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“I like it too.” Except I won’t be Deeana Peters back in Chicago. I’ll still be Deeana Chase. From secret girlfriend to secret wife.
Mick smiles at me, making my chest hurt. I struggle not to let my thoughts deflate the amazing high. We both value our privacy. Hiding is a practical solution. It doesn’t make our marriage any less real. Or our love, any less valid. We exchanged vows in front of the people we care about the most. That’s all that counts.
But I turn to stare out the window before Mick can read anything other than joy on my face.
ChapterThirty-One
Micah
“We’re back on schedule,” Nadiaconfirms after a snow storm had shut down construction for a week. “We added a buffer for the winter build.”
I look over the plans. Through Jordyn’s design, in a matter of months, my vision will be brought to life. A campus-style community that is integrated with educators, counselors, and protective services to provide transitional and long-term support to homeless youth.
“I’m pleased with the work you’re doing,” I tell her.
“Thank you. The framing is underway and should be completed in six weeks. We can go out to the site then and see the progress.”
“I’d like that.” Standing, I shake the project director’s hand. “Text me some dates.”
“Will do.” She walks me to the door. “By the way, thanks for the referral. We just got the RFP.”
“I give recognition where it’s due.”
“Well, I appreciate that. I read about you donating the property to your hometown.”
“I’m glad I could do it. The place was once a farm and outdoor play area with massive snow hills.” I remember fondly.
“Worked out that your father decided to retire and sell it.”
My spine stiffens. The sudden retirement of Sheriff Peters from his long-held post had shocked the residents of Springvale, except for Mama T, who knew why Malcolm had taken the deal and split. An arrangement that had cost me five million dollars and my silence. This time, my choice, my terms. An imperfect justice. But I can live with it to have him far gone and out of our lives.
Keeping a smile plastered on my face, I respond to Nadia with a whitewashed truth. “The timing was opportune for it to all come full circle and be a place that kids can once again enjoy.”
“It’s a great project. I’d be thrilled to work on another of your endeavors.”
“I’m hands off on this one,” I tell her. “It’s strictly a donation. But I do hope the city council’s decision goes in your favor.”
Smiling, she raises crossed fingers.
I leave for my next appointment, a start-up gaming firm in the virtual reality space. I spend two hours with a group of young guys looking for venture capital money. I like their energy and drive. I’m not a gaming aficionado. But their prospectus was impressive and Dwayde was psyched about the new technology they’re using.
I hadn’t known where life would take me after basketball. Starting up Papa’s Kids was to honor Cayo. I hadn’t expected it to become such an important part of me. Now I’m a philanthropist, aspiring writer, and businessman. A husband.
The wallpaper behind my lock screen is a picture of Dee. It was hours before we left the island. She’s sitting in bed, surrounded by netting. Her skin is sun-kissed. Her white nightie, vapor-thin like smoke. The silk is held up by two teeny straps. Her breasts are a lush valley of cleavage, her hair is wild and messy. She’s looking at me with that unguarded smile I adore. It was all I could do to not dive back in bed with her. Instead, I’d grabbed my phone, compelled to capture her at that moment.
No one would know that we’d just made love. No one, other than a handful of those close to us, would know that she’s mine. That she’s my wife.
The rush of guilt feels like a punch to the gut every time.
With my meetings over for the day, I take my wedding band out of my jacket pocket and put it back on my finger.
The following Friday, I pullinto the carport and exit my Porsche. Remnants of the March snowstorm still cling stubbornly to lawns and bare trees. After an unseasonably warm fall, winter seems to be lingering until the bitter end. Hunching my shoulders against the nip of cold air, I make the short jaunt to the house. Dusk has fallen and lights shine through the windows, welcoming me home.
“Hi, beauty,” I call out, sliding off my cap and hanging it on the rack with my coat.
“Hey.” Dee greets me with a warm smile and warmer kiss.
She’d gone to an exercise class after work. Curls spill from her ponytail and she’s wearing a yoga jacket and leggings that mold to her curves. Gone are the baggy T-shirts she used to wear to the gym.
