Page 22 of Going, Going, Gone
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The restof the hearing was a blur, with objections being made, items being placed into evidence, and arguments going back and forth. At the end of the hearing, the judge had ruled the sale of the farm would be suspended pending further investigation, giving the Archaeological Society time to completely analyze the contents of the diary. Reverend Price was none too pleased, as he glared at Kaye McBride on his way out of the room.
The older woman snorted before turning to Dylan and Nessa. “I’m thinking of running for chairman of the board of the library this fall when a certain someone’s term is up for election again. What do you think?”
“I think you’ll win in a heartbeat.” Dylan leaned over and kissed his mother’s cheek. “Put me on your campaign team.”
Nessa shook her head, still trying to wrap her head around everything. “Kaye, I can’t believe you found the diary. I don’t know how to thank you.”
His mother grinned. “I do.” Her chin jutted toward Dylan. “Give the big jerk a second chance.” She winked at Nessa. “But make him grovel a bit first.”
The laughter that spilled from Nessa’s mouth was music to Dylan’s ears. His mother patted his shoulder. “Make sure she forgives you in time for Sunday dinner, so you can introduce her to the rest of the family.”
“You got it, Mom. I’ll talk to you later.”
After giving Nessa a hug, his mother strode out of the hearing room. Dylan glanced around and realized he and Nessa were the only two people left. He leaned against the edge of the table and crossed his arms. “So, are you willing to give me that second chance?”
She shrugged, clearly feigning indifference. “You might be able to convince me. What did your mother mean about Sunday dinner?”
“It’s my brother’s birthday, and we’re all going to Mom’s house to celebrate. I’d love for you to join us.”
“Hmm. I seem to recall there’s supposed to be some groveling first.”
Pushing off the table, Dylan dropped to both knees and took her hands in his. When Nessa’s jaw gaped and her eyes went wide, he chuckled. “No, I’m not proposing.” He winked. “Although, you can expect that in the near future. I’m down here, begging for forgiveness, Nessa. I’m so sorry. I’ve never been in love before—not the deep forever kind—and I, honestly, got scared. I can’t guarantee I won’t screw up again and be an ass every once in a while, but I will try my best to never hurt you like that again. I know in my heart you weren’t using me, and I hate myself for making you think I was calling you a prostitute.” He lifted her hands to his mouth and kissed her knuckles. “Forgive me, please, and put me out of my misery. I’ve missed you so much.”
Bending down, Nessa cupped his jaw and kissed him. It wasn’t a gentle kiss, but a claiming one. She was his, and he was hers. After a few moments, her mouth left his. The love he saw in her gaze nearly brought him to tears. “I love you, Dylan, and, yes, I forgive you, on one condition.”
“What’s that?”
“You forgive me too.”
“Considering I did that a few days ago, you’ve got yourself a deal.” He got to his feet.
After grabbing his briefcase, he tucked Nessa into his side as they walked out the door. In his mind, he was already planning his proposal. Two thousand feet in the air might be the perfect place to do it.
The End
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