Page 74

Story: Starlight Wishes

TYLER

“LET’S GO HOME,sweetheart.” Dr. Tina had just signed her release papers, and she was dressed in some clothes Kayla had delivered earlier. I was anxious to leave. Physical healing was easy in the hospital, but the mental healing would go much faster once I got her back to a place that felt safe and comfortable. I wasn’t ready to leave her unattended, so I left her at the front door of the hospital in the care of an attendant while I went to get the car. She didn’t notice when I pulled along the curb. She was still looking for my red Corvette instead of the dark blue Infinity sedan that Alex had driven over earlier this morning when he brought Kayla.

She did a double take when she saw me open the passenger door and approach her. “Again? You can’t keep borrowing cars every time you think I’m not going to be comfortable riding in your Corvette.”

I grinned and shrugged as I opened the passenger door for her. “I know.”

I got in and caught her exploring the all the bells and whistles. “Do you like it?”

“It would be hard not to.” She continued to play the whole way home until we pulled into the driveway of our home.Damn, it felt good to say that!

“So who’d you trade cars with this time?” she teased.

“I didn’t.”

“Then where’syourcar?”

I shut off the engine and turned to face her. “I don’t have it anymore.”

She stared at me. “Um, what do you mean?”

“I traded it for this one.”

“You what?” she shrieked. “You loved that car. It was your pride and joy.”

I played with a strand of hair that hung over her shoulder. “It was. It symbolized being able to make my own choices, to have something I wanted and was willing to work for. Now I have someone else I want, and I’m willing to work hard the rest of my life to be worthy of her. I want her to always feel safe and comfortable with me with no fear of falling. This just seemed like a good way to show you.”

Her cheeks were flushed. “Tyler, I . . . I don’t know what to say. That’s beautiful.”

“It’s what I was doing yesterday when . . .” I swallowed hard, “when everything happened. I wanted to surprise you when I got to your place. I wish I’d just gone straight there.” My hand trembled slightly. For some reason, knowing that I almost wasn’t able to bring her home hit me harder today than yesterday.

“No, Tyler. Don’t do that to yourself.” Her voice was soothing. My calm in the storm. “There was no way we knew Mark was in the area or that he would go to such extremes.” She reached across the center console and kissed me. “I’ve spent long enough regretting what was. Let’s focus on our future—together.”

“God, I love you.” It was all I could do not to haul her into the back seat and have my way with her. But she needed tenderness and time to heal. Besides which, I had something else for her. “I had another gift I was going to give you last night.” I inclined my head toward the glove box in front of her. “Open it.” She did as requested and pulled out a small gift bag. Her eyes widened as she looked at me.

“Look inside.” I watched as she unwrapped a black piece of velvet and pulled out a small rock that was a blend of milky white and clear. “Do you know what that is?” I asked.

She stared bemusedly as she rolled the pea sized rock around in her palm. “Not really. Some kind of quartz?”

I closed her fingers around it and kissed her fist. “No, it’s an uncut diamond.” She gasped and opened her fingers. “And as you know, a diamond is the hardest mineral, so it’s strong and unbreakable. With care and time, it can be cut and polished, making it beautiful and valuable.” I brushed my fingers down her cheek. “I got this because I think it’s a lot like us,” I continued. “Our relationship started off a bit rocky and definitely unclear. But little by little we’ve sharpened who we are and cut away all the masks and uncertainties. Confiding our tears and fears polished us. Now we shine more brilliantly than ever, stronger than ever.”

I reached under my seat and pulled out a small blue box. “More like this.” I opened the box as she gasped and looked at me. Her hand came up to cover her mouth. “Jennifer Marie Mitchell, this isn’t how I planned to do this. But then, a lot of things about us are unexpected, so maybe it’s appropriate after all. After yesterday, I don’t want to wait another minute. I love you, and I would be honored if you would become my wife and continue to make my life shine, and maybe someday to use those back seats for something more than just packages and flowers.” I gestured to the items we were bringing home from the hospital.

Tears streamed down her face. “Yes! Yes, yes, yes! I would be honored to have you as my husband, Tyler Cranston.”

I took the ring out of the box and placed it on her finger. Less than twenty-four hours ago I thought I might have lost her forever. Now, forever was in our grasp, and I was never letting go.