Page 108 of Playing For Keeps
“That’s fine, but you know where I stand, and I’m not going to back down or change my mind.” I turn and hold my head high as I stride to the door.
Then I remember something else I need from Aiden.
He’s following me, so I twist to face him.
“There’s more.”
He stops walking. “What would that be?”
“Start treating me as your equal. Honor my boundaries and my decisions. And finally, stop hiding things from me. I don’t need you shielding me to protect me. What I need is the truth.”
“Dori, you have no idea what you?—”
“Stop, Aiden. I’m a strong woman who can handle difficult situations, and I’m more than capable of making choices in my life without you weighing in on those.”
“I was protecting you so Dad would leave you alone. You’re my baby sister. I only want the best for you.”
“If that’s true, you’ll have no problem complying with my terms. I’d like you at my wedding, but if you can’t get where Ineed you to be, it won’t stop me from going forward with marrying Jami.”
There’s a moment of silence before Aiden takes a step and sweeps me up in a hug.
“Give me time, Dori. Until then, know I love you.”
“I love you too. I’ll have Hunter get all the paperwork and money set up for you. He should have it ready for you by Tuesday at the latest.”
“Thank you, Dori.” Aiden places me on my feet, giving me a dip of his chin in acknowledgement.
“Don’t thank me with words. Show me.” I open the door and leave.
We may not have a resolution right now, but at least there’s hope. I pray he won’t let me down.
I’m getting into my car when he hollers, “When’s the wedding?”
CHAPTER 25
JAMISON
I checkthe time as I land in Denver with doubt pouring through my thoughts.
Please let this go well.
Please let Dori be okay.
We’ll be cutting it close if I want to pull off my surprise, but I think I can get us to Red Rocks in time for the show.
The car service I hired is waiting on the tarmac, and I’m on my way to Dori’s hotel within fifteen minutes. As we drive, I shift around with my nerves whipping around in my guts. My heart pounds just as wildly. I want everything to be perfect.
Once I get to the hotel and get settled, I call her on my way down the hallway to her room, my hands shaking with anticipation.
She answers on the second ring. “Hi, babe. I tried to call you about thirty minutes ago.”
Her mood is good, which is a great sign.
I scan the room numbers on the doors as I pass, looking for hers. “Yeah, I was in the middle of something.”
“Oh. What were you doing?”
“Looking for something.”
