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“I had to see you. We couldn’t have this discussion over a text. And yeah, I loved Gramp’s ring, but I love you more. No regrets, no remorse, remember?”
My throat tightens. This guy will stop at nothing for me. I can hardly talk I’m so overwhelmed by emotion. After a beat, I finally say, “You once told me that you would never judge me. I hadn’t believed you at the time, but you stayed true to your word.”
“You’re my world, Cassie. I wasn’t about to let you go.” A shy smile crosses his lips. “It just took me a few days to realize I needed to act.” His voice drops, almost as if he’s afraid to ask. “You’re actually transferring to Cessna U?”
“Yes. It may delay my graduation date, but I put in the transfer request along with Nicole.”
“She’s going to transfer too?”
“I’m not sure if she’ll be accepted into the nursing program right away, but yes, she wants to transfer. I think she took a liking to Carter.”
“Aw, following her heart. I know a guy who did that once.” His mouth twitches.
“Yeah? How’d it turn out for him?”
“Not so well at first but pretty spectacular in the end. I think he’s a little gun shy. He’s worried that his true love’s transfer will be denied.”
“Ah, I see. Perhaps you can tell your guy that his love had been accepted into the program once, but she didn’t go when her mom got sick because she didn’t want to be that far away when things got worse.” I erase the distance between us and tip my head. His arms wrap around my waist and tug me closer. “I’m done being apart.”
“I can’t believe we’ll be together.”
“Are you sure you’re ready for me? I won’t crimp the big jock’s style?”
“Choir Girl, I can’t wait to show you off. But most of all, we can get started on that happily ever after.”
I can’t stop the grin capturing my face. Who knew a big ole softie lay underneath that broody, bad boy? I peer into those warm chocolate eyes and melt a little more.
“I love you, Dalton Boyd.”
“I love you, Cassie Greenberg.”
He draws me into a kiss, and I don’t hold back. I show him just how much I love him through every searing sweep of my tongue and nip of his bottom lip. The world fades to the background as I stake my claim on this man.
“You’re going to make the old ladies talk,” he murmurs. I can feel his grin against my mouth.
“Ah, screw them.”
“I’d rather screw you,” he says through a laugh.
I break away and tug his arm. He laughs some more as I practically drag him to the car—metaphorically speaking, of course. There is no way my small frame can overpower that beast of a man.
“Are we getting ice cream?”
“No, we’re going home. I like your plan better.”
And that’s what we do. Dalton isn’t leaving town without a proper goodbye.
Chapter Forty-Five
DALTON
“Areyou sure you’re ready for this?”
I nod at my friend Marty and pat the piece of paper in my back pocket. The one I can’t wait to show Dad. We grab the empty boxes out of his car and make our way into the house. This is the last time I plan on stepping foot in this house. Marty’s parents agreed to let me stay at their home and they’ll store what little belongings I have until after graduation.
“Let’s just get this over with.” I puff out a breath and make my way up the path. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner I can kiss this part of my life goodbye.
Marty says nothing as we pass through the dirty kitchen to get to my room. Once we reach my bedroom, I point to the desk. “Take whatever is in the drawers. The stuff on the shelves can stay.”
