Chapter Eighteen

 

The brace was completely different than what I had expected. I pictured a big clunky, plastic and metal monstrosity so hot I would swelter all day. What he brought was a custom fit carbon fiber design using the least amount of material to get the job done. The carbon fiber came around the front of my thigh, and was held on with Velcro. There were two long supports going down the sides and back of my calf, with the hinge at the knee. My foot sat on a custom-built support arch that would go inside my shoe. Because it didn’t have heavy plastic forms holding it together, it was lightweight, easily adjustable, and not the least bit hot. I was pleasantly surprised when he strapped it on. I could see myself wearing it with no qualms for the rest of my life. When I wear pants, it will have to go over them, but when I wear skirts or dresses it will strap to my leg comfortably with nothing underneath it. To say I was pleased was an understatement.

Once I was standing he handed me a crutch and, with Sawyer’s help, I walked the full length of the hallway and back with half as much pain as I usually have, and much greater stability. I was so relieved it worked and was comfortable, I broke down in tears as soon as the orthotist left. Sawyer gathered me in his arms and let me be as emotional as I needed to be. He told me he felt the same way. Watching me walk without grimacing made him want to cry. All in all, today was a successful day, even taking Jarrett’s stunt into consideration.

I smoothed my white dress down over my hips and turned left then right. The brace was there, but it wasn’t obtrusive or obnoxious. I smiled and swiveled from the mirror, grabbing my crutch. We had enjoyed the wonderful dinner of pineapple-mango glazed shrimp, salad, and Portuguese sweet bread. He paired it with a bottle of Greco di Tufo, an Italian white wine. I felt relaxed and loved, my tummy full of good food.

I opened the bathroom door and he was waiting in the hall, his hair stylishly messy, and his dress shirt open at the neck. He was casual in a pair of khaki shorts and Jesus sandals on his feet. He pushed off the wall and held his arm out for me. “Ready?”

I turned off the light and grasped his arm with my right hand, the burn painful again. “Before we go, do you have any Advil? My hand is sore.”

He caressed my face and felt my forehead. “No fever. Is it outrageously sore?”

I shook my head. “No, it feels normal sore for having a chemical burn. I thought Advil might keep the inflammation down and prevent it from getting any worse.”

He strode to the kitchen and filled a glass with water, shaking out some pills into his hand. When he returned he held them out and I popped them in my mouth, washing them down.

“Thanks, I’m sure they’ll help. I already took my nerve medication which Dr. Rak said will help, too.”

He cupped my face and held me in place. “Are you sure you want to go? We could lay down and watch a movie. Maybe icing the hand would be best.”

I shook my head. “Absolutely not. I want to test the brace out in the sand, and you know how much I love the beach at night. I’ve been looking forward to it since you mentioned it earlier today.”

His eyes held a nervousness to them I hadn’t seen before, and I wondered how stressed out he was about Jarrett’s games. Since it wasn’t happening to him I wondered if I discounted his level of fear too much. He held the door open and checked both ways, then gathered me to him and hurried me down the hallway to the service elevators. They would let us out at the back of the building closer to the beach and away from the eyes of everyone in the lobby. He was going for incognito, and I was grateful.

Once in the elevator he stabbed at the button for the first floor until the doors rolled closed. I put my arms around his neck and stood on one tiptoe, planting a kiss on his lips. “It’s okay to be scared, Sawyer. I know I am.”

He smiled down at me, his eyes shining in the light of the small space. “Oh, I’m scared alright, but not of Jarrett. I’m scared of losing you forever. I’m scared of losing the way you feel in my arms. I’m scared of never experiencing the euphoria of sliding into your heat ever again. I’m scared one day you’ll decide I’m not the man you want to be with.”

I put my finger over his lips. “Never. You can’t deny your soulmate, even if you try. I’ve learned how true those words are. We’re connected in a deeper place than the heart, Sawyer.”

The doors dinged open and we left the safety of the car and exited the building after he checked for danger. We stepped onto the sand and I carried my crutch, holding onto him for support. The moon sat like a giant shimmering ball in the sky. Nearly full, its incandescent glow made the sand on the beach glitter and glisten as though it was lined with diamonds. I sighed with contentment as we walked down Kupid’s Cove.

“This beach is more than beautiful. It’s magical. It wipes everything from my mind but how lucky I am to be here with you tonight.”

He kissed my temple, his lips warm and inviting. I turned my head toward his and raised it, begging his lips to touch mine. When they did, I couldn’t take another step, so I leaned into him, my eyes closed and a moan low in my throat. His hands held my face and when he tore his lips from mine he panted a few times to suck in enough air to remain standing.

“You have to be the sexiest woman alive,” he whispered. “If we weren’t on TV, I’d be making love to you right here.”

I glanced around. “We’re on TV?” I asked and he nodded, not pointing out the cameras. “Gideon had cameras installed when Lei was in danger, but left them up as security for the beach. I won’t be showing you where they are in case he’s watching. I also have a couple panic buttons on me.”

I rubbed my temple. “I have one, but they aren’t putting one on the brace until tomorrow.”

He tucked me back into his side and kept strolling. “It’s no problem. I’m covered on purpose. I want you to feel secure, but I also want you to feel like you can enjoy the night without worrying about being attacked. You deserve it after today,” he said, bringing my injured hand to his lips to kiss. “How is it feeling now?”

I gathered it to me and laid my head on his shoulder. “Better. The Advil helped. I think the wine did, too.”

He chuckled, his voice low. “I’m glad. I had a whole surprise planned for you tonight, but I hadn’t counted on a sore hand or a maniac stalker. I promise to take you to the restaurant another night.”

“I’d like that,” I said, just as I stumbled. He caught me, pausing our steps. “I’m okay,” I assured him. “I’m still getting used to walking supported. It sure does feel better, though. Even walking in sand is easier.”

He kissed my temple. “I’m glad. My heart feels a little bit lighter to hear you’re getting some benefit from it. I’m sure once you can wear it all the time you’ll hardly need me to support you anymore.”

I shook my head. “Not true. I’ll always need you to support me, emotionally and physically.”

He pulled a red hanky from his pocket and held it up. “I hope what you say is true and I hope you trust me enough to put this on and enjoy your surprise.”

I held his eyes and nodded. “I’m ready.”

He brought the silky material around my eyes and tied it in the back. With the scarf blocking my sight, the darkness was overpowering. I took a deep breath and reminded myself I was with Sawyer.

“Take my arm,” he ordered. “It’s only a little bit farther now.”

I hooked my hand in his and we strolled slowly and carefully through the sand. After a few more feet I could hear notes playing over the sound of the crashing surf. “Music?” I asked and he chuckled.

“You have a good ear,” he whispered, his lips on my cheek. “You Look Wonderful Tonight.”

“Eric Clapton. I love his lyrics,” I said as he brought me up short and held me there.

“I’m going to put my hand on your head and tell you to duck.”

I felt his hand and I bent to the light pressure he put on my head, then stood when he released me. The music was much louder now. He loosened the blindfold and it fell to my neck. What I saw made my breath catch.

A white sheet covered the sand, red rose petals sprinkled across it lazily. They blew around in the wind, giving the effect of falling petals. On each corner of the sheet was a vase of roses to hold everything in place. The music played, and a champagne bucket held a bottle and two glasses.

“This is gorgeous, Sawyer,” I sighed. We were under the low hanging branches of an outcropping of trees at the end of Kupid’s Cove.

He held his hand out to me and pulled me in to dance, the music changing to I Need You.

“They call this spot, Lovers’ Cove. It’s a place where you can hide out from life for a few hours and concentrate on each other.”

“It’s perfect here. You’re perfect,” I whispered.

He laughed and it reverberated through my chest. “No, I’m far from perfect, but I didn’t realize how much I needed you until you showed up in my life,” he said, his hand warm on my back. “When Gideon called this afternoon yelling about you being hurt, I thought my heart would never start beating again. Ask Tim how crazy I was when I ran from the beach to the daycare center. If he hadn’t opened the door I would have plowed right through it. You can’t leave me,” he whispered, “ever.”

I kissed his neck, wanting to settle his pounding heart. “I’m not leaving, Sawyer. I just got here.”

He kissed me then, his lips fierce and harsh on my skin. His moans carried across the breeze and rode the waves. I held his face, soothing his hunger until the kiss turned languid and soft. “Promise me we’ll make love tonight. We need to be as close as two people can be or I’ll never sleep.”

I put my finger to his lips and he kissed it. “I’ve never made love on a beach before,” I teased.

He walked backward onto the sheet and pulled me with him. “I’m all about introducing you to first time experiences,” he said, his lips going to my neck. He kissed his way to my ear and whispered into it. “I’m going to grab you under the arms and lower you to the blanket. Let me do the work.” I nodded and he lowered me down, the brace awkward as I tried to sit. His hands snaked under my dress, caressing the skin between the ridges of the brace. “How about if we take this off for a little while?” he asked, his fingers manipulating the straps as I rested on my elbows watching him. In seconds, the brace was discarded on the sheet and his hands massaged the skin the way the therapist showed him. I sat up and wiggled the dress out from under me, pulling it over my head to fall upon the sheet. I wore no bra under the dress and all that remained was the tiny scrap of lace covering his desire.

He lay over me, fully clothed, and made love to my lips. “You, are the sexiest woman I’ve ever met, and the best part is, you don’t even know it.”

I grabbed his waist and held him to me, grinding against the man in him, needing the escape. “Stop talking and kiss me,” I begged.

 

 

Our lovemaking had been frenzied, and then smoothed out, leaving us both panting and relaxed. He carried me to the water, a quick dip in the ocean to cool off, before we retreated under the trees to the sheet again. The nervousness was back as we sat together and I couldn’t figure out why. My gaze fell on the roses in the vases. Each vase had a different color and I noticed a card attached to each. The first vase held a dozen lavender roses. I opened the card and read it by the light of the moon. “The lavender rose represents love at first sight, which is what happened when we met. You captivated me the first day and I will never forget how beautiful you were.” I glanced up at him and laughed softly. “Sawyer, I looked like hell the first time you met me. My face was bruised and my leg was three times its normal size.”

His lips turned up. “I didn’t see any of those things. I saw my future.”

I leaned in and kissed him. “I was too out of it to see anything, but I’m glad you kept coming around.”

He brushed a piece of hair off my forehead. “Oh honey, there was no choice in the matter.”

I pulled a rose from the second vase, but two came out. I realized they were twined together as I inhaled their scent. I flipped the card open and read it aloud. “Red and white flowers banded together signify unity. There’s no question in my mind we are one unit, even when we are apart. In everything I do, your name is in the forefront of my mind. I’ve never burned so many dishes as I have the past few weeks. You captivate me no matter what I’m doing.”

I lowered the card and frowned. “I’m sorry. I feel bad for making your job harder than it already is.”

He sat up on his knees and took the flowers, inhaling as deeply as I did. “Don’t apologize, beautiful. For the first time in my thirty years of life, I’m finally living and not just going through the motions. It’s a wonderful feeling.”

He leaned backward and pulled the card off the third vase, filled with orange roses. I flipped open the card and read it. “Orange roses signify desire. As you’re reading this, there’s a decently high chance I’m already hard with desire for you. Making love to you every night for the rest of my life wouldn’t be enough to quench the desire I hold for you in my heart.” I held the card to my chest. “How decently high is the chance?” I asked and he grinned. His hand snaked out and captured my left one. He laid it on his groin and it was my turn to grin. “Feels like a one hundred percent chance to me.”

He nodded, his eyes going closed and his Adam’s apple bobbing. “I’ve never made it a secret how easily you turn me on.”

I took the fourth and final envelope from the last vase as he took deep breaths to get himself under control. There were eleven roses, red and dark pink, ten of which were twined in pairs and the final red one rising above the others. “These are stunning,” I whispered, taking a pair out of the vase. The dark pink roses were tipped with burgundy and I noticed they had no thorns. The card shook a little in my hand when I opened it. “You’ll count only eleven roses in this vase as assurance I love you truly and deeply. Red roses signify true love while pink represent gratitude and thanks. You have my deepest gratitude for being in my life and making all my dreams come true, at least I hope you will. Two roses twined together indicate one thing, and if you’ll notice, every vase is filled with two twined roses. What does it mean? Ask me.” I glanced up from the note card and he sat in front of me, holding the single red rose. “What do twined roses mean?”

“Twined roses symbolize unity and marriage.” He handed me the rose and something brushed against my finger. I glanced down and a diamond sparkled from the stem.

My head snapped up and my chin trembled. “Sawyer?”

He slid the ring off the stem and held it up. In the moonlight, I made out the design. The ring was the stem of a rose with diamond leaves jutting off the edges. It came together at the top and the diamond created the rose.

“Sawyer, it’s exquisite. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“I found it in Honolulu and bought it while you went to the restroom. I’ve had it with me every day since. I planned to wait, simply carrying it in my pocket to remind myself to be patient, because the time was coming when we could be together.” He picked up my injured hand and rested it carefully on his knee. “While I had all of this ready, popping the question wasn’t part of the plan, until this afternoon. I don’t want to wait to ask you to be my wife. We’re meant to be together, so whether I wait two weeks, two months, or two years, all I’m doing is prolonging what’s already written in those stars,” he said, pointing up. “I know we have some things to work out yet. We have some hurdles to jump and the final race to run, but if we do it together we’ll get through it stronger than ever.” He shifted and knelt on one knee, the ring clenched in his fingers. “Rose Diane Scott, will you do me the honor of being my wife? If you say yes, I promise to hold you from this day forward, and I promise to take care of you forever, no matter what.”

My hands went to my mouth and my fingers shook. “Sawyer…” I cried, unable to go on.

He smiled nervously. “Don’t be scared, baby. If you can’t say yes, I’ll understand, but I won’t give up. I’ll wait as long as you need me to, but one day, I will put this ring on your finger.”

I nodded, tears falling from my eyes. “I think it should be today,” I whispered. I sucked in air and a sob escaped my lips. “I want to be your wife more than anything I’ve ever wanted in my life.”

He let go of the breath he’d been holding and took my left hand, slipping the ring on my finger. It fit like a glove and he kissed it. “You have no idea how happy you’ve made me, beautiful.” He gathered me in his arms and laid his lips on mine, my tears mixing with his as we shared the first kiss of our forever.