Kiara was packing up when Dalton stepped into her office. “Hey, pretty lady. You ready to see your boyfriend kick some ass?”
After four long months of training, the big day had arrived. Kiara couldn’t wait for it to be over so they could move on with their lives without this fight hanging over their heads. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”
The fight was taking place at Madison Square Gardens, the same backdrop as Morin and Blaise’s last match. Kiara could only pray this one didn’t end with Blaise being rushed to the hospital on a stretcher.
“Sabrina said you have the tickets?” When Kiara nodded, he said, “She was pretty bummed she couldn’t come, but with her delivery date right around the corner, she didn’t feel comfortable flying. The doctors are telling her it could be any day now.”
Kiara smiled. “I don’t blame her. I wouldn’t fly in her condition either. Besides, the crowds and the excitement might be a bit much for her.”
“Dylan just called to let us know the jet is ready when we are.”
“Great.”
“You don’t sound too excited,” Dalton said.
She held her phone against her chest. “I’m scared out of my mind. What if something happens to him?”
Dalton narrowed his eyes. “I know you guys have gotten pretty close. You think this guy could be the one, honey?”
“I know he is.” She’d wanted to tell Blaise she’d had a change of heart ever since she flew to Richmond, but he hadn’t mentioned their future again. She was too afraid to bring it up in case he didn’t feel the same way anymore.
“So what’s the problem? Why do you look so sad?”
She couldn’t explain it. Everything was going great. Blaise was moving forward with his plans to open the youth center, Rowan was doing a great job managing the gym, and she was staying at Blaise’s house more often than her own. She loved every minute of the time they spent together, but it wasn’t enough. She was ready to take their relationship to the next level, and it killed her not knowing whether he felt the same way. Sinking back into her chair, she lowered her head to her hands. “I love him.”
“And that’s a bad thing?”
“No, but…” She sniffled, feeling like a fool as she reached for a tissue. “He asked me to marry him a few months ago, and I said no.”
“Oh wow, I had no idea.”
“The only person I told was Sabrina.” Kiara closed her eyes. “I was so afraid to take a chance. I knew Blaise was different. Why the hell didn’t I just trust my instincts and say yes?”
“It’s not too late. You could still say yes.”
She laughed, trying not to sound bitter. “I think the offer’s been withdrawn. He hasn’t brought it up even once since I turned him down.”
“So why don’t you bring it up?” Dalton grinned. “Who says the man has to be the one to do the asking, especially since he’s already asked and been shot down?”
Kiara had thought about her fairy-tale proposal a hundred times, and it certainly didn’t involve her being down on one knee. “Don’t be ridiculous. I can’t do that!” The idea was too humiliating to contemplate. Blaise would think she was pathetic, desperate… or maybe just crazy in love with him?
“You’re obviously unhappy with the way things are, and I know you’re not the kind of girl who just sits around and waits for things to happen. Why the hell don’t you ask him, or at least tell him you’ve had time to think about his proposal and you think you’re ready?”
“I don’t want him to feel pressured.” She bit her lip. “Maybe he hasn’t brought it up again because he realized he acted hastily. It could be—”
“He doesn’t want to get shot down again. I know if I were him and a girl turned down my marriage proposal, I wouldn’t be quick to ask again. It’s a matter of pride, Kiara.”
Maybe Dalton was right. Maybe it was up to her to make the next move. But did she have the courage? Dalton and Blaise had become pretty tight since Dalton started training at his gym with the rest of the High Rollers crew. Any insider information might help put her mind at ease. “Has he said anything to you about us?”
Dalton shrugged. “Just in passing. Nothing heavy.”
Well, that didn’t help. She talked to her girlfriends about Blaise all the time. That he’d been so tight-lipped about their relationship was disheartening.
“That doesn’t mean he doesn’t think about a future with you,” Dalton said as though he could read her mind. “You know how it is. Guys and girls are different when it comes to stuff like that.”
She had to assume that was true. Dalton had been seeing Sophie for months, and while Kiara considered him a close friend, he had yet to confide in her about his feelings for Brett’s sister.
“I’ll think about what you said,” she said, getting up. “Right now, I have to concentrate on getting through tonight without having a heart attack.”
Dalton laughed as she curled her hand around his bicep. “I ran into Rowan at the gym yesterday. He said he was heading to New York this morning to meet his parents.”
“Yeah, Blaise invited them to the fight.” Things between Blaise and his parents had improved dramatically in the past few months, and Kiara could hardly wait to meet them.
“Rowan mentioned Blaise flew out a few days ago. Why didn’t you go with him?”
“He didn’t ask me.” She pressed the button on the elevator so she wouldn’t have to look at Dalton. She didn’t know why Blaise hadn’t asked her to go with him. He’d just said he’d be busy with his team and would fall into bed exhausted every night.
“I’m sure he was just—”
“It’s okay,” Kiara said, smiling tightly. “You don’t have to make excuses for him. I’m fine with it.”
“Liar,” Dalton whispered as they stepped onto the elevator.
Kiara glared at him as she punched the button for the ground floor. “As long as we’re calling each other out, what’s going on with you and Sophie? Are you still seeing each other?”
He leaned against the wall, looking pensive. “Yeah, why? Have you heard something? Seen her with someone else?”
Oh, wow. And Kiara thought she had problems. “No, you just haven’t said much about her lately. I was wondering if things are okay.”
“I guess that depends on your definition of ‘okay.’” He made air quotes around the word. “If you asked her, she’d probably say it was. She’s getting exactly what she wants from the relationship: great sex and no commitment.”
Kiara’s jaw dropped. “Wait a minute, that’s the way she wants it? Those sound more like your ground rules.”
“Yeah, well, things change.” He stepped off the elevator before holding the door for Kiara.
“Ah, my friend,” Kiara said, slipping her hand around his arm again, “I can’t tell you how much I’m going to enjoy watching the fall of the great Dalton Mitchell.”
“Shut up, or I’ll have them flash your marriage proposal across the screen at the Gardens tonight.”
Kiara gasped, her eyes wide. “You wouldn’t dare!”
Tweaking her nose, Dalton grinned. “Don’t tempt me.”
***
The minutes before the fight were winding down, but Blaise wasn’t nervous. Anxious was more like it. He was ready for this fight. Win or lose, he wanted the match to happen. Knowing Kiara would be among the capacity crowd, with his family, only made him want it more. He wanted her to be proud of him. While he knew he didn’t have to prove anything to her, he wanted to show her he was the kind of man who fought for what he wanted. And he wanted her more than anything.
One of his trainers poked his head in the door. “Hey, Blaise, your parents and brother are outside. You mind if they come in?”
“Sure.” He was disappointed Kiara hadn’t come back to wish him luck before the fight, but at least he knew she was there. She’d texted him from the cab to let him know they’d landed and were on their way to the Gardens.
Blaise smiled at the sight of his family. They’d come further in the past few months than he thought possible, and finally having people in his life he could count on felt great. His parents had curbed their gambling habits, and his father had even started volunteering with Charlie at the youth center to fill his free time.
Rowan shook Blaise’s hand before pulling him into a back-slapping hug. “We won’t keep you. Just wanted to wish you luck.”
“Thanks.” Looking over his parents’ shoulders, he asked, “Marla’s not here with you?” She and Rowan had become close in the past few months, and while Blaise wasn’t convinced it was the right relationship for either of them, he was trying to be supportive.
“No, she thought it was best to steer clear. Just because Morin signed over his parental rights when he signed the divorce papers doesn’t mean he wouldn’t give her a hard time if he saw her here supporting you.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” Blaise hugged his parents. “You haven’t been to your seats yet, have you? You’re going to be sitting with Kiara and our friend Dalton. Rowan can introduce you.”
“I can’t wait to meet her.” His mother patted his cheek. “Based on everything you’ve told us about her, I have a feeling we could be welcoming her to the family very soon.”
“God willing,” Blaise muttered, looking toward the ceiling.
“You think I could have a minute alone with my boy?” his father asked. “I’ll meet y’all out there.”
“Sure.” Rowan patted his brother’s back before leading his mother to the door. Looking over his shoulder, he said to Blaise, “No matter what happens out there, I know you’ll make us proud tonight. Just getting back in there takes guts.”
“Thanks.” Blaise had always tried to be a good role model for his kid brother. It meant a lot to him to know that he could still make a positive impact on the people who mattered to him.
His father stuck his hands in the pockets of his baggy, faded jeans. “I know you’ve been through a lot of these, but, uh, since this is your last, and the first one I’ve been to, I just wanted to take a minute to tell you…” He shrugged. “Well, like your brother said, we’re proud of you. You’ve got a hell of a lot more courage than I ever had.”
“What do you mean?” Blaise asked, frowning.
“You fight when most men would run.” He dipped his head. “You stand up for yourself, look your opponent in the eye, and strike back.”
“You ever wish you’d done that?” Blaise said, throwing a towel over his shoulder as he propped one foot on the bench between them. “You ever wish you’d fought back instead of taking it?” They were finally talking about the abuse his father had endured as a child, and while the timing wasn’t ideal, Blaise was grateful his old man was finally opening up about what he’d been through.
“Sometimes it’s better to back down. When your opponent is bigger and stronger and you know you don’t stand a chance…”
When Blaise considered the fight between a boy and his father, he supposed that was true.
“I beat you down,” his father said softly, refusing to meet Blaise’s eyes. “Not the way my father beat me down, but I know it hurt just as much. I’m ashamed of the things I said and did. I’m just grateful you were strong enough to overcome them. I wasn’t.”
Blaise was overwhelmed. He’d never believed his father would accept blame for his mistakes. He clenched his teeth, trying to find the right words. He couldn’t dishonor himself by pretending it hadn’t happened or that it hadn’t hurt, but he saw no benefit to hanging on to past hurts when they could find love and forgiveness instead. “I know you did the best you could. You were wrong, but we all make mistakes. I’m sure as hell not perfect, so how can I expect you to be?”
“I don’t deserve your forgiveness.” His father swiped a hand over his face. “I wouldn’t be stupid enough to ask for it.”
“Forgiveness comes one day at a time.” Blaise had talked to Kiara’s father on the phone a few times since they’d met, and Dr. Wagner was helping him with a lot of buried pain. “It happens slowly, over time. Trust is built. Love starts to replace the hate, and before you know it, you’ve let go of the bitterness. I’m not there yet, but I’m definitely getting there.”
His father looked up, his eyes filled with tears. “That’s more than I’d hoped for. I couldn’t stand the thought of leaving this earth with my boys hating me. I’m so grateful to be getting this second chance with y’all, and I swear I won’t screw it up.”
Blaise smiled. For the first time, he felt proud of his old man. “Charlie says you’re doing a good job at the youth center. You’re making a real difference in the lives of those kids. You want to make up for the mistakes you made with me and Row? Just keep doing what you’re doing with them. It’s making your life better, and theirs.”
“Thanks,” his father said, offering his hand. “For everything.”
***
Blaise’s parents were nothing like Kiara had expected. They were sweet and humble, clearly happy just to be a part of their son’s big night. His mother grabbed Kiara’s forearm, jumping up and down like a little kid when they announced Blaise’s name. His father was shouting and pumping his fist like the other rabid fans. She’d never been to a boxing match before and was overwhelmed by the chaos and energy surrounding her. The venue was sold out. Everyone around her screamed for their favorite. Fortunately, most of the people surrounding them seemed to be cheering for her man.
Dalton gave her a sidelong glance before putting his arm around her. “Blaise has got this. Don’t worry.”
Don’t worry? Was he crazy? She wouldn’t be able to breathe until it was over. She watched the two men touch gloves in greeting, but there was no mistaking the hatred in their eyes. For Blaise, this was about payback. For Morin, it was about defending his title. Blaise had promised her if he won the title, he wouldn’t try to defend it. This was his last career match, no matter the outcome.
Kiara struggled to keep her eyes open as the men bobbed and weaved, dancing around each other. Each sized up his opponent, preparing to land their first blow. She feared Morin’s first blow may be Blaise’s last. She’d tortured herself by watching brutal knock-outs online and reading up on the dangers of multiple concussions and the possibility of brain damage with serious head injuries.
Turning into Dalton’s shoulder, she said, “I don’t know if I can watch this, Mitch. I thought I could, but—”
The crowd roared, prompting Kiara to look up. Morin was down, the ref was counting, and Kiara expelled the breath she’d been holding. “What happened?”
“Combination took him down,” Dalton explained, pumping his fist.
“A combination?” She’d also read up on the lingo, but her brain wasn’t processing his words. Her body was taut with anxiety as she tried to force herself to think positively for Blaise’s sake.
“Left jab, straight right, left hook.”
The crowd was going crazy and cheering as Morin stumbled to his feet before falling again. The ref continued counting.
“Oh God, he’s getting up.” Kiara knew it was naïve to think the fight could be over that quickly. Morin was the defending champ, which meant he could hold his own against any contender.
“Morin didn’t take this seriously,” Dalton said. “He was cocky, didn’t train the way he should have.”
“How do you know that?” Kiara asked, praying Dalton was right.
“Seen a few of his interviews. He went into this thinking Blaise was out of practice, that he was soft. He was crazy to underestimate him that way.”
Blaise had been training night and day for months. He’d complained to her that his trainers were holding back, sticking to body shots to avoid another head injury.
“It’s going to be okay, honey,” Blaise’s mother said, squeezing her hand. “Don’t worry.”
Kiara’s fear must have been written all over her face if his mother picked up on it. “Aren’t you scared for him?”
“Of course I am.” She smiled. “But he’s never had more to fight for. He’ll come out of this just fine, you wait and see.”
Kiara prayed they were right. Clasping her hands in front of her, she watched Morin hold Blaise to avoid being hit—a clinch, she thought they called it. He was clearly on the defensive, trying to prevent Blaise from landing another debilitating blow. But Blaise wouldn’t be held at bay. He landed another right cross, and Morin stumbled back against the ropes. Not giving him time to rest, Blaise caught Morin with a swinging punch that seemed to have all his weight behind it. Morin hit the mat while the referee started his count.
“Oh please,” Kiara whispered, “just let this be over.” She was glad she hadn’t met Blaise during his boxing days. She didn’t think she could have survived countless matches.
But Morin wasn’t ready to go down. He stumbled to his feet again, seeming to regain his equilibrium. He came at Blaise, landing a blow that snapped Blaise’s head back. Kiara covered her face with her hands. Did that blow have the kind of impact that would end this nightmare? She wanted Blaise to win, but not at the cost of his health or his life.
The hit seemed to light a fire in Blaise. He closed the gap between them, overwhelming Morin with a series of hooks and uppercuts, followed by a few kidney punches.
“He’s wearing Morin down,” Dalton said. “It won’t be much longer. I don’t think Morin has enough gas in the tank to come back from this.”
“I hope you’re right.” She’d heard of people achieving superhuman feats of strength when their back was against the wall. She hoped this wasn’t one of those instances.
“Yeah!” Dalton shouted. “A liver punch.” He leaned toward Kiara. “That’ll bring him to his knees, guaranteed.”
Apparently Dalton was right. Morin hit the ground, rolling to his stomach as the ref started counting. More than half the crowd joined in. Kiara counted with them when they got to seven. Finally, she heard the blessed word: ten. It was a knock-out. Blaise had won not only the match, but the heavyweight championship that had been stolen from him.
“Thank you, God,” she whispered, tilting her head back as tears leaked from her eyes. “Thank you for keeping him safe.”
Blaise’s mother put her arm around Kiara and squeezed her tight. “Head back to the dressing room, honey. I know you’re the first person he’ll want to see.”