by Loraine, Kim
She stretched herself out on the bed. She was so comfy and could still smell Donovan on her. Her brain felt numb to everything as she watched him move around the little bedroom, getting her water, bringing her a blanket, and tucking her in. She felt like she was underwater, everything seemed so detached.
Donovan and Angela stood at the door. She could see their hands moving as they spoke, but was fading into sleep faster than she could make out their words. Before she knew it, she was floating in a pool of stars, watching fireflies dance around her.
“Wake up, sleepy head,” Angela murmured in Valerie’s ear. She held a cup of hot coffee in one hand and a bagel in the other. “Caffeine and sustenance.”
“You’re an angel.”
“It is my name.”
She sat up slow and careful. Her headache had diminished to a dull roar and she moaned as she stretched. Following the path of coffee and bagel, she sat gingerly on the edge of the couch and spread a generous helping of cream cheese across the toasted bread.
“I know you were doped up on pain killers yesterday, but do you realize what you told Donovan?”
Alarm shot through her. “No, what did I say?”
“That you loved him, wanted to marry him, and have twelve kids.”
She choked on her bagel. “What?”
Angela laughed, her eyes twinkling. “Just kidding, it was only five or six.”
Dropping her head in her hands, she groaned. “Oh, God. How embarrassing. Did I do anything else I should be ashamed of?”
“You may or may not have propositioned him in front of me.”
Her cheeks were on fire. “That right there is why I don’t do drugs.”
“You were pretty funny, and you know what they say . . .” Angela grinned. “In vino veritas.”
“That means in wine there is truth.”
“Same difference.”
Does it count if an admission of love comes while drugged? Donovan hadn’t stopped smiling since he left Valerie asleep at Angela’s apartment. She loved him and wanted to marry him. He knew that was the truth, even if Valerie, sober Valerie, wouldn’t admit it.
Christmas was right around the corner. Maybe he could patch things up with her by then. He had to tread carefully, though. She might need more careful handling than that. She’d just had everything she thought she knew shattered by Blake. His heart stuttered at the memory of her bleeding and unconscious in that asshole’s car.
Angela had warned him that Valerie wasn’t herself, not to put too much hope in her words from yesterday, but he couldn’t help it. He had to hold on to the sliver of truth in those words.
When he arrived at his apartment, Kelly Peters was waiting for him, her face tear-stained and blotchy.
“Kelly?”
She rushed to him, wrapping him in a fierce embrace. “Thank you, thank you for saving my girl.”
He held her while she cried, tears for her daughter and little son. “She’ll be fine, Kelly.”
“That vile man is going to prison for a long time if I have anything to say about it.”
They sat in silence on the curb in front of his apartment complex for a long while. His butt was numb by the time Kelly turned to speak.
“I know you love her. What happened between you?”
He bit his lip, not wanting to go there. “I . . .”
Kelly held a hand up. “Not my place. I’m sorry. I’ve never seen her so happy as when she was with you. She wasn’t just someone’s girlfriend. She was finding her own happy.”
“I’m not giving up. I’ll give her some space, but I promise you, I’m going to marry that girl someday.”
Kelly’s smile lit up her whole face. “That’s the right answer. Whatever you need, we’re behind you, Donovan.”
Chapter 37
Christmas came and went without much ceremony. Valerie and her family were still reeling from the news of Blake’s horrific truth. Donovan had stayed away, giving her the time she sorely needed to get herself together. She’d taken a lot of time to think about her life, where she was, and where she wanted to be. The truth was that she wanted to be with Donovan, wherever life took them.
Angela’s band was preparing to head out on tour on New Year’s Day and Valerie had two more weeks until school started. She’d gotten her books ordered and her schedule planned out. Now she had no more excuses to keep her away from Donovan. Except for his own evasiveness.
The soft sound of a ukulele floated from Angela’s bedroom as she and Garrett giggled and fumbled their way through a cutesy rendition of What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?
“Glad to see you guys working together,” she called from the door.
Garrett’s eyes danced with amusement. “Me, too.”
“What are you working on? I think I’ve heard this one before.”
“That’s because you have. It’s for a special acoustic New Year’s Eve show we’re doing.” Angela didn’t look up from the chart she was writing.
“Oh, I didn’t know you were playing. I thought you’d be too busy packing for the tour.” She tried unsuccessfully to hide the disappointment in her voice.
“I didn’t think you’d want to come. Donovan’s going to be there,” her sister said plainly.
Her heart flipped. This was her chance to show him she’d been stubborn and foolish to use him and reject him. “I think it’d be okay.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. We’re both grown-ups.”
Angela snorted. “Yeah, sure.”
Annoyance built at her sister’s derision. “Just tell me when and where.”
“Tomorrow night, of course, at The Creekside. It’s a private party so I’ll put you on the list.”
“That’s very considerate of you. What time?”
“Show starts at six o’clock. Dress up, don’t be late.”
Excitement grew at the prospect of dressing up to knock Donovan’s socks off, and ringing in a new year with the start of a new life.
Valerie had butterflies in her stomach as she stepped out of the taxi and walked up the stairs to The Creekside. Her gold sheath dress glittered in the soft light at the entryway.
Was he here yet?
What if he didn’t show up?
Her mouth was dry and her hands shook. What was wrong with her?
A man in a tuxedo at the hostess podium held up a hand and stopped her from entering. “I’m sorry, Miss. Do you have an invitation?”
“Oh, yes. I should be on the list. Valerie Peters.”
He scanned the list and nodded. “Very well. Enjoy the party.”
She bit her lip, unable to contain her curiosity. “Um, excuse me. Could you tell me if there’s a Donovan Miller present?”
The stuffy man scanned his list again. “Yes, he’s already present, plus one.”
Plus one? He brought a freaking plus one?
Her head spun. This was not how it was supposed to be. He was supposed to wait for her, be here single so they could live happily ever after. Not move on and bring some skank to spoil their big moment.
“Thanks.” She smiled at the man and dashed into the party, determined to give Donovan Miller a piece of her mind.
The party room was decked out in gold and silver. Tablecloths, chair covers, table settings, and centerpieces. In the golden light of the lanterns, everything had a warm and romantic feel. A sound system played jazz standards, and she smiled thinking how much her parents would love a night like this one. People danced in the middle of the room, champagne fountains bubbled at either end of the buffet. This was going to be an unforgettable party.
Distracted by her surroundings, she momentarily forgot about her mission. Find Donovan and his skank, and let him have it. As she moved through the room, she spot
ted Klipper, cleaned up and looking amazing. He’d tied his shoulder-length hair back, shaved the persistent stubble off his jaw, and was all shiny and new.
“Valerie, our favorite little lady in peril,” Klipper teased.
“Shut up, Klip,” she said, smacking him playfully on the shoulder. “Where’s Donovan?”
Klipper looked around dramatically. “No idea. Didn’t think it was my turn for babysitting duty.”
“Never mind.”
She snatched a golden glass of champagne and helped herself to a strawberry. A familiar song started playing, bringing with it a deep ache for Donovan.
She jumped when her dad’s voice came from behind her. “Would you care to dance, young lady?”
“Daddy? I didn’t know you were coming tonight.”
Her dad swept her onto the dance floor. “You look beautiful, baby girl.”
“Thanks, Dad. You don’t look too bad yourself.”
They twirled around the floor, enjoying the music and time together. “Where’s Mom?”
“Little girl’s room. She’ll be out in a minute.”
“Why didn’t you guys tell me about this? I had to find out at the last minute from Angela.”
Her dad looked away, raising her suspicions. “Um, well . . . oh, look, the band’s starting.”
Angela strode onto the stage and caught sight of her immediately. She offered her a wink and mouthed, “You’re welcome,” before launching into the version of What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve? she’d heard the day before.
“Daddy, what is going on?”
Her dad leaned in and whispered, “Klipper was his plus one, by the way.”
Valerie looked around the room for Klipper, who stood at the appetizer table and raised a glass before motioning for her to look at the stage.
What the hell was happening?
Donovan’s palms were sweating and his stomach was in knots as he waited backstage for Angela to introduce him. He’d almost bailed on the idea three times in the last five minutes. He wanted to see Valerie, to know for sure that she was out there, waiting for him, but Angela insisted he stay hidden. He heard the band start the opening song, just Angela and Garrett on ukulele and a snare drum. They were so into each other, but completely oblivious.
Then, before he was truly ready, Angela was talking, thanking the audience for coming tonight. Fuck, he couldn’t do this.
“I’d like to ask a very special friend of mine to come out for this next song. It’s one we wrote together during a tough time for him and someone we both love very much. Donovan?”
His heart pounded like a jackhammer as he walked to the center of the stage and took a seat on the high stool. He leaned into the microphone and even through the lump in his throat managed to say, “Valerie, this is for you.”
He played and sang his heart to a room filled with friends, strangers, and family. He sent his eyes searching for the one he needed to see. Valerie would be here—she had to be. She’d get him through this, hear the truth in his song for her. He had to hope those five or six kids were on the horizon for them.
Panic started to bloom in his chest when he didn’t see her anywhere in the room, the flood of people overwhelming. But while they were halfway through the song Angela nudged him in the direction he needed to be. There she stood, a golden, glowing, angelic thing. His heart stopped, stuttered, and started again. She had tears in her eyes and more importantly, a smile as bright as the sun.
As soon as the final chord of the song was played, he passed his guitar to Angela and jumped off the stage. The crowd moved back, exclaiming in excitement at the scene he was making. He crossed the floor to Valerie in long strides, reaching out to her with a need that sent fire racing through his veins.
“I love you,” they both said at the same time.
“Valerie, I’m sorry I’ve been so secretive and afraid to share things. I promise, if you give me another chance, I’ll prove that I’m the man you think I am. I’ll tell you anything you want to know.”
She grabbed him by the lapels and covered his lips with hers in answer, sending the crowd into an eruption of cheers.
“I’m sorry, too. I was hurt, angry, and I let my pride get in the way of us. I never stopped loving you, Donovan. Not for a second.”
His heart swelled at her admission and it was his turn to claim her mouth.
“Happy New Year, sweetheart,” he murmured against her lips.
“It’s not even midnight yet, hotshot.”
“Baby, we’re not making it to midnight. I’m not waiting to have you for one minute more than I have to, ever again.”
“Don’t call me baby.”
“Fine, sweetheart.”
Epilogue
Valerie looked at the clock for the umpteenth time in the last twenty minutes. Donovan was an hour late. Fear took hold in her belly. The last time he was late for a date, all hell had broken loose. She wasn’t prepared to lose him again. A text lit up her phone and made her jump. She sighed in relief when she saw it was from him.
Come down, sweetheart.
Grabbing her coat, gloves, and scarf to protect against the deep freeze of February, she headed downstairs to find Donovan. Her heart jumped to her throat when she saw him. He was decked out in a suit, sporting a freshly shaven jaw, and a sexy grin.
“What are you doing?” She couldn’t help but laugh as he handed her the bouquet of Calla Lilies he’d stashed behind his back.
“Treating you right, sweetheart.”
She craned her neck to kiss him but he denied her, shaking his head and pulling her across the parking lot.
“Not yet. I want to save that for after.”
“After what?”
“You’ll see.”
She headed in the direction of his jeep, which was parked in its usual spot, but he tugged her away.
“Nope, tonight we go in style. I don’t want to be distracted.”
She gasped when she saw the shiny black town car waiting for them, engine idling. She slid inside and he followed, running a hand through his hair. Her heart fluttered as she took off her gloves and he poured her a glass of champagne. Once the car started moving, he winked at her and put up the privacy partition.
“What’s this, Donovan?”
He feigned innocence. “A town car.”
“Right, but isn’t this a little much for Valentine’s Day?”
“Is it Valentine’s Day? I must have forgotten.”
She smacked his chest playfully, resting her hand over his heart. “Donovan, your heart is beating a samba. Are you okay?”
“I will be.” His green eyes locked on hers, the air stilled and tension filled the small space.
She watched in disbelief as he reached in the pocket of his jacket and produced a small blue box. She trembled, anticipation and fear taking over her senses. Was this what she thought it was? He pulled gently on the white satin bow and pulled out a velvet box.
“I was going to wait until after dinner to do this, but I can’t. I can’t make it another minute without knowing.” He took her shaking hand and licked his lips.
“Valerie Peters, I’ve spent my life running from my past. It took losing everything, losing you, to show me that my past doesn’t make me who I am. I’ve had this a long time.” He gestured to the ring, his voice breaking on the last word. “But I wasn’t ready to be the man you needed. I’m ready to be that man now. I’m better because you make me see the world differently. I want to be better with you for the rest of our lives.”
Tears filled her eyes at his words. His admission of their challenges and his willingness to fight for her and for himself had her speechless.
“I love you and will continue to love you every minute of every day. Will you marry me?”
&n
bsp; She didn’t take her eyes from his as she nodded and whispered, “Yes.”
The smile that spread across his face rivaled that of a little boy on Christmas morning. He looked like the happiest man on earth.
“Really?”
“Of course.” She wrapped her arms around him and molded her lips to his, forgetting the world around them.
“Don’t you want to see the ring?”
He opened the box and pulled out a platinum ring that boasted a princess cut solitaire, banded by small diamonds all the way around.
“It’s amazing.”
“You’re amazing. I love you, sweetheart.”
“I love you too, hotshot.”
Sneak Peek of Resonance Golden Beach Book 3
Garrett Donalson sat on the edge of the small stage in the party room at The Creekside. He watched Angela’s sister, Valerie, sway in Donovan’s arms. He couldn’t help but smile along with them as they held each other.
The DJ had taken over, filling the room with classic jazz standards as the countdown to midnight drew closer. A warm feeling of contentment flooded him when he caught sight of Angela standing at the bar, filling two flutes with champagne. She sauntered over, her face beaming with excitement.
“Let’s get drunk, Gare.”
He couldn’t contain his laugh as he took the offered drink and touched the glass with hers.
“Yes, ma’am.”
She downed hers in one long swallow and motioned for him to do the same. The bubbles burned his throat and tickled his nose. She surprised him by taking the glasses and setting them on the stage, then grabbing his hand and pulling him out onto the dance floor.
“Angie, I don’t dance.”
“You do tonight. This is our last normal night. After this, we’re rock stars. Let’s make the most of it.”