Page 121 of Playing For Keeps
I read them out loud.
“For Eternity.” The sentence continues below the entry wound and smears of blood. “I’ll Always Take One For You.”
My eyes fill with tears as his dedication fills my soul with overwhelming love. “You’ll always take a bullet for me. I don’t know what to say.”
He faces me. “What do you think of it?”
“It’s so personal and meaningful. I can’t believe you did this.”
His expression grows with concern. “Do you not like it?”
“I love it. I just can’t find adequate words for how emotional I feel about it.”
His loving gaze hooks with mine. “I mean it, Dori. I’ll always take one for you. You’re my everything, and I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you. Even if it means I lose my life doing it.”
My throat tightens as tears stream down my face. I fold into his chest, wrapping my arms around his waist, and hold him as tight as I can.
“You’re the most amazing man. How did I get so blessed?”
He runs his palm over my back and kisses the top of my head. “I’m the blessed one.”
His gesture is so thoughtful. He deserves the world. It’s my turn to prove to him I’d give anything for him too.
We’ve been back in Miami for a few weeks, and Melanie has had me running all over, looking at condos. I love feeling needed and useful. It makes my heart full.
She scans the living room, tapping her finger against her lips. I let her consider it for a beat. I think this is the one, but I don’t want my opinion to skew her decision.
A smile grows across her face. “Yep, this is the one.”
“Are you sure?” I glance at our Realtor, Desi, who’s been patiently waiting for this moment to come, then look back to Mel.
“Yeah, I’m sure. It’s perfect and not ginormous like yours. I don’t have time to clean a place that size.” She gives a nod to Desi. “Get Jamison on the phone and tell him I’m ready to spend his money.”
Desi faces me. “Would you like me to work with him on the negotiations, or are you doing that part as well?”
My stomach knots. Jami tells me repetitively that his money is my money, but I’m still not comfortable with it. Once we’re married, I’ll work on accepting it easier with help from my therapist.
“Please deal with him on the purchase. I’m here to help Melanie decorate. That’s my only involvement.” I stride over to Mel. “Congratulations. This place is everything I want you to have.”
“It’s a dream come true.” She gives me a hug. “Thank you for helping me. I’ll be the best tenant you’ve ever had.”
I laugh and break away from her embrace. “You’ll be the only tenant I’ve had. And Jami’s your landlord, not me.”
“Whatevs.” She moseys around the room. “You know, this means we have to celebrate. It’s mandatory.”
“We need the seller to accept a contract before you do that. I’ll get working on that now.” Desi pulls out her phone to call Jami. “If you’ll excuse me.”
We wait for her to leave the room while Mel inspects the sofa. “Do you think they would sell the furniture?”
“Sure. Just have Desi ask for it in the offer.”
“Cool. I might have her include it all. My stuff is basic crap.”
“Do what makes you happy.”
She plops down on the couch and reclines back. Her eyes light up. “Hey, I have the perfect plan.”
“What would that be?” I sit across from her in a sleek, modern, light-blue chair.
