Chapter 26
Chapter Twenty-Six
ONE WEEK LATER
Holt
Raelyn is spending some time with the girls this afternoon. She hasn’t been out of the house much, so they’re taking her out to eat. They convinced her by saying she isn’t allowed to break girl tradition.
I make my way up the broad wooden steps of her parents’ home and knock on the door.
Her mom answers, welcoming me with a warm hug. “It’s so good to see you, honey. Come on in,” she says. “How are you?”
“I’m doing well now that I have my girl back.”
She gives me a soft smile. “I’m so happy she has you to help her work through this hard time.”
Her mom’s words make my chest swell. “She’s resilient. There are still moments that hit hard, but Raelyn amazes me with her strength, every day. The girls have taken her out to eat this afternoon.”
“Good. I can tell you some stories about those girls, but we’ll save that for another day. You just keep taking care of my baby girl.”
I give her a knowing smile. “That’s one of the reasons I’m here, Mrs. Grace. I want to marry your daughter. I’m ready to spend the rest of my life with Raelyn.”
Tears shine in her eyes. “This makes my mama heart so happy. If we’re about to become family, call me Hazel. You have my blessing, now get out of here before I become a blubbering mess. Charles is out back in the shop. Good luck,” she says, wiping her eyes.
“I may need it,” I respond with a smirk.
She laughs. “Get on out there. He’s not as bad as he seems.”
I make my way across the yard to his shop to find him working on his tractor.
“Hey, Mr. Grace,” I say, as I approach.
He stops working and watches me for a minute. “I knew it wouldn’t be long.”
I grin because he already knows my intentions. “Two weeks ago, we endured the hardest week of our lives. I prayed for God not to take Raelyn, for Him to spare her life. I couldn’t imagine a life without her, sir, and for a moment I was scared we wouldn’t get her back. Your daughter is my heart, my soulmate.”
He continues to watch me. “What makes you think you’re worthy of my daughter?”
I shake my head. “I’m not, but I thank the good Lord everyday she chose to love me. I’m half a man without her. Before her, I never knew love. She’s special, sir. I knew that when she walked into my life, but now I want to build a life with her. Raelyn’s abduction showed me how precious life is. I don’t want to waste a moment longer to ask you for your blessing. I want to marry your daughter. I promise to cherish and love her for the rest of my life.”
I hold my breath waiting for his reply.
He’s silent for a minute as he takes in everything I said. His eyes hold emotion as they find mine. “I didn’t think you were good enough for my baby girl in the beginning, but I was wrong. I see the way you treat and look at her. I trust you to take care of Raelyn the way she deserves. You have my blessing, son.” He sticks out his hand, and we shake.
Blowing out a relieved breath, my chest fills with pride from his blessing. I’m now one step closer to placing a ring on her finger.
He gives me a firm pat on the back. “Now, enough of that sappy shit, help me fix this damn tractor.”
“Yes sir,” I reply.
This night has to be perfect. Everyone is onboard with my plan, and Simon will make sure everything runs smoothly.
We’re back in Nashville for a few days, and I told Raelyn I was taking her on a date tonight.
Simon called to take her for a spa day and shopping trip. For once, she agreed saying she needed a new outfit for our hot date.
Simon’s eating this shit up.
She thinks we have reservations to go eat, but that’s not the case.
As it gets closer to time for our date, I call her.
“There’s my man,” she answers cheerfully.
“Hey, baby. Something’s come up, and I have to sign some paperwork before our date. It can’t wait apparently. Kane is going to drive you to meet me. We might be late for the reservations if I come home to get you after this.” I smile into the phone knowing that’s not the case.
“Okay, no problem. That’s fine, babe. I can’t wait to see you,” she says.
“Me neither, baby. I love you.”
“I love you, more,” she responds.
I hang up the phone smiling.
Showtime.
Raelyn
Holt surprised me with a spa day that consisted of a massage, facial, manicure, and pedicure. Never have I been this pampered in my life. He’s still worrying over me.
Simon, of course, has styled me from head to toe for my date. He insisted I needed an entire outfit, and I didn’t argue with him this time. Today has been fun, but I’m ready to see my man.
I give myself one last look in the mirror. A sleeveless cream, silk dress flows around my calves to cover my healing leg. The bodice is form fitting with a modest dip in the front, paired with cream flats. The doctor dismissed my crutches, but my heels are still a no-go at the moment. My jewelry is simple gold. My makeup is sultry as loose curls hang down my back. My favorite go-to look.
I grab my clutch and head to meet Kane. “You look beautiful, Raelyn,” he tells me as he helps me in the car.
“Thank you, Kane.”
As we’re driving down the road, curiosity gets the best of me. “I saw you and Rylie deep in conversation the other day. Anything I need to know about?”
He smiles. “Just a friendly conversation.”
“Mmhmm,” I respond, not buying it. There’s likely something there.
“Here we are,” he says.
I look out the window to see the very first place I laid eyes on Holt Hayes at his release party.
“What are we doing here?”
“I’ll be waiting here for your return,” he says, smiling. “Holt wants you to go in for a moment.”
“Okay,” I say as Kane opens my door and helps me out.
Uncertain of what’s going on, I make my way up the beautiful stone steps to the front door and knock.
The door opens, and I’m surprised to see Kyle.
“Hello sweetheart, it seems I’m your first stop tonight. Lucky me.”
“First stop?” I ask, confused.
“There’s a message on the table for you.”
Looking around, I spot a beautiful bouquet of pink roses and what looks like a chilled glass of champagne with a note. Intrigued, I pick up the note, instantly recognizing Holt’s handwriting.
My pretty little poison,
This exact spot is where our journey began, with a spilled glass of champagne. You took my breath away when you looked up at me with those big blue eyes. I think I knew then, I was sunk. Try not to spill this glass. Now, I want you to proceed to the next location where we spent part of that night.
-Holt
Just when I think he can’t top our last date, he surprises me yet again. Excitement fills me, as I grab my glass of champagne. Taking a sip, I make my way to the private bathroom.
Walking down the hallway, I see Luke’s smiling face. “Looks like I’m your second stop. I told you; you’re good for him.”
I feel myself smiling like a little kid, as I take the note from him. I continue into the bathroom where there’s another pink rose.
I fell in love with your mouth here. I believe the words “I’m not having sex with you in this bathroom” were said.
Laughter bubbles out of me as I continue reading.
Thank you for taking a chance with me. Now continue to our getaway location.
-Holt
I shoot my glass of champagne because who has time to sip this on my scavenger hunt? I hurry back down the hall to the exit we used that night.
I should have guessed.
Jake’s standing outside the SUV holding another note.
I hurriedly make my way to him as he hands me the note and opens the passenger door.
“Enjoy,” he says, smiling as I climb inside and read Holt’s words as Kane drives us away.
This ride would be where you realized you just snagged a hot, up and coming country music artist. You also bruised my ego a little, so I had to bring out the big guns. You may not know this, but I was silent for a moment on the ride, reflecting on our touch. I’ve never had someone affect me the way you have.
-Holt
I smile, excited about the next stop as butterflies fill my stomach.
Kane pulls into the back parking lot of the hotel.
Jumping out of the car, I hurry to the door. I’m too excited to wait for Kane.
I hear him chuckle behind me.
A familiar face appears through the back entrance—Deacon.
“I knew you were different for him that first night I met you,” he says, as he hands me a note.
I smile, as he opens the door for me. Once inside the door, I open the note.
Empty conversation. Conversation was meaningless before you. You made me laugh and want to open up. You made me want more.
-Holt
I pull the note to my chest. My beautiful man.
The elevator doors slide open, and I’m stunned. Rylie, Maddie, and Brynn are all standing there smiling at me.
My eyes fill with emotion at seeing my girls.
“We’re your last stop,” Rylie says as she hands me her note and presses the button to the rooftop floor.
This is where I promised you one night. Little did I know, once I got a taste of you, I would be ruined. I’m yours.
-Holt
I look up at my girls.
“You deserve all the happiness in the world,” Maddie says.
“Go get that sexy man,” Brynn exclaims.
Leaning in, I give them all quick kisses and walk out the door.
I’m instantly at a loss of words. This place is just as I remember it but now, beautiful bouquets of flowers sit everywhere. The floral scent is intoxicating. A romantic glow is all around me as the night is lit up with flickering candles giving it a magical feel.
A trail of petals leads to the man of my dreams.
Holt stands there with a breathtaking smile watching me.
My heart feels as if it may burst with love for this man as I make my way to him.
“I don’t even know what to say. This is beautiful, Holt,” I gush.
“You are beautiful,” he says as he takes my hands in his. “Raelyn, I don’t know why God thought I was worthy of you, but I thank him every day for placing you in my life. I thought I had life figured out, but I was just going through the motions. Life with you is full of love and laughter. My heart is full. I experienced the possibility of losing you. It was one of the darkest moments of my life. I couldn’t imagine a life without you. You’re my soulmate. I want to experience it all with you, Raelyn. Forever.”
My heart is in my throat as I watch him get down on one knee. The most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen sparkles in the moonlight.
Happy tears spill down my cheeks. “Raelyn Victoria Grace, will you marry me and make me the happiest man alive?”
“Yes! Yes, a million times,” I say as I lean down to kiss the man my heart belongs to.
He smiles, sliding the beautiful ring onto my finger. “Raelyn Hayes has a nice ring to it.”