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“I’m going to fix this, baby. And then I’m going to marry you.”

Stuttered breathing and a sniffle are my only answers. At least she didn’t say no.

I can fix this.

Nothing else is acceptable.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

Shelby

Curling my left hand around my right, I try to stop shaking.

Glancing left, I search the parking lot again for Doc and Riley. My heart is pounding so hard, I wonder if the couple walking past me can hear it.

A car starting close by startles me.

Chill out.I roll my eyes.

I feel wired like a bomb ready to go off, and Leo’s the trigger. How can I love someone who’s done things that are so bad?

Loud male voices catch my attention. Turning, I see the Cromwell brothers.

Shit!

Stepping back, I keep going until the side of the building hides me. I squeeze my eyes closed and wrap my arms around myself.

Breathing in deep, I focus on the rise and fall of my chest.

Can I do this? Can I stay with Leo after everything he’s done?

Perhaps it’s a good thing we can’t discuss it openly here. I’m not sure I even want to know. Some things are just better left unsaid.

Voices in the parking lot pick up, forcing my eyes open.

I see Riley instantly. Weaving between the rows of parked cars, she tugs her father’s hand, trying to get him to walk faster, her mouth moving with words that make her dad roll his eyes.

The sight makes me laugh out loud. The sound is mixed with relief and grief because I know that, yes, I can ignore what I know. I want these two people in my life, no matter what.

As if he heard me, Leonard’s eyes find me. His face is stained with worry.

Lifting my hand, I give a small wave and a half smile. The change is instant. A bright smile takes over his face, and his whole body shifts, a weight lifting.

He knows.

Doc lengthens his stride, and the two approach quickly. I step closer to them and away from the café. Going home sounds good right now.

Riley grins, waving excitedly when she finally spots me.

Everything happens so quickly.

One minute she’s holding her father’s hand, and the next she’s slipped free, running across the lot toward me.

The voices to my right get louder, mixing with music, and I can see a commotion near the entrance from the corner of my eye.

A car screeches, and I watch in horror as it peels away quickly. Tires screech, and voices shout.

My eyes return to Riley, and my world stops. It’s coming right at her. My sweet girl freezes.