Kiss at Your Own Risk (32 page)

Blaine fisted the papers and fought against the swell of emotion. Against an eternity of loneliness, isolation, and betrayal. He hugged Trinity tighter, needing to feel her body against his, to feel the love he knew he could believe in.

Across the lawn, Elijah caught his eye and waved at him. He gave Blaine a thumbs up and a fist pump, then spread his arms wide to indicate the spread of sculptures and all the people attending and then ended by pointing right at Trinity and her mom. “Thank you,” he shouted.

Blaine saw the pride and joy in the older man’s face, the intense passion for life, for his art, and for his family. A man who was willing to give it all up for a daughter he’d made a mistake with.

“Thank you, Mom, for sharing that with Blaine.” Trinity released Blaine and threw her arms around Olivia and hugged her. There was pure love between them. Total forgiveness for the mistakes of the past, and true love for who they were. Trinity had forgiven. And she had love.

The two women in his life opened the hug and held their arms out to him in a silent invitation.

Yeah, it was time.

Blaine shoved the papers in his pocket, and then he walked into their embrace.

He was home.

Thank you to my tireless and brilliant agent, Deidre Knight, for all her support and guidance. I appreciate you so much. Thank you also to my editor Deb Werksman, for her enthusiasm, guidance, and vision. Pierce Harman, for sharing his insight and passion on motorcycles. Officers Bob Paglia and David Webb of the Newton Police Department for their expertise on stun guns and tasers. Any mistakes are mine, and only mine. Thank you also to my family, without whom this book never would have been written.

Nationally bestselling author and four-time RITA® Award nominee
Stephanie Rowe
is the author of more than twenty books. She resides in New England with her family and a very large cat.