Katie In Denver (In Denver Series Book 3) (15 page)

I make my way back to the living room, and MJ is laid out on the loveseat.  I make my way to the sofa and lie down. I wait for the movie to start and smile—he picked a good one. 

“A Love Story” finishes, and he sits up.

“I want to talk to my dad. Right now,” he says, walking to the phone. 

I look at the clock. “MJ, it’s almost one in the morning. You can’t just call someone this late.”

“No, Mom, I need to talk to him right now. Please, I’m not sure why. It’s urgent.” 

I stand up. “OK, let me call him.” I haven’t spoken to Michael since therapy. I make my way to the phone and wait. I hope he answers.

“Hello?” he answers in a sleepy voice.

“Michael, it’s Katie.”

“Is everything ok? Is MJ ok?” 

“Yes, he wants to talk to you, can you please talk to him?” I hand the phone to MJ.  

“Ok. I will. Ok. I love you too, Dad,” I hear MJ say. “He is coming to get me. I’m going to spend the night over there, is that ok?”

“MJ, you don’t have to ask me stay with your dad. Let me help you pack.”

Michael doesn’t come to the door when he gets here, he just texts me to have MJ come out. 

Tomorrow is Saturday and Michael and I will be meeting at Dr. Franklin’s home office. I head to bed and am restless until I finally am too tired to keep my eyes open.

Chapter 20

MJ Blackwell

I know I shouldn’t say this, but both of my parents are dumbasses. I set up my parent trap, and it was working, but leave it to the two dummies to mess it up. I had almost given up hope as I watched my plan crumble from the sidelines. I’ve missed my dad the last couple weeks, but my mom will always have my loyalty. I’m glad they are working toward a relationship, but at this rate I will be eighteen by the time they get together. After movie night tonight I know exactly what I need to do.

“Dad,” I say once we are back at his place. “What are you doing to win Mom back? Sending her old movies isn’t really going to help.” 

“I have a plan, and I’m working it out,” he says, and he makes his way to his bedroom.

“Listen. You need to have them show the movies in the park like when you were teenagers.”

I see the shock on my father’s face. “That is a great idea.” 

I smile and think to myself,
Of course it’s a great idea. Duhhhh.

Chapter 21

Katie

The look on my face must have been priceless. I see the boyish smile expand across Michael’s face. 

“Katie Blackwell, I would like to take you on a date. However, we need to find a suitable chaperone.”

“We need a chaperone?” I ask, trying to hide my smile. I look to Dr. Franklin, who gives me a wink. 

“Yes, I have asked your father for permission to court you, and now I’m telling you at the end of our courtship I hope you will agree to be my wife. There are five steps to building a solid foundation, and I have completed three. I have asked your father for permission, I have shown you my intentions and feelings through actions, and I have purchased your ring.  So, now I ask for you to have some chaperoned dates and let’s get to know each other again.”

“Yes, Michael, I would love to go on a date with you.”

“Can I please have Percy’s number so I can ask her to chaperone?”

“I can ask, Michael,” I say looking at Dr. Franklin, but she shakes her head no.

“No, Katie, I’m courting you, and it’s my job to take care of the arrangements.”

“Okay.” I text him Percy’s number, and we finish our therapy session. Michael is excused, and it’s just Dr. Franklin and me.

“What the hell is all that about?” I ask. 

“Katie, you and Michael started your relationship young when your body was going through all kinds of crazy hormones. You started a potential relationship before you were ready, and then you were left to handle the consequences. Do you remember what you felt like back then?”

I nod my head. “I felt overwhelmed and helpless and most of all I felt scared.”

“Exactly, then you two reconcile and fall right back into the same pattern. You started another sexual relationship before you guys even addressed the issues of the first one. Courting gives you guys guidelines to follow. I’m pretty sure Michael is amazing in the sack, and that’s why you keep falling all over the place with your legs open, but do you want a roll in the hay or a lasting relationship? We accept the love we think we deserve. What do you deserve, Katie? Do you deserve to be some piece of ass or do you deserve to be cherished and loved.” 

I let the words sink in. “I do deserve to be cherished and loved, and I should have waited for marriage the first time. I let my hormones and peer pressure change what I always believed.”

“Well, here is your chance to make things right. I’m like a fairy godmother; you get a do over so don’t waste it. Let Michael be the man, let him show you he values you. You’re a strong woman, Katie. Letting Michael set the pace doesn’t make you weak, it shows that you trust him and value his opinion as a partner. I gave Michael a list of rules to follow, and I’m going to write your list down. It’s simple.”

KEEP YOUR LEGS CLOSED

“Anytime Michael gives you that Kerrigan sexy smirk or that look that I’m sure makes your panties burst into flames, remember your rule. He can have it again on your wedding night not before.”

“I understand, and I’m going to follow the rules.”

“OK, now on to other things. I have spoken with Ian about your recovery. I know your arm is doing much better than your leg. I know he is pushing you, but I want you to know that you getting better is as much mental and physical. I want you to set realistic goals for yourself. I want you to surround yourself with people who will push you, not baby you and I want you to find a running coach.”

“I can’t run yet,” I remind her. “I can’t lift my leg all the time,” I say, looking at the cane on the side of the sofa.

“A running coach will start you on a walking program. I have spoken to Ian about it, and he feels it will help your morale to meet both small and large goals. If I had to ask you what your biggest goal would be, what do you think it is?”

I know what it is, but am too embarrassed to voice it out loud.

I close my eyes. “I want to marry Michael and walk down the aisle without a cane and without limping.”

“Awesome goal and completely achievable. Do everything you can to work on that goal.”

I still am not able to drive so I’m grateful to Percy for playing my personal chauffeur. She has been trying to get me to drive, but I’m still a little scared.

After therapy, we head toward town. I want to spend the day with her since MJ has informed me he is working on an important project with his Grandma Elena. I wanted to pick up a few things for gift baskets to say thank you to the substitute that has taken over my class and the principal for being so understanding. On the Res, community is everything, and when I was hurt everyone went out of their way to help me in any way they could. Percy and I decide on lunch and a pedicure. I usually don’t spend money on things for myself, but Percy has told me my feet look like they got mangled in machinery.  

Suddenly, I’m filled with a sense of dread. I feel like I’m being watched, but when I look around, I don’t see anyone standing out. Percy and I continue shopping and then head out for lunch. Percy should be heading toward the Res, but she is going in the opposite direction.

“Where are we going?” I ask 

“Just sit tight. Jesus, girl, learn to relax a bit.” She pulls into the Mercedes dealership. When she parks, she looks at me. 

“I’m not enabling you anymore, Katie. You need to drive; you can’t let the fear cripple you.”

I feel the tears welling up in my eyes. It’s not just the fear of driving, it’s the fear of dying, of leaving my family behind.

“Percy, it’s not that simple.” I try to explain.

“Get out of the car,” she says with no softness in her voice. “Michael ordered you a new car. It’s paid for. I was told to bring you here to pick it up. I’m giving you some tough love. You can call someone else to come get you, but I’m leaving you at this dealership.”

“Percy, please don’t do this,” I beg. I can feel the panic starting to take hold

“Katie—“ she closes her eyes and breathes out “—you’re the strongest person I have ever known. You can do this; I will even follow you home. I will be right behind you so if it becomes too much you can pull over, and we will have your dad come get the car. OK?” she asks. 

“Can you leave your car here and ride with me? Please, Percy.”

“Yeah I can do that. Let’s see what ridiculous car Michael has bought you.”

“I’m not really ok with him buying me a car.”

“Hey, he’s got it. You didn’t ask for this. He is doing this because he loves you and wants you in something safe, and he wants his son in something safe. Don’t accept it for you, accept it for MJ.

I walk into the showroom and walk to the reception desk. 

“Hello,” the friendly lady greets me. 

“I’m here to pick up a vehicle,” I say as I see Percy off to the side rubbing her hands all over a new convertible.

“Your name please?” she asks politely.

“Katherine Blackwell.”

“Of course. Let me get the owner so he can have you sign the delivery paperwork.” I don’t even have time to walk over to Percy before I see a man coming out of an office. 

“Hello, Miss Blackwell. Can I just have your license? If you will just fill out this one sheet and sign this, I will have the truck brought around, and the title should be sent to you in less than thirty days.”

I fill out the form and sign the bottom. I’m handed back my license and walk over to Percy. 

“That was really simple,” I say 

“Well, your baby daddy is part of a billion dollar family, not to mention I’m sure he isn’t hurting for money of his own. Everything in life is easier when you have money.”

“Don’t call him my baby daddy. It sounds horrible,” I say with a scowl on my face. 

She shrugs her shoulders. “It is what is it is, sweet cheeks.” 

I think back to what Dr. Franklin said, and I realized I don’t want to be Michael’s baby momma, I want to be his wife. So, I have one simple rule to follow: keep my legs closed. 

“Holy shit, Katie,” I hear Percy say next to me. “Michael was not playing around.” 

When I look up, I see they have pulled up a brand new Mercedes truck. It’s black with a tan interior.

“It’s beautiful,” I say to Percy.  

“It’s the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL450,” I hear the owner of the dealership say behind me. “We had to have it shipped in,” he says, handing me the keys. “If you need anything else at all, Miss Blackwell, please don’t hesitate to call me directly. We have a wonderful relationship with the Kerrigan family. We just had a truck similar to this delivered to Stacy Kerrigan,” he says with a proud smile. “And both Kennedy and Estelle have a similar model; it’s known for its safety rating.” 

“Thank you much,” I say. He shakes my hand and returns to the building. 

I get into the driver’s seat and adjust my seat and mirrors. Percy gets into the passenger seat and buckles her seat belt. 

“Don’t rush it, Katie. When you’re ready.”

I pull forward and feel myself relax. The accident wasn’t my fault. I was careful. I’m not a bad driver. I pull to the exit of the dealership and pull onto the road 

“See, it’s like riding a bike. How are you feeling?” Percy asks

‘”I’m feeling really good.” It’s been a long time since I have driven, and I finally feel like I have some of my independence back. I don’t have to rely on anyone for a ride anymore.

It’s not long before I pull into my driveway and sit back for a moment.

“Thanks, Percy. Thanks for not letting me stay scared and for always being there for me through thick and thin. You are the best friend I have ever had, and I can’t imagine my life without you in it. I know I’m being selfish, but please tell me you’re staying here; we have really missed you these last couple of years.” 

“I’m not going anywhere. I’m happy working for Stephanie; Ian and I are in a good place—it’s new, but I see something amazing there—and I’m done running from the pain. When I heard about your accident, it was a wake-up call. Family is the most important thing to me. My mom would have been really disappointed that I left like I did.”

“No, she wouldn’t have. You needed to find your own way; you needed to find out what was important to you.”

We say our goodbyes, and I hobble into my house. Today had taken a lot out of me. I hear my phone ringing on the bottom of my purse.

“Hello?” I say, trying to keep myself from falling over.

“Hello, Katie. I am calling to ask if you would like to go out to dinner on Wednesday. Percy and Ian are going to come with us. My mom is taking MJ to the town hall meeting with her on Wednesday, and that doesn’t end until about eight p.m. so I thought we could have an early dinner around six, if that’s ok.” 

“I would love to have dinner with you, Michael, and thank you for making all the arrangements,” I say with a smile. I have always been independent and have always taken charge, but it’s nice to have someone else take the lead. 

We finish up our plans, and I call to check on MJ, who tells me he is busy working and would have to call me back. He is growing up so fast. The Kerrigan family has been amazing. They have renewed their friendship with my parents, and they take pride in being MJ’s grandparents. It’s been almost a year since the day I bumped into Rhydian Kerrigan at the Denver Diner, and my secret was exposed. Some of this year has been great, and some of it horrible, but I’m alive, and I’m going to make sure I make the most out of my life.

Chapter 22

Michael 

Twelve dates. Katie and I have been on twelve chaperoned dates. No kissing, no intimate touching, just a quick hug and some hand holding. I have worked my courting steps, and I’m ready to propose. Everything over the last twelve weeks has led to this moment. MJ and my mother have been working behind the scenes to make this perfect, and I can see the excitement on everyone’s face. When I pick Katie up for our date, she looks radiant in an amazing dress with a brown belt and brown cowboy boots. Her hair is long but curled at the end, and she is using the frame to balance herself at the doorway.