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  Nicholas voiced his agreement. “We have a few things to talk about,” he said, then added, “We really need to make some decisions about where this is going.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Our relationship. I’m really not feeling the long-distance thing anymore. I can’t see you being so happy about it either. Besides, even though we’re back on speaking terms, I don’t know that we’ve made a whole lot of progress. You know what I’m saying? We need to make some decisions one way or the other.”

  “Where’s this coming from?” Tarah asked, his comment surprising her.

  “Are you saying you haven’t thought about it?”

  Tarah hesitated. “I really hadn’t...”

  Nicholas interrupted her. “Well, give it some thought. It might be time for us both to move on. But we can talk tomorrow. Sweet dreams, Tarah.”

  “Good night,” Tarah said, but Nicholas disconnected the call before she could get the words out.

  Tarah sat in a slight stupor for a moment, replaying the conversation over again in her head. She was suddenly feeling all out of sorts. She’d thought they were back on the right path, traveling on the same route, but somewhere along the way it seemed Nicholas had turned off in another direction. Maybe her mother been right and she’d taken too long to lead him back to her.

  In his own bed, Nicholas fluffed the pillows behind his back and head. He tossed his phone to the other side of the bed and closed his eyes. As sleep slid in to reclaim him, a slight smile played on his mouth, amusement pulling him toward his dreams. He’d heard the disquiet rising in her voice. He could just imagine what she was thinking. And he couldn’t wait to kiss every ounce of her anxiety away.

  Chapter 13

  From the pout on her face, no one would have known that a milestone moment in Tarah’s young life was about to occur. She found everything annoying, her temperament was surly and she felt like she would spit bullets if someone looked at her wrong. And all because her feelings were hurt.

  She had spoken to Nicholas only once during the week and very briefly. He had blown her off for something he claimed he just had to do. They had played phone tag for all the other calls, continually missing each other. They still hadn’t had a conversation to address his last comments about the two of them going in separate directions.

  Now here she was, surrounded by the people she loved most as she was about to be honored. And Nicholas wasn’t there with her. Even Noah and Nathaniel and both their sisters were there to show their support. Nicholas was doing some photo shoot for a men’s cologne. He thought that was more important. She suddenly found herself wondering if this was the beginning of the end for the two of them.

  “Tarah, baby, you really need to try and smile,” her mother said, stepping behind her to play in her hair. “Frowning ages you, dear.” The matriarch brushed a loose strand back into her updo.

  Tarah turned slightly in her seat to meet her mother’s gaze. “I think I messed up,” she said, her voice low.

  Katherine squeezed her daughter’s shoulders. “What did you do, baby?”

  “I think I gave Nick too much time to think about things. I think I’m losing him.”

  Her mother slid into the seat beside her. “That’s just silly. Why would you think that?”

  “For starters, look around. You don’t see him here, do you? I would never have believed that Nicholas wouldn’t be here to support me. He knows how important this is to me. Second, he actually told me that he wouldn’t miss this for anything in the world. He promised he would be here! But suddenly, taking pictures with some half-naked, high-profile model is more important. It’s like I’m not a priority anymore.”

  “Actually, it sounds like you’re whining to me,” Katherine attested. “Nicholas has tolerated your bad behavior for a while now. Not answering his calls, ignoring him. I have no doubts there have been times he wished you were there supporting him while he was going through a lot, and you weren’t anywhere to be found.”

  “But I explained why I treated him the way I did.”

  “You did and you were right. Nicholas did need some time to work through his stuff. But sometimes how you do things could use a little work, baby girl.”

  Tarah drew a hand to her heart. “I really am trying to get better, Mama!”

  “Well, you need to stop worrying. That boy truly cares about you. He’s not going anywhere anytime soon.”

  “Which is why he should be here. I really wanted to see him.”

  “I have no doubt that if Nicholas was getting some sports award and you had to choose between that and brain surgery, you’d be in the operating room.”

  “Yeah, but there are no half-naked top models in the operating room.”

  Her mother laughed. “Sounds like you might be a little jealous.”

  “Damn right! Nicholas is a great catch. Other women don’t need to know that. He’s my great catch.”

  Katherine shook her head. “I’m going to ignore that cussing this time, but next time I will pop you in your mouth. You know this!” she admonished her.

  Tarah laughed. “Yes, ma’am. I need to touch up my makeup and get to the table.”

  Her mother leaned in to kiss her cheek. “Good. I was starting to wonder if you were going to spend all night in this powder room!”

  * * *

  Senior Boudreaux was holding court, giving his sons and the Stallion men a life lesson about women.

  “You can only say yes, dear, so many times before you need to nip that quick. Be a man in your home! Your woman needs to trust that you know how to take control and be in charge. You might have to make some decisions that she isn’t going to agree with, but you always have to do what you know is right for your family.”

  “I don’t know about all that,” Kendrick said. “I love her to death, but sometimes it’s just easier to let Vanessa have her way than to hear her noise!”

  The guys all laughed.

  Mason shook his head. “You’d better listen to Senior. He wouldn’t have been happily married for half his life if he wasn’t on to something. I don’t think there’s one of us here who doesn’t want what he and Mama have. I know I do!”

  Tarah’s brother Donovan snorted softly. “You know you let Phaedra do whatever she wants most times. And I’m not going to lie. Gianna has me wrapped around her finger, too.”

  “I admit I spoil my woman just like you spoil yours. There’s nothing wrong with that.” Mason chuckled. “And she shows me her appreciation on a regular basis,” he added with a wink.

  Senior shook his head. “You spoiling your sister is why poor Nicholas here has his hands full with Tarah. She’s my baby girl and I love her to pieces, but she’s determined to give a man a hard time!”

  Nicholas laughed, the others laughing with him. He was enjoying the exchange between the men in his family and hers. The conversation was easing his nerves. Anxiety had started to bubble up as he thought about the surprise planned for Tarah. He finally responded. “Tarah is definitely a challenge, sir!”

  “You don’t have to tell me, son! And I’m sure Mason is secretly thanking you. He won’t have to sneak and help pay his sister’s bills anymore!”

  Mason laughed. “No, I’m thanking him out loud! I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve never been able to say no to any of the girls. Now we just have to find a man for Kamaya and I’m good!”

  Kendrick laughed. “Until Phaedra gives you a daughter. Then you’re really in for it!”

  Senior chuckled in agreement.

  The men had all been standing in a circle around Nicholas. It had taken some maneuvering to sneak him into the banquet venue for the awards program and keep him from the prying eyes of Tarah and her sisters. He’d come to surprise her, and all of the Boudreaux and Stallion males had lent him a hand.

 
It had also been his opportunity to speak with her father and brothers at the same time, pleading his case for her hand in marriage. He knew that when he asked Tarah to marry him, he would need their blessings. He was thankful that each and every one of them had excitedly proffered his support.

  One of the event planners gestured for their attention, waving them to their seats. “Gentlemen, the program will be starting in about five minutes. Mr. Stallion, we need to get you to the presenters’ side of the stage. It will be easier for you to maneuver your wheelchair from there.”

  Nicholas nodded. “Thank you. If you can give me one minute, please.”

  The woman smiled. “Just let me know when you’re ready,” she said as she moved off to the side, giving instructions to the lighting guy and the woman responsible for the trophies.

  “Are you going to be okay?” Nathaniel asked his twin.

  Nicholas took a deep breath and nodded again. “I think so. I’m nervous, but I’d be worried if I wasn’t.”

  His brother extended his arm, and the two punched fists before Nathaniel turned, following behind the others.

  Senior let his sons and family move ahead, leaving him and Nicholas alone for a moment. He dropped a heavy hand on Nicholas’s broad shoulder, tapping him affectionately. “I’m very proud of you, Nicholas. You didn’t let your injury stop you from continuing to achieve your goals. And you haven’t allowed my baby girl to run all over you.”

  “No, sir. I’ve had to rethink what those goals will be, but your daughter has been my inspiration. I love Tarah. I know I come with some challenges, but I promise you, sir, I will do whatever it takes to make her happy.”

  “I have no worries, son. Tarah won’t let you do any less than that!” Senior said with a deep chuckle. “Congratulations! Now I need to get to my seat so I can hold my wife up when she finds out I knew something before she did!” He tapped Nicholas one more time before he headed off in the opposite direction.

  * * *

  Nicholas was grateful for the moment alone to collect his thoughts. He shifted in his wheelchair, adjusting his tuxedo jacket and ensuring his iron-creased slacks were straight. He wanted to make sure he was polished to perfection when Tarah laid her eyes on him for the first time.

  He closed his eyes, his hands clasped together as if in prayer as he reflected back on everything that had gotten him here. Pieces of a puzzle falling easily into place.

  Tarah had been excited to tell him about Kyle Barksdale, the former linebacker and sportscaster turned humanitarian journalist, who had been selected to host the prestigious medical event. She was a fan of the man’s writing and was looking forward to the opportunity to meet and talk with him. Nicholas hadn’t bothered to tell her that he and Kyle were old friends, both having roots in Salt Lake City. And that’s when the idea had come to him. He planned to use this moment to show Tarah and the world just how deep his level of commitment to her was.

  One phone call to his agent, another to Kyle who called the awards committee, and six degrees of separation later, Nicholas was the celebrity face who would be honoring the nation’s most promising neurosurgeon for her dedication and work in the field. He would also be asking the magnificent doctor to be his wife, to make their alliance official. He took a deep breath and then a second.

  His thoughts were interrupted as his friend Kyle appeared at his side, and he reached out to shake his hand, his arm no longer in a cast.

  “It’s good to see you,” Kyle said as he leaned down to give his old friend a hug.

  “It’s good to see you, too! It’s been a long time.”

  “Too long. We both need to do better.”

  Nicholas nodded. “I appreciate you reaching out after my accident. I didn’t do a very good job of showing my appreciation, but I had a lot going on.”

  “Hey, man, it’s all good! How are you doing now?”

  Nicholas grinned. “I’m still making that paper! I just signed a new endorsement deal with Tag Heuer, and I’m in negotiations with Gatorade. I’m also the new face of Fly High Dot Com!

  Kyle laughed. “I ran into your brother Noah. I hear you had an inside lead on that one!”

  Nicholas laughed with him. “I’m not going to lie. There was a little nepotism involved, but I had to beg hard to get the gig! Noah’s wife is a hard sell when it comes to her business.”

  “I met your girl,” Kyle said, changing the subject. “If I wasn’t already married, I might have to give you a little run for your money. Beautiful, intelligent and she likes my writing! You chose well!”

  Nicholas grinned. “Man, she picked me! I’m just one lucky son of a gun!”

  “Well, congratulations. I’m happy for you, bro!”

  “Thanks, man. I really appreciate that!”

  The event planner gestured for the two of them.

  “You ready to get this show on the road?” Kyle asked.

  Nicholas reached into the breast pocket of his jacket, his fingers brushing against the velvet ring box secured inside. “Yeah!” he said, his face beaming with joy. “I’ve been ready!”

  * * *

  Tarah was twisting her hands nervously in her lap. There was a ton of long-winded speeches, and she was ready to be finished and back home in her bed. She’d tried to reach Nicholas twice, wanting just to hear his voice. But her calls had gone right to voice mail, and she wasn’t sure what to make of his disinterest. She sighed, a gust of warm breath blowing past her glossed lips. She felt her mother trail a hand across her back, and she lifted her eyes to the matriarch. Both of her parents were beaming with pride.

  “Ohh! This is it!” Kamaya exclaimed.

  “We’re so proud of you!” Maitlyn chimed.

  Tarah turned her attention back to Kyle, who stood on stage at the podium.

  “Thank you, Dr. Raeford. And now for the event of the evening! I am honored to introduce our next guest, who will be presenting the Field Foundation Award to this year’s recipient. My esteemed colleague is renowned for his exploits on the football field. He was an All-American and a Heisman Award winner and was ranked one of the nation’s top-rated passers. We all cheered, and cried, as he took his current team to their last championship victory, which resulted in a traumatic injury that has left him confined to a wheelchair. But nothing is keeping this good man down. I learned while speaking with him recently that he owes his recovery to the skills and dedication of a neurological surgical team that included tonight’s award recipient. Please, put your hands together and help me welcome my friend, quarterback extraordinaire, Nicholas Stallion!”

  As Nicholas wheeled himself out onto the stage, Tarah felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise and curl. Heat flushed her face, and it took everything she had not to begin to bawl. Her family was clapping enthusiastically beside her, and everyone in the room was on their feet to celebrate him.

  He moved to Kyle’s side, and his buddy shook his hand, hugged him a second time and passed him the microphone. He took a step toward the back of the stage as Nicholas rolled himself in front of the wooden pedestal. There was a moment of pause as the applause continued, and then everyone retook their seats. Tarah sat at the edge of her chair, still trying to figure out what he was doing there and why she hadn’t suspected anything.

  “Thank you. Thank you very much,” Nicholas said as he gestured for everyone’s attention. His deep voice was commanding as it resonated over the sound system. “I am honored tonight to present this year’s Field Foundation Award.” Nicholas went on to explain the award’s history and the importance of it in the medical industry. He then read Tarah’s bio, extolling the accomplishments that had earned her the honor. And then he called her name. “It is my privilege to introduce you to this year’s award winner, Dr. Tarah Boudreaux!”

  Tarah’s legs felt like rubber as she stood up. Maneuvering her way up the short flight of
stairs to the stage, her whole body shook. Nicholas was grinning in her direction. The moment she reached his side and he grabbed her hand, her tears fell, clouding her view.

  Nicholas entwined his fingers between hers and pulled her hand to his lips, kissing the back of it. Tarah wrapped an arm around his neck as she leaned to press her mouth to his in a deep kiss. In that moment, she slid back into the familiarity and comfort of him, every ounce of anxiety dissipating. He gestured for her to take the microphone. When she did, reciting the acceptance speech she’d rehearsed in front of her bedroom mirror, she could see out of the corner of her eye that his chest was bursting with pride.

  After Tarah thanked all of her family, his family, her instructors and the doctors who’d nurtured and supported her, Kyle stepped forward, reclaiming the mic. She turned as if to exit the stage when the man stopped her in her tracks.

  “Dr. Boudreaux, I’m sorry, but before you go back to your table, we have one more presentation. If Dr. Boudreaux’s family would please join us on stage?”

  Tarah looked confused as her eyes flitted back and forth curiously. Nicholas was still staring at her intently when her people and his encircled the two of them. Kyle passed the microphone back to Nicholas, then eased out of the way.

  Tarah’s anxiety suddenly came back with a vengeance. She hugged her crystal trophy to her chest, clutching it so tightly that her fingers began to throb. She turned her gaze back to Nicholas, and the two locked eyes.

  His voice was like buttered cognac, smooth and easy, each word reverberating between the two of them. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he started, “if you’ll bear with me for a moment, I’d like to tell you a short story.

  “During this last championship game my life changed exponentially. It was losing the use of my legs that showed me what I was truly made of, and it demonstrated the power of our hearts and souls when there is love in our lives. This extraordinary woman and I were just beginning to know each other when my accident occurred. And whereas many women would have run from the situation, the woman I was in love with hunkered down for the long haul. There hasn’t been a day since then that Dr. Boudreaux hasn’t shown me her support and her love. As I arrived at the hospital, she told me that she had my back, and she wasn’t kidding. Now I need her to know that I have hers and that she will always be able to depend on me.”