“You still love her, don’t you?”
Ryan nodded. “I don’t think I’ll ever love anybody the way that I love Sage.”
“So what are you waiting on, Ryan?” Paige asked him. “I know that you are not going to just sit back and let her walk out of your life like that.”
“Paige, I love her, but maybe Sage is right. Maybe we don’t have a future together.”
“You won’t have one if you don’t talk to her and get this straightened out—that’s for sure.”
“That’s just it, Paige. We can’t seem to resolve this.”
“That’s because you really haven’t tried, Ryan,” she countered. “Love is worth fighting for. I know that you love Sage, and I know that she loves you just as much. How can you just walk away?”
“Paige, I’m sure you know that it’s not what I want at all. I thought Sage and I were trying to build a life together, but apparently I missed something.”
“Then don’t give up without a fight.”
“It’s too late, Paige,” Ryan told her. “I appreciate that you care about me, but right now I need you to support my decision. Sage left me, and that is the end of it. I need to move on.”
“Sure,” Paige responded. “I’m sorry if I came off as insensitive.”
“You didn’t,” he assured her. “C’mon, let’s talk about something else. Where is my girl?”
“She’s right here.” Paige lifted the baby so that Ryan could see her.
Ryan smiled at the baby girl and waved. Although temporary, Cassie provided the perfect distraction.
* * *
“I’m sure all of you read the advance copy of Ryan’s article,” Sage announced when she entered the conference room where members of her family had all gathered. “I think he did a great job with it, but I have to apologize for letting him get so close to us. I was careless, and thankfully, my error in judgment did not cause us any embarrassment.”
“Do you really believe that you were so wrong about Ryan?” Barbara asked.
“I do,” Ari interjected. “She walked what could have been the enemy straight into our camp.”
“I disagree,” Kellen and Blaze said in unison.
“Sage is a good judge of character,” Kellen stated. “She saw the good in this man.”
Ari shook his head. “He lied to her about his identity.”
“Not really,” Natasha countered. “Ryan is who he says he is. He just neglected to mention that he had another persona.” She gave Sage a warm smile. “I think you’re being too hard on yourself.”
“So do I,” Blaze contributed. “Sis, I know that you care for Ryan a great deal. Is this really worth giving him up?”
“Look what he did,” she responded.
“Sugar, Ryan was accurate in his portrayal of our family,” Barbara commented. “I thought it was a wonderful article.”
“You all are okay with this?” Sage wanted to know.
“I’m not,” Ari answered quickly. “I don’t like the way he maneuvered his way into our lives. Deception is just that—deception.”
“Honey, I don’t agree with you,” Natasha told him. “There was no malicious intent on Ryan’s part. However, Harold is another story. He wanted to find a way to upset this family, and the only way to do that was to expose Ryan before he had a chance to tell Sage everything. Why are you so willing to ignore that fact?”
Ari considered the words of his wife. After a moment, he uttered, “I had forgotten about Harold’s part in all this.”
“I still hold Ryan responsible,” Sage responded, “but after reading the article, I clearly understand why he pretended to be homeless. It was the best way to experience that way of living.”
“The reason I wanted to meet with everyone,” Malcolm was saying, “was that Ryan’s article was a call to action, in my opinion.”
Sage glanced over at Ari. She had no idea where her father was going with this conversation. He seemed excited about something.
“I think that we should continue Robert’s legacy by building a homeless shelter. There are not enough shelters in this area. Violence is rising amongst the homeless. Building a shelter will provide more beds and food.”
“That’s a great idea, Dad,” Ari interjected, “but I think if we’re going to take on a project like this that we need to make it state-of-the-art.”
“In what way?” Sage inquired.
“Ryan mentioned in his article that there are a lot of people on the streets because of unemployment, for example. Why not provide training for them? Or financial classes?”
“I like your suggestion,” Sage said with a smile. “It’s a good idea.”
Malcolm went around the table, getting everyone’s opinion on the project. He smiled when it appeared they agreed.
The first thought in Sage’s mind was that Ryan would be thrilled to hear news like this. She could tell from the tone of his writing that he really had a heart for the homeless—not to mention donating his salary to a homeless shelter.
He called her an angel, but Sage had a feeling that he had probably rescued many but kept it a secret. She would never have known about his donation if Paige had not told her. She admired his dedication and had a newfound respect for Ryan’s efforts.
“Looks like you are having second thoughts,” Kellen said in a low whisper after their meeting.
“I have a much better understanding of the type of man that Ryan is. As it turns out, my gut instincts were right.”
“So what are you going to do about it?”
“There’s nothing I can do, Kellen,” she responded. “I blew it.”
Kellen shook his head no. “I don’t think so. I’m going to New York to visit some friends. Why don’t you come with me?”
Sage frowned. “And do what?”
“Talk to Ryan face-to-face. At this point, it has to be in person.”
She had to agree. This was not a conversation Sage could have over a telephone. “I really have to think about this, Kellen. Ryan may have moved on already.”
“Sis, if you want your man back, then you need to be swift about it.”
Malcolm strolled back into the conference room. “I hadn’t realized that you two were in here.”
“I was telling Sage that I think she should go to New York to see Ryan face-to-face.”
Her father surprised her by agreeing. “I don’t need the plane until next week.”
“You really think that I should go?” she asked.
Malcolm nodded.
When her father left, Sage glanced over at her brother. “I’m going to New York to see Ryan.” She displayed an outward calm that she did not feel. Regardless of what happened after she and Ryan had a chance to talk, Sage owed him an apology. She planned to deliver.
At home, Sage packed for her upcoming trip to New York. She sent up a silent prayer that Ryan would be able to forgive her actions.
* * *
“Kellen, I can’t do this,” Sage uttered when the plane landed. “Coming to New York was a mistake.”
“Why do you say that?”
“I can’t face Ryan after the way I treated him,” Sage told him. “He has probably moved on with his life. I don’t want to knock on his door and he’s there with some woman.”
“Then call him to come to you,” Kellen suggested. “Have him meet you for dinner.”
“I could probably do that.”
“Then what are you waiting for, Sage?”
“What if he doesn’t want to see me?” she asked.
“Then you’ll have your answer.”
Sage stared at her phone for a few minutes, debating whether to make the phone call. She really wanted to see Ryan’s handsome face once again. Her heart raced at the mere thought of being in
the same room with him.
“So what are you going to do?” Kellen asked.
* * *
When Ryan answered his phone, he was shocked to hear Sage’s voice on the other end.
“How are you?” he asked.
“I’m fine,” she responded softly. “Ryan, I’m here in New York and I…I… Would you like to have dinner with me?”
“When did you have in mind?”
“Tonight.”
“I’ll see you tonight,” he responded. “Just tell me when to be there and where.”
“I thought maybe you could handle that little detail,” she said. “I don’t know much about New York.”
“Sage, where are you?”
“I’m on the plane.”
“What brings you here to New York?” he asked. Ryan still couldn’t believe that Sage was on the other end of the telephone.
“You. I came here to try to speak with you face-to-face. I’m sorry I waited so long to do this.”
“You have nothing to be sorry about, Sage.”
“I look forward to seeing you, Ryan.”
“Same here,” he said in response. “I’ve really missed you, Sage. Write down my address. Hail a cab and have them bring you here. I’ll whip up something quick for us to eat.”
“Sounds good.”
* * *
Sage was in New York, and she was on her way to see him. Ryan felt a surge of hope wash over him. He had missed everything about Sage. He still wanted a life with her, and if given the chance, Ryan was going to make good on his proposal.
Ryan could not believe his eyes when he opened the front door. “Sage…” There was so much that he wanted to say, but he could not find the words. His eyes stared lovingly at Sage, drinking in her beauty.
“Can I come in?” she asked softly.
“Yes, of course.” Ryan stepped off to the side to allow her entrance. He closed the door behind her.
They stood for a moment just staring at each other.
Ryan reached out, pulling her into his arms. “I have missed you so much.”
“I missed you, too.”
His lips covered hers.
Sage matched him kiss for kiss.
He picked her up and carried her over to the sofa.
Ryan removed her clothes and then his own.
Fueled by longing and their passion, they made love.
Afterward as they lay snuggled together, Sage said, “Ryan, after I read your article, everything became so clear to me. I understand why you went undercover and why you couldn’t tell me. I still wish you could have been honest with me because I never would’ve told anyone, but I do understand.”
“I should have told you about Sandra and the fact that I had been married before. If our roles were reversed, I would have wanted to know.”
Sage kissed him. “I appreciate how you dealt with the article. You did a fabulous job in your depiction of the homeless. You could only have done that by actually walking in their shoes.”
“Thank you. When I didn’t hear from you…I figured I’d lost you forever.”
“I was foolish. I see that now,” she said. “Ryan, I’m so sorry for what I put you through. I hope that you can forgive me.”
He smiled. “All is forgiven.”
“Same here.”
Their gaze met and held.
Ryan pulled her back into his arms. “I promise to always be honest with you, Sage. About everything.”
Ryan inhaled deeply, sucking in the light floral scent of her perfume. “I’ve missed you so much.”
“Same here,” Sage murmured.
“It’s time we made some decisions about our relationship and where we’re going with it,” Ryan blurted.
Sage nodded. “I agree.” She wrapped the throw around her body as she sat up. “Can I shower first?”
They showered together.
After getting dressed, they went back into his living room and sat down.
Ryan spoke first. “I love you with my whole heart, but I have to know that we are on the same page.”
She nodded. “We are. I made some rash judgments about you, and I won’t do that again. I love you so much, Ryan, and I want to be with you.”
He smiled. “I love you, too, Sage. Sweetheart, I never stopped loving you.”
Desire ignited in the pit of Ryan’s belly when he kissed her, the flames growing. Ryan struggled to fight the urge to make love to her again.
“We work, honey,” she whispered. “I’m willing to take the risk if you are.”
Ryan nodded. “I’ve been waiting for you to say those very words for weeks. I was about to give up, but then you called.”
“Perfect timing,” she said with a smile. “I want you, Ryan, and everything that comes with you. We never lost our love for each other. The way we made love proves that. I want a second chance to prove just how much I love you.”
“I believe you,” he said, smiling.
Sage met his gaze. “Ryan, I can’t see my life without you in it. These past few weeks have been so miserable.”
Pulling her closer to him, Ryan’s lips covered hers, kissing her hungrily. “I’m so glad to have you back, sweetheart,” he whispered. “This time I’m not ever letting you go.”
“Is that a promise?” Sage asked.
“Yes,” he responded. “And I’d like to seal it with this.”
Ryan picked up a tiny box and opened it. “I know that we are just getting back together, but I want to start out with you wearing my ring. Sage, will you marry me?”
Tears filled her eyes. “Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you.”
Chapter 22
One year later
Sage had chosen spring wedding colors in soft shades of purple lilacs, yellow forsythia and accents of green. Ryan had given her total control over the wedding planning, so she enlisted the aid of her mother, Natasha and a wedding planner to create her dream wedding. She glanced down at her engagement ring and smiled.
“If you want the band that goes with that ring, you should start getting ready for your wedding,” her sister said from the doorway.
“I can’t believe I’m getting married in a few hours, Zaire. This seems like a dream.”
“Your wedding is in an hour, Sage. Time’s flying by.”
“I need to get ready.”
Zaire chuckled. “Yes, you do. C’mon, Natasha’s ready to do your makeup.”
Sage followed her sister into the dressing room of the Trinity Christian Church on Catalina Island.
She and Ryan decided that the church on the island provided the perfect setting for their wedding. Rows of seating were garnished with riots of purple lilacs and yellow roses arranged with silver ribbons and baby’s breath.
Bridesmaids were adorned in green taffeta gowns with deep V-necks and ruched waistbands, and carried bouquets of flowers bursting in colors of yellow and purple as they floated down the aisle escorted by handsome groomsmen dressed in black tuxedos.
Sage’s wedding gown featured a fitted V-neck bodice with straps draped with ruched organza. The skirt was a slim fluted A-line skirt with a very full organza overskirt. The low back laced up with organza ties that fell down the back of the gown onto the beautiful flowing chapel-length train.
“You look like an angel,” her father said. He was standing in the doorway of the dressing room. “I always thought I’d be prepared for the day when I would have to give you to another man. I thought I’d be ready….”
“Daddy, please don’t make me cry.”
“You are a precious jewel, daughter. I made sure that we had father-daughter dates so that you would know what to expect from a man. Your mother and I raised you to know your self-worth. Sage, you have made us so proud
.”
“I love you, Daddy.”
Malcolm took her by the hand. “I love you, too, sugar. Ryan is a good man, and I know that he will take good care of you.”
“And I will take good care of him,” Sage responded. “We will take our vows today and become one. He will be my life partner and I will be his.”
Malcolm smiled. “Your mother told you about the vows we made to one another at our wedding.”
Sage nodded. “I’m so ready to be Ryan’s wife.”
“Then I guess I’d better get you to the altar.”
* * *
The bridesmaids and groomsmen were in a line and ready to make their entrance. Her mother was about to be escorted to her seat but paused to give Sage one last hug before she became a married woman.
Sage shivered in anticipation as the processional began. In a few seconds, she would be walking down the aisle on the arm of her father. Her whole being seemed to be filled with waiting.
She saw the heartrending tenderness of Ryan’s gaze. He looked so handsome in his tuxedo.
Sage broke into a smile when her father placed her hand in Ryan’s care. When it was time for them to take their vows, Ryan spoke first.
He looked down into her eyes and said, “Sage, I can’t put into words how much I love you. I want you to know that I will forever love and honor you. Our love will prevail through good times and bad. Today, I pledge my heart to you till death do us part.”
Ryan’s grin grew wider, making Sage’s heart skip a beat. “It is my honor to be your husband.” His deep baritone voice died off, watered down by his tears.
Sage was too choked up to immediately respond. Ryan’s words had touched her deeply. She knew he had meant every word spoken. She cleared her throat softly and then said, “Ryan, I will forever love and honor you. I love you dearly, and I know that a love like ours will prevail through tough times and good times. You are my life partner and I am yours. I pledge my heart to you till death do us part.”
There was more she wanted to say to Ryan, but she was too emotional to find the right words.
The pastor spoke a few words before saying the words Sage and Ryan wanted to hear most. “I now pronounce you man and wife….”
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