“Right. I’ll let them know if you need them, I’ll come get them.”

“Good. Did you find anything else about Lisa Blank?” I asked as I saw Sierra and my father walking down the hall. They were both laughing.

“Just that she likes her men. She’s got about three affairs going on outside her relationship with Dr. Jackson.”

“Jesus,” I whispered. “Those two were meant for each other.”

Kyle laughed as he said, “Yeah, and all three of the guys are loaded. I’m not sure how in the hell she keeps up, to be honest with you.”

Rolling my eyes, I turned and headed back to the desk. “Who the hell knows. Thanks again, Kyle, for the great work. Please just send everything you’ve got to my office and be at the courthouse a few minutes before the hearing starts.”

“Will do, Mr. Walker. Enjoy the rest of your weekend,” Kyle said.

Sierra and my father walked into the library and I clapped my hands. “Dad, I think Sierra’s ready. Something tells me she won’t even be getting on the stand.”

Sierra looked at me with a confused look on her face and then started laughing. “Wishful thinking! Maybe you’re practicing positive thinking then?”

My father tilted his head and stared at me. Giving him a smile and a nod of my head, he shook his head and laughed. “I never doubted you, son.” Turning to Sierra, my father kissed her on the cheek and said, “Go have fun. We head back to Austin early tomorrow morning.”

Sierra’s smile faded. “Ugh. I love it here. I want to stay in this happy bubble forever.”

My father glanced over at me and gave me a wink. “Something tells me you will be, sweetheart. You will be.”

Glancing between my father and me, Sierra shrugged her shoulders and walked up to me where she gave me a smile that melted my heart. “Sierra and I are going out to dinner, but I’d love to meet you, Mom, and Grams this evening for drinks afterward.”

“At the club bar?” my father asked.

Nodding my head, I said, “Sure.” I had every intention of letting my parents and Grams know how serious Sierra and I were. No more pushing things to the side. I was ready to start this new chapter in my life. After the trial, Sierra and I could start our lives together.

Together. Forever.

SITTING IN AARON’S TRUCK, MY heart was pounding so loudly I was sure he could hear it. Wringing my hands together, I stared out the window as Aaron drove to the country club. After tonight, it was back to reality. I wanted to stay down here with Aaron and never leave. It was soothing. My heart felt happy at the beach. I loved my beach house on South Padre, but it was so far away I never really got to go and enjoy it. I wondered what it would be like going there again. Knowing Aaron had been with Ryn in that house. Feeling my heart drop, I quickly pushed the thoughts away. That was in the past and I needed to leave it there.

Turning to Aaron, I smiled weakly. “I have to take a trip down to South Padre to check on my place. My father is going to meet me there. Would you . . . um . . . would you like to come with me? You and my father can get to know each other.”

Aaron gave me the sweetest smile as he took my hand in his. “I’d love to, Sierra. When were you thinking of heading down there?”

Shrugging my shoulders, I looked back out the window. “I dunno. I’m thinking of taking some time off of work.”

Aaron slowed his truck down and pulled over to the side of the road. Putting the truck in park, he turned and looked at me. “Are you running, Sierra?”

Pulling my head back, I stared at him. “What are you talking about?”

“It’s pretty simple; I’m asking you if you’re running? I know I moved really fast earlier today by asking you to marry me, but I hope you know I don’t expect you to turn around and marry me before the ink is dry on your divorce. The last thing I want to do is push you away.”

My pulse began to race as I looked at Aaron. He tried to appear calm, but I could tell he was freaked out. It warmed my heart to know he cared so much about my feelings. Reaching over for his hand, I brought it up to my lips and kissed the back of it.

“I’m not spooked, Aaron. I’m not running anywhere. It’s just everyone at the hospital knows what’s going on and questions are going to be asked, and I just didn’t want to deal with it. Ya know? I’ve already talked to my supervisor about taking a two-month leave of absence. I asked a few weeks ago, long before you and I happened.”

The relief that washed over Aaron’s face caused me to smile. “I love you, Aaron, and I promise you I’m not going anywhere.”