Nolan shook his head. He raised his hands to surrender. “Whoa. Have a nice life. As for me, I’ll happily take first place. I’m going to the top.”

“That’s going to be little tough since you didn’t even place in the street races.” It was the race I would’ve gone to, but didn’t for Alex. It was one of those crossroads situations. Had I gone instead, would I have ended up in the hospital? Maybe I would have been injured at the race. Who knew? But that was life. This was my chosen path.

Nolan let out a defeated laugh, and then walked away. He knew I was right. He’d never have what it takes to become a professional.

I sat back down and looked at Alex. Her face was slightly red. Was she embarrassed by my actions? After watching the way she blinked, then closed her eyes completely, I realized something was off. Seeing how she hardly touched her lunch, too, I became worried.

“Alex, you okay?”

“She looks sick,” Seth commented.

“Maybe we should take her home,” Lexy added.

“I don’t feel so good,” Alex mumbled, placing her elbow on the table while her hand supported her head. Her eyes were closing again. She looked so drained. When I touched her forehead, it was scorching hot.

Chapter 42

Alexandria

Lexy and Seth helped me get into Elijah’s bed. Not wanting Elijah to get sick, I had asked them to take me to the other bedroom, but Elijah refused. It had been a while since I had been sick like this. It was probably from all the stress of Elijah being in the hospital and trying my best to take care of him after he came back home. I guess it finally all caught up to me.

“I’ll take good care of you, Baby. Don’t you worry about a thing,” Elijah said sweetly, caressing my hair. He sat on the bed. “You’ve been through a lot. Taking care of me wore you down. Now it’s my turn.”

My eyelids were so heavy and every part of my body ached, as if I had been beaten. Though it was difficult to move, I turned my body to snuggle into his warmth.

“I know you don’t feel like eating, but I’m going to make some fresh chicken soup. Lexy and Seth went to the store for me. They’ll be back with some medication to help you feel better.”

“That so sweet,” I sighed and shivered. “You have wonderful friends.”

“I sure do, but they’re your friends, too.”

“I know.” I paused. “Elijah.”

“Yes.” He placed his cool hand over my forehead. It felt so good, but it made me shiver again.

“When you’re feeling better and your cast is off, will you come somewhere with me?”

“I would go to hell and back if you asked me.” Elijah tenderly stroked my cheek with a loving smile.

“You would?”

“Anywhere, Freckles, as long as we’re together. Where would you like to go?”

“Somewhere I should have gone a long time ago, but I was too nervous.”

“Ahhh,” he said softly. “I think I know where. I would be honored to go with you.”

“Thank you.”

Elijah planted a long kiss on my forehead, my eyes, my nose, my cheek, and then my lips. “They’re here. It’s time for this Limpy to cook. I’ll be back soon.”

“Thank you.” I wasn’t sure if that was what I said. Exhaustion took over and I fell into darkness.

Two months later

Alexandria

The sun managed to peek through the dark clouds. It poured this morning, but the rain died down quickly. Though the leather jacket kept me warm, feeling the cool breeze against my face reminded me that it was still early spring.

“This is my first time here since we buried him,” I explained to Elijah. He squeezed my hand, letting me know he was here for me. “I didn’t want to come back here. I thought it would hurt too much, but I think I’m going to be okay.”

“Talk to him. It will help. You want me to leave you alone for a bit?”

“No,” I pulled him next to me. “I want you to stay.”

With a nod from Elijah, I looked at my dad’s headstone. I hadn’t said a word and tears already started to flow. All I could do was stand there.

“I’ll start first,” Elijah said, surprising me. I gazed at him wondering if he was joking, but he wasn’t. “Hello, Mr. Weis. My name is Elijah Cooper. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I want you to know that Alex is in great hands. I love your daughter with all of me and there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for her. I’m going to show you time and time again so you can rest in peace.”

Elijah’s words made me tear up even more. Taking out Kleenex from my purse, I blew my nose and wiped my eyes.

“Your turn, Freckles. I promise it gets easier. The first time is the hardest.”

“Okay.” I took a deep breath. “Hello, Dad. I’m in college now, but you already knew that.” I paused, wondering what I should say next. “Umm…I want to thank you for listening to my prayer. I would have given up anything for Elijah, so thank you for that. Mom and I are closer now. We got our misunderstandings out of the way. We’re actually going to get together with her and William this weekend. Not that you needed to hear that.”

“Anyway, I want to tell you that I miss you.” My lips quivered as I let out more tears. “I wish you were here with me.” I took a moment to pause while Elijah held me in his arms. When I composed myself again, I continued. “Hey Dad, I found him. I found the one who loves me with all of him. The one who loves me for my goodness and my faults. I didn’t understand what you were saying back then, but I do now. Now—” My lips trembled as the words I wanted to say were very clear in my mind. “I can let you go now. I found the one you said would one day replace you. You’ll always be in my heart. Oh, and on my ankle. I got a tattoo in honor of you.” I snorted at the thought that my dad actually would have flipped if he saw me with one.