“No,” he responded instantly, making a face. “I never wanted that position. I told Amber that in no uncertain terms.” He paused. “She was determined to dictate my life.” His lips formed grim lines. “I knew Amber was spoiled and pampered, but I had no idea that she would stoop to such levels to get her way.”
“It almost worked.” Tears misted her eyes. She was so grateful that she’d been protected from greater harm. Simply being here with Chase, learning that he was literally the hero of her dreams filled Cat with elation. Earlier, she’d been in the depths of despair, and now she was flying high. “What a day,” she said with a shaky laugh.
He gathered her hands into his. “Let’s make a pact. From here on out, nothing ever separates us again.”
His beautiful eyes brimmed with such intensity and tenderness that it shot a glow of joy straight through her heart. “Agreed,” she said firmly. Notwithstanding her sore jaw, she needed a kiss. “My real hero,” she murmured as her lips sought his.
Epilogue
Two years later …
Cat’s stomach churned like it held a bucket of butterflies as she clenched and unclenched her hands. “Take a deep breath,” Chase urged, placing a hand over hers. “Your hands are ice.”
“I know. Sorry.”
He pulled his eyes off the road long enough to give her a reassuring look. “You’ve got this.”
She nodded, sucking in a deep breath. “I don’t know why I’m getting so worked up about this,” she lamented.
“It’s a big deal. You haven’t been home in eight years.”
In some ways, it felt like it had been longer than eight years. Other times, it felt like it was only yesterday. Cat often dreamt of the house she’d grown up in and Mami. Sometimes, she’d catch a whiff of a sweet musky scent that reminded her of Mami and the memories would flood her. During those times, she could almost feel Mami standing beside her, wrapping her thin arms around Cat and placing a motherly kiss on her forehead. Tears misted her eyes as she blinked, forcing her mind onto another topic. This was a happy day. She was excited about going home and didn’t want to end up breaking into tears before they even got to the neighborhood.
She angled toward Chase. “It must feel pretty good to come back home as Dr. Chase Brooks.” She grinned thinking of how distinguished Chase had looked standing tall and proud in his green and black convocation gown with the red, white, and blue hood. The graduation had taken place a week prior, and his parents had flown in for the occasion. Over the past couple of years, since she and Chase had been together, Cat had gotten to know Chase’s parents. They were warm and accepting, welcoming Cat with open arms into their family. Cat was grateful for the association. It was nice to be part of a family again. She looked forward to the time when Chase’s parents would officially become her in-laws, even though she’d secretly thought them as such for some time now. Cat and Chase talked constantly about the future, but they’d decided to wait until after Chase graduated to get engaged. Cat hoped Chase wouldn’t wait too long to propose because she longed to be Mrs. Chase Brooks with all her heart.
For a time, Cat fretted over where Chase’s career might take him. She loved her dance studio, Harper and her crew, and the community of Clementine. Cat didn’t want to leave. However, she was prepared to do so if necessary. Then, Chase told her the wonderful news that he was doing his internship and residency at the hospital in Daphne. When she’d questioned if that’s what he wanted to do, he’d replied with a glib, “How would South Alabama dance if we moved away?” She could see the tenderness beneath the teasing and knew that he was choosing Daphne because of her. Knowing that Chase was considerate of Cat’s needs and wants meant the world to her. Her gaze moved over his handsome features. Sometimes, she had to pinch herself to make sure she was awake. She never knew that life and love could be so wonderful.
They were almost there. She looked out the window, taking in the familiar buildings and landscape. She was surprised at how crowded everything was compared to the open space of Clementine.
“It feels strange, doesn’t it?” Chase remarked.
“Yes, and so familiar.” Cat felt like she’d changed so much and yet everything looked the same. Her thoughts went to Drew O’Hannon as tight strings pulled across her stomach. Drew was arrested the night he tried to rape her and was serving a three year prison sentence. Cat had to go to court and testify against him. It was grueling emotionally, but she’d made it through it with Chase by her side. Facing Drew in court, realizing that he had to accept the consequences of his actions, helped her put closure on the situation. Cat was glad that Drew was still in prison. That way, she had no fear of running into him during this trip. Amber was questioned in the incident but never prosecuted. She claimed to have no knowledge of Drew’s intent to rape Cat. Cat didn’t know if she believed that, but that was neither here nor there. Cat was just glad the sordid mess was over.
When they turned onto Cat’s street, her pulse skyrocketed. She held her breath as they pulled in front of her old home. The brick house looked nearly the same except for the moss green awnings over the front door and bay window. The awnings were faded with age, making Cat realize how much time had actually passed. She surveyed the yard, her eyes settling on the leafy tree with the knothole. Emotion lodged in her throat as her eyes met Chase’s. She could tell from his expression that he was reading her thoughts.
“We’ve come full circle,” he said, giving her a tender smile.
“Yes, we have,” she agreed.
Chase reached for her hand and squeezed it. “You ready?”
“Yes,” she smiled.
He came around and opened her door. Cat got out, smoothing her hand down her blouse. She’d not told her former neighbor Romina Castaneda that she was coming. Chase placed his hand in the small of Cat’s back, leading her up the walkway. Did Romina still live here? Was she still alive? She pushed the doorbell and waited. A few seconds later, they heard movement.
The door opened and Romina was there. When she saw Cat, her face brightened with recognition, tears rushing to her eyes. “Carmelita,” she exclaimed, her arms outstretched. “You’ve finally come home.”
“Yes,” Cat uttered, choking back her emotion as the two embraced in a tight hug. Surprisingly, Romina didn’t look much different than Cat remembered, perhaps a few more lines on her face, but that was all.
Romina ushered them in to have a cup of tea. It was wonderful catching up on news about Cat’s former neighbors. “I have something for you,” Cat said.
“What?” Romina asked, looking surprised.
Cat reached into her purse and pulled out an envelope filled with money. She rose from her seat and placed it into Romina’s aged hands. “You can’t know what it meant to me to have this money. Thank you. It gave me a fresh start … a new life.”
Tears pooled in Romina’s eyes, fogging up her glasses. “I was glad to do it. It was a gift, not a loan.” There was a hint of reproof in her tone.
“I know, but I’m doing well now, and I wanted to repay your kindness. If you don’t need it, give it to someone who does.”
Romina’s thin lips pressed into a smile. “Your mother would be proud of the fine person you’ve become.”
“Thank you,” Cat said, fighting tears.
Chase’s phone rang. He pulled it out. “It’s my mother, probably wondering if we’re in town yet.” He got up. “Excuse me.” He went to the front door and stepped outside to take the call.
Cat sat back down.
“You got a good one,” Romina said with an impish grin that peeled back the ravages of time, making her look like a young girl.
“Yes.”
Romina winked. “He’s a dapper one.”
A giggle rumbled in Cat’s throat. “Yes, he is.”
A few minutes later, Chase stepped back in with an apologetic grin. “Sorry about that. Mom’s excited about having us.” Cat and Chase were spending a few days with Chase’s parents.
After chatti
ng another half hour, Cat scooted to the edge of her seat. “Well, we’d better get going.” They said goodbye to Romina, promising to keep in better touch this time. As they went to the car, Cat cast a final glance at her old home. A feeling of nostalgia wafted over her. She didn’t feel as much sadness as she’d expected. Mostly, just gratitude for her wonderful, scrappy mother who’d carved out a life for them despite overwhelming obstacles. I love you, Mami.
Chase placed his hand on the passenger door to open it for Cat. Then, he paused cocking his head.
“What?”
A sparkle rippled through his blue eyes. “You know we can’t leave here without checking the knothole.”
She laughed in surprise. “Are you serious?”
His face split into a large smile, revealing his dimple. “Why not. It’s tradition.”
She shook her head, grinning. “Alright, Hero, let’s do it. One last time.” They walked hand-in-hand to the tree. “Do you want to do the honors, or should I?”
“I’ll go first,” he said quickly as he reached in. His eyes widened. “There’s something here.”
She leaned forward. “What?” He pulled out his hand. Laughter gurgled in her throat when she saw the Matchbox car in the palm of his hand. “Well, it seems that you and I aren’t the only ones who left treasures in the knothole.”
“Alright, slugger. Your turn.” He winked. “For tradition.”
“Okay.” Dutifully she reached inside, not expecting to find anything. Her brows crinkled. “Wait, there’s something else.” Her hand clasped around a box and pulled it out. It was a small, black, square box. She looked at Chase who was watching her expectantly. Hope rose in her breast. “Is this?”
“Open it,” he encouraged.
She did so, a soft gasp escaping her lips. Tears welled in her eyes as she reached for the diamond ring and slipped it onto her finger. It was a perfect fit. Chase knew her so well. He got down on one knee, peering up at her. “Carmelita Andrea Anastasia Hernandez de Silva. I’ve loved you all my life. Will you marry me?”
Some instinctual part of her had picked Chase out from the very beginning, all those years ago. “Yes,” she exclaimed, laughing as tears rolled down her cheeks. She looked toward Romina’s house and realized she was standing on the porch, watching.
Chase rose to his feet. Cat threw down the empty ring box and flung her arms around his neck. “I love you, Hero,” she exclaimed with throaty emotion.
“I love you too. And for the record, you’re my hero. It has always been you.”
As their lips met in a kiss, Cat caught the faint scent of sweet musk in the air and felt more than heard a whisper of Mami’s gentle laughter. Somehow in a way she couldn’t explain, she knew that Mami was here with them, rejoicing. Romina was right, Cat had finally returned home.
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Books by Jennifer Youngblood
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Billionaire Boss Romance
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About the Authors
Jennifer loves reading and writing clean romance. She believes that happily ever after is not just for stories. Jennifer enjoys interior design, rollerblading, clogging, jogging, and chocolate. In Jennifer’s opinion there are few ills that can’t be solved with a warm brownie and scoop of vanilla-bean ice cream.
Jennifer grew up in rural Alabama and loved living in a town where “everybody knows everybody.” Her love for writing began as a young teenager when she wrote stories for her high school English teacher to critique.
Jennifer has BA in English and Social Sciences from Brigham Young University where she served as Miss BYU Hawaii in 1989. Before becoming an author, she worked as the owner and editor of a monthly newspaper named The Senior Times.
She now lives in the Rocky Mountains with her family and spends her time writing and doing all of the wonderful things that make up the life of a busy wife and mother.
Craig Depew was born in Edmonton, Alberta. His family moved frequently while he was growing each time his dad earned a job promotion. He lived in much of the eastern half of the United States and Canada and after high school lived in Israel, Japan and Grenada. He went to college at BYU and graduated from medical school at Texas Tech. He spent the first half of his medical career outside Atlanta, GA, and then three more years in Statesboro before moving his practice to the Rocky Mountains of Utah, where he continues seeing patients.
In his writing he draws on the places he's lived and visited, people he's known, and news stories that readers will r
ecognize in his work. He began working on his first novel, Missing, Presumed Dead, in 2000 and finished it about three years later. His second novel, Weightless, won Best in Show at the 2013 League of Utah Writers Creative Writing Competition and his third, Transparent, won Honorable Mention in the same contest.
Copyright © 2019 by Jennifer Youngblood and Craig Depew.
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
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