Page 49 of Courageous Demands

“Why? Why would he do something like this?”

“He’s sick, disgusting, and corrupt…”

“Alec, that was so below the belt – and personal – my goodness, he posted pictures of what was supposed to be us being intimate, insinuating so much, and…”

“You know that was photoshopped. right? I didn’t want you to look at it because it was disgustingly filthy, and I don’t want you to doubt me. I would never cheat or…”

“I never thought it was real, but he took pictures of us kissing in my very backyard. He took a private, beautiful moment and cheapened it, making it seem like more happened…”

“But we know the truth,” he whispered, kissing the top of her head as he smoothed her hair. “I would never dishonor you or bring shame on your head – and I hope you know that. I’ve always insisted we be married before we go any further because I believe in commitment.”

“What you said about us being engaged was sweet, but I know you are scared I’ll hurt you again. I won’t, but I also won’t hold you to it if you are having a change of heart or getting cold feet…” and she started to withdraw, curling up physically to protect her wounded heart.

“Willow, stop,” Alec whispered, cupping her cheeks and turning it up to him. She pulled back, not wanting him to see her tear-streaked face – only to feel him tug her close again. “I’m not letting you go again,” he breathed, not looking away from her eyes. “If I’m scared, it’s because I am afraid of failing you someday or not being enough. I’m not some smart guy with a degree. I work hard, have a tough job, and give it my everything…”

“You may not have a degree, but you are a better man than most, so I really don’t care about a piece of paper. I care about you, the man I’ve never stopped loving even when we fell apart…”

“Are you sure – I really need you to be sure,” he said hoarsely. “Last chance to back out on me if you need to.”

“I’m not backing out.”

“I’m not either,” he replied. “I may grumble, whine, or make inappropriate jokes, but I am here for this… if you’ll have me.”

“I want everything – a partner, love, laughter, a house full of children, and…” Alec took her hands in his, cradling them and bringing them up to his chest, making her words trail off as she stared at him, marveling at a sudden cunning glint to his eyes.

“Let’s do it – and make Judge Stevenson pay at the same time.”

“What do you mean?”

“Let’s do the…” Alec’s cell phone rang, and he yanked it out of his pocket, giving a little laugh as he held it up for her to see. “I knew this was coming.”

The screen said ‘MOM’ on the front – and they shared a knowing look as he answered it.

“Hey Mom, I’m kinda busy and…”

“Don’t you ‘busy’ me, young man! Why am I hearing from Pearl Mulligan that you told everyone at the fundraiser that you were getting married – and I told you to fix those mini-blinds in your apartment – three times!”

Willow winced as she heard the entire conversation because Alec held the phone from his ear, grimacing.

“You were right…” he began.

“I know I am! I’m your mother, and you should start listening to me instead of going on and on, beating on your chest with that whole ‘I’m a Man’ act. You might have an ‘angle to the dangle,’ but that doesn’t make you smart, mature, or intelligent enough to realize that ‘Mother knows best’… You stubborn little twerp! How many times did I tell you to go after her? Hmm? And it’s about time you are finally growing up and doing the smart thing!”

“Ma… p-please?” he choked, looking mortified. “Hang on a second…”

“Oh my word,” Willow chuckled, embarrassed for Alec as his mother dressed him down verbally.

“When is this wedding? Why didn’t you show me the ring? You are having a wedding, right? Are you trying for children right away? I saw the photos, and you sure don’t have the skills that your…”

“Oh my gosh, Ma, please…?!” Alec squawked, turning away from her with this horrified look on his face as he covered the mouthpiece with his hand. “Ma, I swear this all just happened. We’re talking about it right now, and you interrupted. I’m gonna get a ring, and we’ll let you know as soon as we…”

Willow grabbed the phone from him – and saw his shocked gaze.

“Hi Mary…”

“Oh, thank goodness. Willow, don’t you let him control everything. Put your foot down and ask for a big wedding.”

“I promise I will – and let’s have lunch together so we can talk about the details once we get a few things ironed out.”

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