Chapter Five
Grady
The cold air slaps me in the face as I storm out of the cabin, but it does nothing to clear my head. I run a hand through my hair, letting out a frustrated breath that fogs in front of me.Damn it, Angel.Why do you have to make this so hard?
I walk aimlessly through the snow-covered grounds, my boots crunching with every step. A fresh blanket of white covers everything. It’s beautiful here, but all I can think about is the woman I just left behind—the woman who has every reason to hate me.
But last night... God, last night was everything I’ve been craving for years. The taste of her, the feel of her, the way she melted into me like no time had passed. For a moment, I let myself believe we could have it all back. That I could fix what I broke.
Except for the way she looked at me just now; it was like she was staring at a ghost.
I stop in my tracks, staring up as snowflakes start to drift lazily from the sky.I can’t lose her again.I’ve made my fair share of mistakes, but this... walking away from her all those years ago... It was the biggest damn regret of my life. And I’m not about to make it twice.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I pull it out, squinting at the screen. It’s a text from Ben, an old friend who catered the event last night.I saw you kiss Carla last night and never saw you again. Are you two back together, or are you still on the market? I’ve got some women lined up for tonight. There’s a winking emoji at the end, and I roll my eyes.
Ben’s been trying to get me back in the game ever since my relationship with Carla blew up in my face. But he has no idea that this is about more than just moving on. It’s about getting back what I never should have let go.
I type out a quick reply:Thanks for the offer, but Carla is the one for me.
As I pocket my phone, an idea starts to take shape. Carla’s got walls up that make Fort Knox look like a garden gate. She thinks I’m here for a quick fling, and honestly, I can’t blame her. But if I’m going to prove that I’m serious, I need to go big—something that shows her I’m not the same man who walked away all those years ago.
I pull up my contact list, my thumb hovering over the name of an old friend who owes me a favor. If I can pull this off, it’ll be something Carla can’t ignore.
But first, I need to face a few demons of my own.
Two hours later, I’m back in my hotel room, showered and dressed, but my mind is spinning. It’s time to stop playing it safe. Carla deserves better than half-hearted apologies and whispered promises. She deserves someone who’s willing to put it all on the line for her.
I grab my jacket and head out, my heart pounding as I drive into town. The streets are bustling with holiday shoppers, and the festive decorations strung along the lampposts only remind me of what I’m risking.
The grand Christmas gala Carla’s organizing is tonight. I know she’s going to be there, looking drop-dead gorgeous, and I’m going to make damn sure she can’t ignore me. But first, I have one stop to make.
I pull up outside an old, familiar house. Taking a deep breath, I steel myself before stepping out into the cold. I haven’t been back here in years, and as I walk up to the door, the memories hit me like a freight train.
This is where everything started... and where I let everything fall apart.
I knock on the door, and it swings open to reveal Mrs. Griffin, Carla’s mother. Her eyes widen in surprise, but I hold up a hand before she can tell me to leave.
“I know I’m probably the last person you want to see, but I need to talk to you,” I say, my voice steadier than I feel.
She crosses her arms, her expression flat. “You’ve got five minutes, Grady.”
I take a deep breath, stepping into the warmth of Carla’s childhood home. The scent of pine and cinnamon hits me, taking me back to all the Christmases I spent here with Carla and her family before I messed it all up.
“I know I hurt her,” I start, my throat tightening. “I know I don’t deserve another chance. But I love her, Mrs. Griffin. I’ve never stopped loving her.”
Her eyes soften just a bit, but she doesn’t say anything. I take a deep breath and continue to plead my case.
“I was an idiot. I walked away because I was scared. Scared of how much I cared, scared of what it meant. But I’m done running. I want to make things right, and I... I need your blessing.”
There’s a long pause, and for a second, I think she’s going to kick me out. But then she sighs, a small smile tugging at her lips. “You always were a stubborn one, Grady. If you’re serious about this...if you’re going to love Carla with every fiber of your being and you will never hurt her…I welcome you with open arms.”
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “You have my word, Mrs. Griffin. She is the love of my life and if she’ll have me, I’ll cherish her all the days of my life.”
“Well, then,” Mrs. Griffin smiled. “You have my blessing.”
Later that evening, I’m standing outside the grand hall where the gala is in full swing. The place is decked out in decorations galore, and from where I stand, I can see couples twirling on the dance floor through the tall windows. But there’s only one person I’m here for.
Carla.
My palms are sweaty, and I feel like a teenager about to ask his crush to prom. But whatever it takes to get her back, I’m going to do it because Carla is worth it.
I walk through the doors, ignoring the waves from friends and business acquaintances. I’m on a mission. My eyes scan the crowd until I find her. She’s standing by the Christmas tree, looking absolutely radiant in a long crimson dress. Her hair is swept up in a bun, revealing her long, graceful neck.
For a moment, I just watch her, my chest swelling with something I can’t quite put into words. This is it. Do or die.
I stride toward her, my heart hammering in my chest. She turns, and her eyes widen as she sees me.
“Grady?” She blushes. “What are you doing here?”
I step close enough to smell the soft scent of vanilla on her skin. “I came here to show you something,” I say, holding out my hand.
She hesitates, glancing around like she’s searching for an escape route. But then, slowly, she places her hand in mine.
“Trust me,” I whisper. “Please.”
I lead her outside to the garden behind the hall, where snowflakes fall softly. The lights strung through the trees make it look like a winter wonderland, and there, under the largest mistletoe I could find, is a scene I’ve set up just for her.
Her eyes widen, and I see the tears gathering in them. “Grady, what...?”
But I don’t let her finish. I drop to my knees, my heart in my throat.
“I’m on my knees to beg for your forgiveness. To plead for one last chance. I know I’ve made mistakes, Carla. But I’m not walking away this time. I’m here to stay if you’ll have me.”