Chapter 11

Caleb

Shana talks me into staying in New York for two more nights and we have a great time, but in the end, we have to go home. As romantic as she makes it sound, I can't live my life on the run. When my woman isn't on the line, I'm a shrewd businessman and I'm excellent at what I do. If I want to run my own company one day and not have to constantly look over my shoulder, I cannot afford to disappear. I don't want the theft to taint our future.

Once we're back home, Shana insists on going with me to meet Leo, positive he won't beat the shit out of me if she's around. Turns out she's right and I get to live, which is good, because I've got a hell of a lot to keep living for.

We give him Shana's winnings from the auction and I sign a contract to repay the rest by working for him for minimum wage instead of being a partner. It's a huge financial loss for me, but it's all worth it to have a life with Shana. He knows he's getting a great deal, just like he knows how sorry I am. Leo stared Shana straight in the eye and made her promise not to put me through something like that again, and she meekly promised to be a good girl from here on out. Gruff old Leo actually seemed happy for us once he finished chewing me out.

Between my sorry new wages and Shana's job at the diner, we're able to rent a garage apartment. It's a far cry from my custom home, but we don't mind since we never want to be apart for long. The only thing we argue about in the last few weeks, since we've been back from our New York adventure, is the wedding.

Shana tries to pretend she doesn't care about a big flower-filled party and a fancy princess dress, but I know her. She does. As much as to officially make her mine, I want her to have everything her heart desires. So, I put my foot down about waiting until we have enough money to do it up right.

Everything is going great, or so I think, but after a few more weeks, Shana starts acting cagy and finally admits she's got a surprise for me at the local bar. I've been working my ass off, not just for Leo, but doing other jobs I find online. My goal is to pay off the debt sooner, and I'm exhausted, so the idea of a late night doesn't excite me. But she's adamant that all I have to do is show up at a certain time and enjoy a beer, so I agree.

On the night of the surprise, I get there early, wondering what's going on. It's months away from my birthday and I can't figure out what else might have her so excited. As soon as I settle in, I see an enormous banner with Shana's name on it over the small stage, and my heart sinks. As the time draws closer, the bar fills with people who greet me as they swarm toward the stage.

The lights dim and the owner's voice rings out over the loudspeaker.

"All right, everybody, we're about to get started. If you like what you see, be sure to give generously."

Now my heart doesn't just sink, it begins to thunder in my chest, and I'm about to tear the place apart. What in the hell is she doing? Not again, and in our own hometown?

Music starts and she comes out wearing painted-on jeans and a flowy white top with fringe on the sleeves, an outfit I've seen plenty of times when she performs. She welcomes the crowd, looking over their heads as she sings. She sounds like an angel, as usual, and she's absolutely glowing. Her eyes crinkle cheerfully when I wave at her from my seat at the bar.

At the end of her set, the crowd hoots and hollers as they surge toward the stage. Everyone here loves her almost as much as I do, and I realize they're tossing cash into a big, empty paint bucket. I make my way closer to see that it's labeled with our names surrounded by a heart.

I catch her glance as she's thanking everyone and telling them she'll be back next week, then she grabs the pail and heads backstage. Utterly confused, I follow her, finding her grinning as she counts out all the bills our friends and neighbors stuffed in the bucket. There are plenty of ones and fives, but lots of bigger bills, too.

"It's our wedding fund," she says happily. "I set it all up, and we just have to give ten percent to Rudy for letting me use the stage."

"He's lucky to have you sing," I say. "The place was packed tonight." She looks so proud. I take her in my arms, pushing all the cash back into the bucket for now. "I love you so much," I tell her.

"I love you, too, Caleb." She beams at me and goes in for a kiss, but I hold back, smiling at her.

"This is what you should have done in the first place if you wanted to make some money," I say, sternly but fully teasing her. Then I go completely serious. "That's the only type of stage I want to see you on again."

Her kiss is all the agreement I need.