Of Loss & Betrayal (Madison & Logan 2)

The fact that she was trying to escape culpability pissed me off. “She’s not insane. She knew exactly what she was doing. Twice! And I can’t believe a plea deal would even be considered. What is she going to get, a slap on the wrist?”

“She’s definitely going to get some time, either in jail or a psychiatric hospital. I know it’s not the best case scenario, but there’s not much we can do besides stay informed of the proceedings, and participate if there’s a trial.”

“Let’s not talk about it anymore,” I said with a grimace. “It’s just going to make me upset.”

My cell phone rang and I swallowed when I saw that it was Mr. Brooks calling. I hadn’t heard from him since leaving Laurenston after Mrs. Brooks was committed, although I had left him a couple of voicemails.

“Hello?” I said cautiously.

“Madison, it’s Cassie’s father.”

“Hi, Mr. Brooks,” I said tentatively. “It’s good to hear from you.”

“I’m sorry I haven’t gotten back to you sooner.” He sounded tired. “Between visiting Judith and work, I haven’t had much down time.”

“It’s okay,” I reassured him. “I know this must be a really hard time for you. How’s Mrs. Brooks?”

“Not so well,” he said grimly. “She seems to have sunk deeper into her delusions. She’s starting to regress back to when we were younger. She sometimes recognizes me as her boyfriend, not her husband.”

My heart sank. “I’m so sorry to hear that. Is there anything I can do?”

Mr. Brooks sighed. “I appreciate it, but not really. I’m hopeful that the doctors here can help her. Thankfully, they seem to be focused on trying to treat her illness rather than just medicating her into a vegetable, which I would never allow. I want her back home as soon as possible, but only when she’s healthy. I would do anything to be able to stay in the hospital with her but she’s not allowed overnight guests.”

I could hear the love and pain in his voice. Despite all the heartache and despair Mrs. Brooks had been through, she had one shining example of why her life was worth living: her husband. He would do anything to help her, even if his previous efforts had been misguided. He had entertained her delusions about Cassie still being alive because he hadn’t wanted to hurt her. It made me realize how much easier it was to face the trials of life with a partner you could depend on to be by your side, no matter what. That’s what Logan had offered me last night and I had refused.

Suddenly, my reasons for refusing his proposal seemed trivial. I might never know what his involvement with Kristina had been before the accident, but I couldn’t let that stop me from living my life. What if Logan never regained his memory? I was just wasting time, and if I had learned anything through this whole ordeal, it was that time was precious.

Mr. Brooks and I talked for a few more minutes and he promised to contact me if Mrs. Brooks’ condition changed before we hung up.

“Any news?” Logan asked.

“Not really. Mrs. Brooks doesn’t seem to be any better.” I paused, my hands fidgeting together on my lap. I took a deep breath before speaking again. “If your offer still stands from last night, my answer is yes. I would love to marry you.”

Instead of answering, Logan stood up and walked over to me, pulling me out of my chair. I opened my mouth to ask him what he was doing, but before I could say anything, he leaned down and kissed me. This kiss was gentle and sweet, and full of aching emotion. When our lips parted, his gaze was tender.

“Of course my offer still stands.” He lifted his hand to stroke my cheek. “What made you change your mind?”

“Talking to Mr. Brooks made me realize that there are no guarantees in life. There’s no guarantee on how much time you’re going to be given, and to waste any of it is foolish. I want to move forward with my life and be happy, and that means being with you.” I swallowed, the next words sounding foreign. “It means being your wife, regardless of what our future holds. I just know that it won’t be worth living without you.”

Logan’s eyes were full of emotion as he reached into his pocket and pulled out the ring box. “I’ve been carrying this around all day. I kept telling myself to be patient, that you needed time. But what I wanted to do was come home today and demand that you put on this ring.” He smiled ruefully. “Maybe not the most romantic gesture, but I need to bind you to me. I need to know that you’re mine and I’ll do anything to keep you safe”

He opened the box and took out the ring, reaching for my hand. I gave him my left hand, holding my breath as he slipped it on. I held my hand out in front of me, admiring the brilliant shimmer of the diamonds.

“It’s so beautiful,” I whispered, smiling up at him, my eyes welling with tears. I couldn’t believe this was actually happening. My dreams were coming true.

“You’re beautiful, Mrs. Delaney,” he said in a low voice.

I laughed through my tears. “We just got engaged. We’re not married yet.”

“I’m thinking a short engagement is a good idea. Think we can get a wedding together in a couple of months?”

“A couple of months!” I exclaimed. “Most people take a whole year to plan a wedding.”

Logan frowned. “I’m not waiting a year. Three months max.”

“Three months? That’s not enough time,” I protested vehemently. Before I could say anything more, Logan scooped me up and carried me into the bedroom.

“We’ll talk about the logistics later. It’s time to celebrate our engagement.”