move. She’d narrowed her search down to a few houses big enough to accommodate all her friends when they visited, but she had so many things to get done—moving was overwhelming. At least it kept her mind busy, so she didn’t waste time thinking about—
The mayor’s voice broke through her thoughts. “…shortstop for the Michigan Devils, Mr. Ryan O’Donnell.”
What? Sophie spun around in her seat to see Ryan climbing the steps to the podium.
Ryan.
She stared at him, those broad shoulders, that devastating smile. What’s he doing here?
“Did you know about this?” She leaned into Laura.
“Of course.”
“And you didn’t tell me?”
“Nope.”
She sat back in her seat, stunned. “I don’t understand.”
“Sure you do.” King spoke close to her ear, and she turned to face him. And then she understood the sadness. He got that she’d moved on. For good this time.
She gave his arm a squeeze. They shared a warm smile, and then she turned back when she heard that deep, sexy voice.
“I haven’t known Sophie as long as King or Laura, but in the short time I’ve had with her, she’s done more to wake me up than anyone else in my life. I guess we all have our sad stories, but unlike the rest of us, Sophie doesn’t let hers define her. And that’s because she’s the strongest person I know. She faces her issues head on, deals with them, and then goes out and lives life on her own terms. And in the process of living, she touches the people around her. And you can’t help but be changed by her. As Helping Hands knows when she provides the material and organizes the making of blankets, socks, and scarves for the homeless. I mean, how many people would’ve thought to go into senior housing centers, mother’s groups, and book clubs to see if they’d be interested in making blankets?”
He looked around the room. “She could write checks—she’s a Valentine—but that’s not enough for her. Some of us see a problem in the world and feel bad, but we carry on with our lives. Some write a check, hoping someone else will take care of it. Some even get their hands in there, showing up on Thanksgiving to serve food at the shelter. But how many people stop and think the problem through? Come up with viable solutions? Not that many. But Sophie does. Because people matter to her. Deeply. She’s looking at me right now like I’ve lost my mind. But I haven’t lost anything. I’ve found something. Someone. Sophie…”
In the weighted moment, Sophie could feel the tension in the audience as they waited to hear what he had to say.
“I know we live at opposite ends of the country. We’re both just graduating college and we have big life decisions to make. It seems like we’ve got too many complications for us to work. But the thing is, it’s always going to be like that. We’re always going to have big decisions to make. Life never runs smoothly. So, really, who do you want beside you at those turning points? When you find someone—the one—you grab hold of her.”
Sophie stopped breathing. Her hand automatically went to her heart. “Did he just say I’m ‘the one?’” she whispered to Laura.
Her friend smiled, keeping her attention on Ryan.
“No matter the obstacles, you face them together. Because, ultimately, nothing else will ever matter as much as being with the people you love. And, Sophie, make no mistake, I love you.” He drew in a breath that looked like it hurt, and he looked right at her. “I don’t have any answers about our future, Soph, but I do know I want it to be ours.”
Oh, my God. Her heart thundered. Was this really happening? Ryan was in Beverly Hills, declaring his love for her? And then she felt strong hands on her arms, lifting her. King gave her a little push, and it took a moment for her mind to fit back into her body, but once it did, she was off. Heart pounding, blood roaring, she moved around the tables, as the audience clapped and cheered. But she only had eyes for one man. The one jumping off the stage, racing toward her. Lifting the hem of her gown, she ran straight into that hard wall of muscle. He caught her up in those arms she’d never thought she’d feel again.
Oh, God. She was back in his arms, and nothing had ever felt so right.
She turned her mouth into his neck, breathing in his familiar scent. “You’re here.”
“The only place I want to be.”
“But nothing’s changed.”
“Everything’s changed. My whole life has changed, thanks to you.” He let her go. Confused, she wondered at the odd smile on his face. Only then did she tune back into the sound of applause. She turned to find the entire audience on its feet, beaming smiles at her.
Heat rushed her hard. She wanted to hide in Ryan’s arms, but instead she smiled her appreciation, waved, and mouthed thank you as she made a slow turn to acknowledge the room.
“Come with me.” He took her hand and led her into the hallway. Towing her along in her four-inch heels, he turned a corner and pressed her against the wall. His big arms boxed her in, and she gazed up into that astonishingly handsome face.
Ryan O’Donnell in a black tux made her knees buckle.
She reached her arms around his waist, feeling the heat of him. “I can’t believe you’re here.”
“I want to be with you, Soph. We might only have had a week together, but I know. I knew it the first time I saw you. I couldn’t explain it then, but I can now. You’re the one for me.”
“Ryan, I’m moving to Montana. I’m buying Crazy Hearts from my family.”
“Cool. I’ve never been to Montana. Can’t wait to see it.”
“What does that mean?” She had said she only needed to be there from October to February. “Do you really want a girlfriend when you’re just starting your pro career? You’re going to be traveling so much.”
His smile broadened and his hands settled on her hips, drawing her closer. “I’m not playing pro ball. I’m done, Soph.” He shrugged. “I want a new challenge.”
“I’m not much of a challenge. You took me in the town square in front of ten thousand people.”
His gorgeous face lit up in a way she’d never seen before. No shadows, no doubts. Just peace and pure happiness. “I love you, Sophie. Whatever else we do with our lives, I want us to do it together. You in?”
“Yeah.” She let out a shaky breath. “I’m way in.”
His big hands reached up to cup her cheeks. “Gonna kiss you now.”
Oh, yeah. Just as her eyelids fluttered closed, she said, “We are talking about more than a week this time, right?”
“You’re my heart, Sophie Valentine. So that means forever.”