Page 6 of Dirty Mechanic
“Really?” My voice is more gravelly than usual.
“She’s my world.”
Twenty years ago, I’d said the same damn thing about his mom, Sarah.
“You nervous?”
He shrugs, fidgeting. “A little. What if I screw it up?”
I place my hand on his shoulder and give it a reassuring squeeze. “Speak from your heart. That’s all Misty needs.”
He nods, but his eyes flick to the headstone. “Do you think Mom would’ve approved?”
“No doubt.”
A slow smile curls his lips. “Found the perfect spot to propose out on the daisy field. Same place as our first date.”
“Perfect.”
He bites the inside of his cheek, and I recognize the look.
“Do you approve?” he asks.
“Of course I do. You know what I told your mom when I proposed?”
Blake shakes his head.
“I told her she was my world.”
A slow smile tugs at his lips. “We’re building an addition onto Grandpa and Nana’s place. This way, you stay here, and we’re always close by.”
I would feel better if the land where I lived were truly mine. Even with the next race I expect to win, I’ll be short on funds to complete the purchase. After Sarah died, her uncle assured me the loan had no time limit, but now he wants all the money paid. And he’s suing me if I don’t.
Like I have fucking time and money for lawyers.
There is another option. My grandparents left an old-school stipulation in their will: marry before I turn forty-five next year, and I inherit everything in the trust. It’s more than enough to buy this land.
Between racing for prize money and that will’s deadline, I’m running out of options and time.
“I assume Misty has the renovation money from her estate sale?”
“It’s not sold yet, but soon. Emma’s working on it to ensure privacy, but I have some money to start. So… I have your blessing?”
“Course you do. I’m proud of you. So damn proud.” I bring him into my arms and hold tightly until I feel grounded again. A sudden chill grips me. Losing him would hollow me out more than Sarah’s absence ever did. He squeezes back, then pulls away.
“While we’re getting emotional, there’s something else.”
I cock a brow, wiping a phantom tear. “Yeah?”
He glances around like the ghosts might be looking for gossip.
“Misty’s pregnant,” he says. “Found out last week. We’ll make the official announcement after her first trimester, but I thought you should know.”
My heart stalls.
“You’re serious?”
He grins wide. “You’re gonna be a grandpa.”
