Tell Me You Love Me (23 page)

“The car!” Sheldon exclaimed. Then he sprinted toward it.

She was dead.

Sheldon’s insides felt like they had been ripped out by a pair of cold, steel hands. He stood and watched, feeling empty yet full of rage and despair at the same time.

He had failed, just like he had failed to save his brother.

The cops and paramedics wouldn’t let him near her as they worked at cutting away her binds and removing the gag. Sheldon stood as close as he could, watching with a leaden heart. He wanted to hope, but he had seen Tyanna’s body as she was pulled from the trunk. It was limp. And with that huge gag stuffed in her mouth, it was completely plausible that she might have suffocated. Either that or suffered heatstroke.

His mind was plagued with all the things he could have done differently. If he hadn’t returned to Miami, none of this would be happening right now.

He wouldn’t have lost his house.

Tyanna…

Emotion threatened to overwhelm him, and Sheldon bit down hard on his bottom lip.

“We’ve got a pulse!” one of the paramedics shouted.

A pulse.
Sheldon’s heart jumped with hope.

There was a buzz of excitement. Sheldon edged closer, watching as the paramedics lifted Tyanna’s body onto a gurney, which they quickly pushed to the ambulance. An oxygen mask covered Tyanna’s face, and though she was still unconscious, it seemed as though she was making small movements.

Thank you, God.

“I want to ride with her,” Sheldon announced.

“Who are you?” one of them asked.

“Her fiancé,” he replied.

The man gave him a nod, and Sheldon climbed aboard. He gave a fleeting thought to the fate of his car. It might be towed by the time he came back for it, but he didn’t care. Tyanna was his first priority.

He settled himself beside her and took her hand in his. “I love you, Tyanna. Don’t leave me. Not yet.’’

I love you, Tyanna.

The words penetrated her psyche, illuminating a light of hope in the dark corners of her mind.

I love you….

It was Sheldon’s voice.

Where was she?

Tyanna struggled to open her eyes, but couldn’t. Instinctively, she knew that she wasn’t in that horrible, dark place anymore.

“Don’t leave me, Tyanna. You hear? I need you in my life. Even if I’ve been a moron by not making that clear to you.’’

Tyanna tried to respond, but it was such a struggle.

“It’s okay. You just lie back. I’m here with you. And I’m not going anywhere.”

She felt warmth surrounding her hand. Sheldon was touching her. Squeezing her. Her heart filled with warmth.

“It’s all over now. Leona’s going to jail. Tony’s dead. He won’t hurt you again. No one will hurt you.’’

The words were like a jolt of energy, giving her strength. Tyanna put every effort into squeezing Sheldon’s hand in return.

“Tyanna?” She heard the excitement in his voice. “Tyanna, can you hear me?’’

She squeezed his hand again.

Laughter. Sheldon’s laughter. Whatever she was doing was working.

She felt his lips brush her hand. “I love you, Tyanna. Did you hear me? I love you.’’

It took her greatest effort, but she finally opened her eyes. After a moment of blurriness, her gaze focused on Sheldon’s face.

“I heard you,” she said, her voice hoarse but audible. “Finally.”

Sheldon rewarded her with a huge grin. Then he leaned over her and gave her a soft kiss on her lips.

“I love you, Tyanna. I always have. Always will.’’

Two weeks later, Tyanna had put the frightening event of the kidnapping behind her. The doctors had awarded her with a clean bill of health after one day in the hospital, and she had been elated to go home.

With Sheldon.

He was now living with her. The two had fallen into cohabitation quite easily. She didn’t wake up and wish he wasn’t in her bed, she didn’t secretly wish he’d leave after a few hours.

It just felt right.

Any objections her parents had over their renewed relationship had quickly fizzled when they learned of all Sheldon had done to save her life. Quite frankly, they knew that had it not been for Sheldon, Tyanna might not be with them any longer.

“You ready?” Sheldon asked.

Tyanna zipped up her suitcase. “Yes,” she replied. “But I wish I knew where you were taking me.’’

“If you knew, it wouldn’t be a surprise.”

“Surprises are overrated.”

Sheldon sat on the bed and frowned at her. “Would you rather not go?’’

Tyanna glared at him playfully. “Not on your life.’’

They had already spent a couple peaceful days in Naples, which had been wonderful both for rest and relaxation, and for some intimate moments together. Since the attack on her life, things between them had been completely different. For one, Sheldon constantly told her that he loved her. He openly shared his feelings with her. And while they still spent passionate times together at home, they did a lot of things outside of the home. Like walks on the beach in the morning, or trips to Gameworks to play video games. It was fun for Tyanna to watch Sheldon be toally carefree as he got excited over various games. He was finally putting his brother’s death behind him and moving on. Of course, he would never forget Dwight, but at least now there was some real closure. His mother was still in New York, having decided not to return to teaching this year in lieu of continuing to take it easy. Thankfully, she was doing well.

“All I want to know,” Tyanna began, “is why we’re leaving from my parents’ place to go wherever you’re taking me. Why not leave in the morning?’’

Sheldon got to his feet. “Because.”

Groaning, Tyanna lifted her suitcase from the bed. “Fine.’’

Sheldon chuckled softly. “We’d better get going. Everyone’s no doubt waiting for us.” He gestured to her large suitcase. “I told you we were only going away for three days. I don’t know why you need all this stuff.’’

“Considering I don’t know
where
we’re going, I have to be prepared.”

“At least your family can’t blame me for us being late.’’

This evening, Sheldon, Tyanna, her sisters, Wendy and Phil were gathering at her parents’ place for a celebratory dinner. Not only did they have Tyanna’s life to celebrate, but they also had Tyanna and Wendy’s video venture. Phil had convinced them to let him market the video under their new label, The Soul Sisters Workout Series. Tyanna couldn’t be more excited.

“All right,” Sheldon said. “Let’s go.’’

Sheldon brought the larger suitcase downstairs, while Tyanna carried the smaller one. They placed the luggage into the Explorer, then made their way north to Fort Lauderdale.

At her parents’ house, Tyanna’s mother opened the door. She greeted them both with a warm smile. “Tyanna. Sheldon. Come in.’’

When they both stepped into the foyer, Roberta hugged them each in turn.

“Sorry we’re late,” Sheldon said. “But you know your daughter.”

Roberta laughed. “Oh yes. I certainly do.’’

“Is everyone here?” Tyanna asked.

“Yep,” her mother replied. “They’re all out back.’’

Tyanna and Sheldon followed Roberta to the backyard. Everyone greeted each other with a hug.

“Your ribs smell divine, Daddy,” Tyanna said as she sat at the table.

“You know I never disappoint,” Byron told her.

Tyanna smiled at Wendy and Phil. They sat opposite her, Wendy resting her head on Phil’s shoulder. Seeing them happy and cozy brought warmth to her heart. Finally, all their lives seemed to be on the right track.

“Now that everyone’s here,” Charlene began, “shall I pour us all some wine?’’

Lecia held up he glass. “Please.”

Charlene made her way around the table, filling everyone’s glass with red wine. Tyanna looked over her shoulder at Sheldon, who was standing with her father. The two were chatting about something. It was a sight she wouldn’t have seen a year earlier, and her eyes suddenly watered. She was thrilled to know that her family was finally accepting Sheldon.

“Byron, Sheldon.” Roberta rose from her seat and beckoned them to the table. “Come on over here. I’d like to make a toast.’’

Byron and Sheldon made their way to their seats and everyone turned their attention to Roberta. Her face lit up with a graceful smile as she looked at Tyanna and Sheldon, then at Wendy and Phil. “I would like to make a toast to new
ventures. I am absolutely certain that your video will be a hit. But I’d also like to toast another type of venture—one more precious. Love.’’

Everyone raised their glass. “To love.’’

“I love you,” Sheldon told Tyanna after everyone had drunk to the toast.

“My, you just can’t seem to stop saying that now.’’

“I know what I had, and I know what I almost lost. I’m gonna say it until you’re sick of hearing it.’’

Tyanna had waiting long enough to hear Sheldon tell her those three little words that meant so much. “Oh, I’ll never be sick of hearing it.’’

Sheldon brushed his lips over hers. “I didn’t think so. I love you.’’

“Oh, baby. I love you, too.’’

Pushing back his chair, Sheldon stood. Tyanna looked up at him, surprised. He said, “Excuse me, everyone. Since we’re toasting love, I’d like to say something.” He reached into a pocket on his slacks. “Actually, there’s something I’d like to do.’’

As Sheldon got down onto one knee, Tyanna felt light-headed. She knew what he had to be doing, but she could hardly believe it.

Sheldon produced a stunning diamond ring. It wasn’t in a box, which was how he had been able to hide it from her. “Tyanna, you know how much you mean to me. With you, my life is finally complete. And I want…” He paused, took her hand. “I want to be with you forever. So, will you—’’

“Yes!” Tyanna shouted and threw herself into Sheldon’s arms.

A cheer erupted around them, followed by applause. Tyanna kissed Sheldon, not wanting to let him go. This moment was perfect. And so much more special because she was surrounded by her family and dearest friends.

Sheldon pulled back and slipped the ring onto her finger. Tyanna splayed her fingers, staring in awe at the beautiful ring. “Oh, sweetheart. I love it.’’

“We’re going to have a great life together.”

As Tyanna returned to her seat, she saw Wendy wipe her eyes. All her family was grinning.

“Congratulations, sweetheart,” Roberta said.

“Thank you, Mommy.’’

Michelle, in her highchair, started to fuss. Charlene pushed her chair back, but Tyanna said, “No. Let me.’’

Tyanna wiped at her own tears as she walked the few steps to Michelle’s highchair. She lifted her niece into her arms. “Hey, sweetie. What’s the matter? You feeling left out?” Michelle flashed a wide grin. “There you go. All you wanted was to be held, hmm?’’

“Newly engaged,” Lecia began, “but looks like she’s ready to be a mom.’’

Tyanna whipped her head in Lecia’s direction. “Uh, I don’t think so.” She took her seat beside Sheldon, still holding Michelle. “I mean, one day, yes. But let me plan the wedding first.’’

Michelle laughed, as though she knew otherwise.

“She really is adorable,” Sheldon pointed out.

“Absolutely,” Tyanna replied, as if that was a given. “She’s got Calhoun blood flowing in her, doesn’t she?’’

“We’ll make beautiful babies,” Sheldon said softly. “We both know that life is short. Maybe we shouldn’t wait.’’

“Da!” Michelle exclaimed, startling everyone.

“She heard you,” Charlene said. “Quite clearly, she approves.”

“Is that so?” Sheldon asked, taking Michelle’s small hand in his. “You want a little cousin?’’

“Da!” Michelle said again, this time slapping the table’s edge as if to emphasize her point.

Then everybody laughed.

Kayla Perrin is originally from Toronto, Canada. She attended the University of Toronto where she obtained a B.A. in English and Sociology. Deciding that she wanted to be a teacher, she later attended York University and obtained a B.Ed.

Kayla fell in love with drama and performed in many stage plays as well as in television and film productions. She has also worked as an assistant film editor. But Kayla is most happy when writing. Since the publication of her first romance in 1998, she has sold thirteen more novels, including a children’s story, The
Disappearance of Allison Jones
. She recently received an award from Romance Writers of America. Her novel
Sweet Honesty
was voted as one of the Top Ten Favorite Books of 1999 and is the first African-American romance to make this list. Likewise, Kayla’s debut book was the first African-American romance to make the Top Ten on Ingram’s Most Requested Romances list. Kayla is also the author of the
Essence
bestseller
Sisters of Theta Phi Kappa.

Tell Me You Love Me
is her third HarperTorch title.

Visit her website at www.kaylaperrin.com. E-mail her at [email protected].

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