Chapter 6 A Leap of Faith

Dayna POV

"This afternoon," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "We got married this afternoon."

"Who is this guy?" Katie's voice climbed an octave. "How long have you known him? Does he treat you well? Is he—"

"Katie, breathe," I interrupted, though my own heart was racing. "I know it sounds crazy."

"Crazy? Crazy doesn't even begin to cover it!" I could hear her pacing on the other end. "Tell me how it happened."

I took a deep breath and told her about everything. When I finished, Katie was quiet again.

"So let me get this straight," she said finally. "You married a guy whose name you don't even know?"

Heat flooded my cheeks. It sounded even more absurd when she said it out loud. "I know his name is Mr. Booth—"

"Yeah, right. And what's his first name?"

I bit my lip. "I... I don't know."

"Oh my God." Katie's voice was somewhere between horror and disbelief. "What does he look like? How old is he? Do you even know anything about this man?"

Each question felt like a small knife. Because the truth was, I didn't know anything. I'd married a complete stranger. A kind stranger who was paying for my surgery and giving me a place to stay, but still, a stranger.

"He sounds young," I offered weakly. "And he smells nice. Like sandalwood."

"He smells nice," Katie repeated flatly. "Great. That's definitely the most important qualification for a husband."

"Katie—"

"I'm sorry." She sighed. "I'm just worried about you."

"I know." I twisted my fingers in the soft fabric of my nightgown. "But he's paying for my surgery, Katie."

"Wait a sec, where did he get three hundred thousand?" Katie's voice sharpened.

"I'm guessing he's some kind of manager," I said. "And he has people who work for him. Parker calls him 'Mr. Booth,' so I guess he must have a decent position. Maybe he's saved up over the years?"

Another pause. Then Katie's voice came through, gentler this time. "Honey, department managers don't just have three hundred thousand dollars lying around."

My stomach clenched. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying your 'Mr. Booth' might be more important than you think."

I let that sink in. Could he be? But if he was really wealthy, why would he bother with someone like me? Why marry a blind girl with nothing to offer?

"At least he's helping you," Katie said, and I could hear the relief in her voice. "And he seems like a rich guy."

Her words made my throat tight. I remembered a few days ago when Katie had offered to ask her parents for help with my eye issue. I'd refused immediately. Katie didn't understand what my parents were like—they would never spend the money on my surgery. Martha's gift had proven that.

"I don't need to marry someone rich," I said softly. "I just want to live a decent life. Go to school, get a job, be independent. That's all."

"I know." Katie's voice warmed. "But still, I want to see you. I need to meet this mysterious husband of yours and make sure he's treating you right."

"Why?"

"Because you're a total romantic at heart, that's why. You might think you're being practical, but I know you, Dayna. If this guy turns out to have a face like a toad, you're going to be miserable."

"Katie—"

"I'm serious! You've always been a sucker for grand gestures and fairy tales. Don't even try to deny it."

"Even if he's not... conventionally attractive," I said carefully, "it wouldn't matter. I'd still be happy."

"Oh?"

"He's been so kind to me, Katie." The words tumbled out before I could stop them. "So patient and generous. He didn't have to do any of this. He could have just paid for the surgery and left me at the hospital. But he married me so it wouldn't seem strange. He got me a phone, arranged for a housekeeper, and gave me a place to stay. Even if he's completely average-looking, I'd be grateful. I'd spend my whole life with him just to repay this kindness."

The silence that followed felt heavy with things unsaid.

"You really like him, don't you?" Katie said finally, her voice soft.

Did I? I barely knew him. But when I thought about his steady presence by my side...

"I respect him," I said. "And I'm grateful."

"Okay." Katie didn't sound entirely convinced. "But I'm definitely finding time to come check him out. Now, about your scholarship—you need to get your husband to the registrar's office as soon as possible."

"I'll call him right now."

"Good. And Dayna? I'm really happy you're okay. You scared me, disappearing like that."

"I'm sorry. I should have found a way to contact you sooner."

"Just promise me you'll be careful."

"I promise."

After we said goodbye, I lay there for a moment, gathering my courage. Then I raised the phone and spoke clearly: "Call emergency contact."

The line rang twice before his familiar voice answered. "Something wrong?"

Just hearing him made my shoulders relax slightly. "Mr. Booth, I... I'm sorry to bother you at work. I know you said you had important things to handle—"

"What do you need?"

I spoke slowly. "It's about school. The registrar's office at Hudson Business School is willing to hold my spot and my scholarship, but they need a family member to come in and sign some deferral paperwork. It has to be done by the end of today."

I paused, twisting the blanket between my fingers. "I was wondering... since we're married now... could you... could you maybe go to the school and sign the papers? As my husband?"

His answer came without hesitation. "Of course."

Relief flooded through me. "Really? Are you sure? I know it's asking a lot—"

"Dayna." His voice held that edge of command again. "I said I would take care of you. That includes your education."

"It's just... my parents never supported me going to college." The words came out bitter. "They always said it was a waste of money. They wanted me to work and give them my earnings, or marry someone who could pay them off. I was a burden they couldn't wait to get rid of."

The line was quiet. Then, softly: "You're not a burden."

The simple statement made my eyes burn. I blinked rapidly, trying to hold back tears.

"I'll take care of it," Mr. Booth continued. "Give me the details."

I rattled off the information Katie had given me. He listened without interrupting, and I could hear him typing in the background.

"Consider it done," he said when I finished.

"Thank you." My voice came out shaky. "I'm sorry this is so much trouble. First the surgery, now this—"

"It's not trouble." He sounded almost... amused? "Rest now. I'll handle everything."

The line went dead, and I lay back against the pillows, my mind whirling. He was going to my school. Talking to the registrar. Signing papers as my husband.

What would they think when they saw him? Would they be suspicious? Would they question why he married a blind scholarship student? What if they thought I was trying to scam someone?

I must have dozed off, because the next thing I knew, Suzanne was gently shaking my shoulder.

"Dayna, dear. Dinner's ready."

I sat up slowly, my body stiff from lying in one position too long. "Thank you, Suzanne. Is Mr. Booth back—"

"Mr. Booth had some business to attend to," Suzanne said, helping me to my feet. "He'll be back later."

Suzanne guided me to what she said was the dining room. The chair was plush beneath me, and the smell of food made my stomach growl.

"Roasted chicken with vegetables," Suzanne explained, placing silverware in my hands. "And fresh bread. Can you manage, or would you like help?"

"I can manage. Thank you."

She left me alone, and I ate slowly, trying to focus on the food. But my mind kept wandering. Did Mr. Booth go to my school? Had he signed the papers? What if there was a problem? What if the registrar asked too many questions?

I set down my fork, my appetite suddenly gone. This was all so complicated. And I kept adding to the mess, kept asking for more help, kept being a burden—

The sound of a key in the lock made me freeze.

"Mr. Booth is back," Suzanne said softly from somewhere behind me.

My heart started racing.