Page 96 of Totally Off Limits

“That doesn’t sound convincing,” he said, smileless. There was something in his eyes, though, but she couldn’t read it.

“No, it’s good. It is. I just…feel like a real asshole.”

“Youshould.”

Sierra couldn’t help the laugh that rushed from her mouth then. “That’s fair.”

“But you should let it go.”

“Should I?”

“Yeah, you should. I’m over it now.” His dark eyes examined hers, seeking something. “I just want to ask one question.”

“Anything.” Why the fuck was her breath catching in her throat?

“Why not me?”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m not that same poor kid you used to know…the one you had to nurse after getting in a fight at school. I get why you wouldn’t have wanted me back then…but now. Why am I good enough to fuck but—”

When Sierra touched his fingers, he stopped and looked at their hands. She slipped hers in his and said, “It wasn’tyou, Mickey. It was all me and my fucked up head. Any woman in her right mind would want to spend her life with you.”

“Except for you.”

“Includingme.”

As she squeezed his hand, his eyes met hers. “Don’t fuck with me, Sierra. My chain’s been yanked enough.”

“I’m not, Mickey. I mean it. I’ve had plenty of time to completely regret how I treated you and accept that I’ve lost any chance with you.” As he cocked his head, she moved a little closer on the bench, relishing the warmth of his hand. “I was so damn afraid—but I’m not anymore. I understand if you want nothing to do with me…if you hate me. I’m willing to share custody of Mia with you…and whatever visitation you want. And I also understand if you can’t find it in your heart to forgive me—but please don’t hold it against your daughter.”

With his free hand, he stroked her cheek and, as if he had complete control over her body, a tear dropped from her eye onto his finger. “I could never hate you, Sierra Hayden. We might be bound by Mia, but you…you’ve always felt inevitable to me. And I thought you felt the same way…so when you jumped out of my bed and ran the second time, I convinced myself that I was nothing but a plaything to you.”

“No, Mickey. I just…I guess I had more growing up to do.” She squeezed his hand, inhaling a deep breath as if it were her last. “If you’ll have me, I’m yours. My heart already belongs to you.” His dark eyes searched hers, looking for truth. “I love you, Mickey Morton—and I think I have for way longer than I realize.”

In answer, he kissed her so sweetly and, when his lips reluctantly left hers, he brushed the tears from her cheeks. “Goddamn. I was hoping you’d say that.”

Overflowing with emotion, Sierra laughed as more tears rushed from her eyes. When he stood, she felt disoriented and started to stand, too, but he shook his head. Then he stuck a hand in his pocket, pulling out a fist, and got down on one knee.

“I love you, too, Sierra. And now I’m gonna make you put your money where your mouth is.” Turning his hand over and opening his fist, he revealed a silver ring with a big solitaire diamond as more tears started dropping from her cheeks. “Ever since you gave me that sandwich in the third grade, Sierra, I’ve wanted to give you the moon and the stars and the sun. I know I’m not worthy and I never will be, but that hasn’t stopped me from wanting to try. Will you marry me?”

“Oh, God. You’re more worthy than you know.” Fighting the tears, Sierra swallowed. “Yes, Mickey. I will marry you.”

As he slid the ring on her left hand, she noticed it was slightly too big—but, for now, she didn’t care a bit. The tears really started to fall then and, as he got up to kiss her again, she would swear his eyes seemed a little glassy as well. But he kissed her with the promise of forever and, for the first time in her life, she felt a sense of wholeness.

“What do you say we go get our daughter and start making some plans?”

That was music to Sierra’s ears if she’d ever heard it.

* * *

Snowflakes fell from the sky,tiny at first, but as the three of them approached the unmarked grave, the flakes were getting bigger.

Sierra all but whispered, “You sure you want to do this?”

“I need to.”

Because Mickey was on the other side of Mia, in between them both, she couldn’t feel the strength of his hand, couldn’t assess his mood—but he’d been resolved to do this one thing.

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