Page 97 of Forgot to Tell You Something

I dig into my pocket, pulling out the ring. It hasn’t been sized yet, but that can come later. I’ll worry about sizing it when I’m certain she won’t pitch it across the room. I show Mr. Knowles the ring, smiling as he takes the box and tilts it this way and that, the light reflecting off the stone.

“My wildflower loves pink.”

I startle at his voice, shocked that he’s speaking to me. “I know. That’s why I got her a pink diamond. Do you think Tally will like it?”

He motions to a photo. “Do you know my wildflower?”

I nod, unsure what he can comprehend. “I do. I didn’t know that’s what you called her.”

“After a song,” he mumbles, tapping his fingers together, as if scanning his tattered memories for the name.

“I’ll look it up. Thank you. Mr. Knowles, I don’t know if Tally told you—hell, she hasn’t told me—but she’s pregnant. We’re going to have a baby, and you’re going to be a grandpa.”

Mr. Knowles struggles to his feet and I grab his arm, worried he might take another fall if I’m not there to catch him. He pulls a piece of paper from the drawer, pressing it into my hands. “Wildflower,” he states, nodding at me, begging me to understand.

I look at the drawing, and it’s suddenly clear. He understood every word.

* * *

Ineed a drink. Hell, I need a bottle, but I’ll settle for anything alcoholic at the moment. I park my car and head into Wicked Chucks. Maybe, just maybe, Tally is plotting my demise with her friends.

There’s a good chance I’ll get jumped walking through the door. It’s a chance I’m willing to take.

Dan’s eyes narrow when he catches sight of me. There’s no music tonight, so it’s quiet, save for a smattering of locals. “Tell me why I shouldn’t wipe the floor with your ass?”

I hold up my hands in surrender. Apparently he’s heard the good news. “Give me five minutes to explain and if you still want to kick my ass, I’ll give you a free shot.”

Dan passes the bar towel from one hand to the other, weighing his options, before barking one word in my direction. “Talk.”

I slide onto the seat, running a hand over my face. Here goes nothing. “We got past the whole doctor debacle. I apologized and swore I’d never lie to her again.”

“That worked out well.”

“I didn’t lie—”

“What the hell are you doing here?” I turn my head to see Stefani next to me, a pissed off pout on her lips. “You’ve got some nerve.”

“I’ve been all over Fort Lauderdale, anywhere I thought Tally might be. This was my last hope.” I widen my eyes at Stefani in a non-verbal plea for information.

Not happening. Not even close.

“No way am I telling you where she is. Do you know how badly you hurt Lu today? You aresucha bastard.”

“While I agree with your take, Stef, Owen is trying to explain,” Dan interjects, setting two beers down in front of us. “I told him I’d listen.”

“Fine,” Stefani huffs, settling into the seat next to me. “I can’t wait to hear the latest bullshit.”

Nothing like playing to a hostile crowd.

I pull out the ring box, sliding it across the bar. “I planned to ask Tally to marry me tonight.”

“You believe in bigamy, I see,” Stefani snaps, her gaze falling to the velvet box. “Aren’t you already engaged?”

“I was until a few months ago. But even then, it was a relationship in name only. There were no emotions involved. I didn’t even ask Charlotte to marry me.”

“That’s her name? Charlotte?”

I nod. “Yes. She demanded a ring, and I was so indebted to her father at the time, I agreed. Besides, I thought that’s what you did. You date for a few years and get engaged.”

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