Road to Redemption - Michelle Dalton Page 0,33

him. “And so much like you it hurts to look at her on the hard days.”

“The only good thing I ever did.” His voice croaked.

“No. You have done many good things, but she surely is the most perfect. You’re more than the sum of your past, Ray. You were bright, beautiful, and hungry to live life before … and your sins are in the past. It’s time to move forward.”

“Is that the speech you give all the inmates?” He winced at his own words.

“Actually, it is. But they’re true, and you need to hear them too. I saw the Ray I’ve always loved tonight. You’re in there, coming back to life. Don’t give up … please.” Her plea almost broke his heart all over again.

“What now?” He had to know.

Mina shrugged. “Let’s get through this storm first.” She snuggled up to him, laying her head on his shoulder.

“That simple, eh?”

“No. I’m still pissed at you, and I’m still afraid of what you’re capable of, but …”

Ray shifted his head so he could see her face. “But?”

She bit her bottom lip, her eyes brimming with tears and fear. She sat up, cupped his face, and held his gaze with her own. “It scares the shit out of me, but I never stopped loving you.

10

Mina groaned. She’d confessed her love like a lovestruck teenager. What the holy fuck?

Ray said nothing. He only stroked her lips with his index finger. The sensation quickening her blood. His hand travelled across her cheek, and cupped her face. Leaning with his forehead against hers, the tips of their noses touched, “I love you too. I can be brave for both of us.”

Convinced lightning had penetrated the tinned roof, striking her, Mina gave herself over to the electricity zinging through her body. She shifted forward and straddled Ray. His hands found their place beneath her shirt. The touch of his rough palms on her skin sent her heart galloping as she gripped the back of his head and kissed him so hard, she feared her lips might bleed.

The spot between her legs rubbed against his hard flesh. He groaned his pleasure into her mouth.

The damn horse whinnied, and they were once again reminded of their daughter laying asleep on the floor behind them.

“Uhm…,” she cleared her throat, “We should probably…” she pointed with her thumb over her shoulder.

Ray grinned the same boyish grin from years ago. “Ja. Come, lie beside me. Tell me about our daughter.” He slid down on the cold tarp, pulling her back into his front and stretching out an arm for her to rest her head on.

Mina woke with a start. A wet, sticky nose huffed in her face. “What the …?”

Boesman’s whinny was accompanied by a soft giggle.

“Eeeew! Boesman!” she chastised, and placed a flat hand on the side of the horse’s face, pushing him away as she tried to sit up. Her body was cold and stiff from a night spent on the floor. Her arm wouldn’t budge.

“You both smile when you sleep.” Lullu came to stand beside her pony, grinning brightly down at her.

Mina turned to look through sleepy eyes to see why her left arm wouldn’t budge and gasped as she found it tucked neatly beneath Ray in the early dawn light.

Shit!

With force, she ripped it away, and Ray jumped up, alert and on the defensive.

Lullu’s horse whinnied and shook his head.

“Shh, Boesie. It’s okay,” Lullu calmed him.

Mina leaned forward, placing her elbows on her knees and her face in her hands. How was she going to explain this to her daughter, and what the everlasting heck had gotten into her last night?

“We better get back … dammit!” She stood and searched her jacket and pants pockets.

“What?” Ray brushed his hands through his hair, avoiding eye contact with both his daughter and her.

“I left my phone at home. Ben’s probably got the entire police force out hunting for us.”

“Don’t worry, Mom. Boesman and I will ride ahead. I’ll explain everything to Oom Ben and tell him you and my daddy are on your way in the bakkie.” Lullu stepped forward and gripped Ray’s hand in hers. A tsunami of emotions threatened to overwhelm Mina. Looking to Ray, his sapphire blue eyes rimmed with tears. He bit his quivering lip as his Adam’s apple bobbed up and down in his neck.

“I look forward to getting to know you.” Lullu smiled, returned to her pony, and flung an arm around his neck.

Mina Stood frozen to the spot. Ray didn’t move either