For a while, I thought maybe I could do this. If I could muster my resolve, maybe my will could outmaneuver Bridget’s confidence. And, as I pushed myself, I finally began to take the lead away from Bridget. I was pulling ahead. The raceway was clear ahead of me and I felt my heart soar. This w
Nicholas POV Panic and fear waged war in my heart as I swam down into that water and saw Piper, the woman who had claimed my heart more than once, losing consciousness. Her eyes were slipping closed. She was running out of air. Veronica was doing her best to drag Piper to the surface, but Piper
“Just for the record, I won the race,” Bridget said, from the peripheral of the small crowd gathered around me. Nicholas was still holding me, with Veronica, Jessica, and Elva close by. Everyone, it seemed, was worried about me – all except Bridget, who said again, “Did you record my finish? Did y
“I’ll keep an eye on her,” Julian said, holding his brother’s gaze. “Thanks,” Nicholas said. He placed his hand over mine on his arm, then, gently, pulled my hand away from him. “I’ll be back as soon as I’m able.” I could see the determination burning in his eyes. I didn’t want him to go but I k
When she awoke from her brief nap, Elva stuck to me like glue. She kept looking up at me with her big, tearful eyes. For a day that began with such high hopes, we were both feeling the lows now. I took her hand and did not release, very aware that I had nearly lost the chance to be her mom. If I h
Elva wanted to collect some seashells to add the growing pile she was keeping in our bedroom, so together, Elva, Nicholas, and I went to the shoreline and began walking along with water’s edge. While I helped Elva pick out seashells, Nicholas kept a dutiful eye on the ocean. Maybe he thought Ronan
“He has a short temper,” Nicholas said. I knew what he was suggesting, that this was bound to have happened sooner or later with someone with that type of disposition. Zale’s look of apology returned. “We have failed in the past. If we had been sterner with him, perhaps the now would be different.
“If you will please excuse us one moment, Ambassador Zale,” I said, and tugged at Nicholas’s sleeve. At the same time, I lowered Elva down and took her hand instead. Ambassador Zale dipped his head in acknowledgement, so Nicholas, Elva, and I stepped back a few feet to speak more privately. I sp