Saving a Legend(94)

“Before we bring out the bloodthirsty opponents, we’ve got a surprise for you.” The announcer smiled at the crowd. “Everyone here has heard of the legend who claimed the championship belt in this same fight years ago, only to go on and rank Top Ten MMA Fighter Worldwide.”

The crowd began cheering, and Clare gripped the armrest between them so hard her knuckles were turning white. Fiona scrunched her brows together, confused as to what everyone else seemed to understand.



“Please welcome to the stage retired champion, one of the best fighters in the world, Rory ‘Knockout’ Kavanagh!” The announcer pointed to the hulking behemoth wearing black jeans and a tight black T-shirt who was climbing the stairs. Fiona giggled when she saw the large black-and-white dog trailing a foot behind Rory. Those two were inseparable, and no one dared tell the ex-fighter otherwise. After all, Ace had been just as much of a fighter as Rory ever was, and he had the jagged scars to prove it.

Rory took the microphone and turned to face the crowd. “Good evening, Jersey!”

Getting to their feet, the crowd screamed their love for him. Fiona and Nora stood, clapping; Casey and Clare did the same. Dee stood, too, but she was staring at Clare. Fiona had no clue what was going on.

“Thank you, thank you. I’m not going to take up too much of your time, I promise. As he just announced, I guess I have sort of an impressive résumé.” Rory grinned at the crowd, and they ate it up like candy. “What you don’t know is that after my career-ending injury, things went downhill fast.”

Clare swayed slightly, and Fiona wrapped an arm around her waist, glancing at her. She looked so nervous seeing him up there again, and Fiona wondered if Rory was going to fight. She knew Clare didn’t want him doing it professionally anymore, as his injury had cost him a lot, and his subsequent struggle with pain medications had almost destroyed his life and their relationship.



“I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, or what the point was in going on. Fighting was all I’d ever known. Until I met Clare Ivers.” Rory’s eyes found Clare’s through the crowd, and he smiled at her.

Fiona felt her heart warm at the sight, and it only reminded her again how much she missed Kieran. Can’t think about him right now, she reminded herself.

“Mhuirnín, will you come up here with me?” He spoke directly to Clare, and she nodded.

Fiona pushed her forward, and Dee looked as if she was going to bounce right up along with her. Clare gingerly climbed the stairs, and Rory grabbed her hand as soon as she reached the top, steadying her. She looked around the giant, filled arena, clearly nervous about being in front of so many eyes, including the national television broadcast of the event.

“What’s going on?” Nora whispered to her. Fiona just shrugged because she had no idea.

Rory handed the microphone off to the announcer and continued talking to Clare, but it was inaudible to the crowd. Whispers and questions floated through the crowd as everyone watched the exchange. The moment Rory dropped down to one knee, the crowd’s shouts became deafening. Everyone was on their feet clapping and screaming out encouragements.

Clare’s mouth fell open, and her hand went to her chest as he held the other and spoke to her from where he was kneeling. He pulled a small box out of his pocket and opened it, the glint of diamonds apparent from where Fiona was sitting.



“Oh my God!” Nora gasped, and Fiona grinned, more than a little excited for her friend.

“You knew, didn’t you?” Casey asked Dee as the women held each other’s hand.

“A mother never tells.” Dee winked at them, and Fiona laughed.

Clare nodded her head and started crying as Rory pushed the ring onto her finger, all smiles as he stood and wrapped his arms around the petite blonde. They turned to the crowd, and he lifted her now-heavier hand in the air with his, letting the crowd celebrate with them. Blushing like mad, Clare smiled, and then the newly engaged couple kissed before exiting the stage with Ace.

Fiona watched to see if they were going to come back to where the women were sitting, eager to congratulate them. The duo disappeared into the crowd, and Fiona guessed they were probably off to do some celebrating of their own first.

“What a show, ladies and gentlemen! And it hasn’t even started yet!” the announcer called, returning to the stage. “Now it’s time to officially introduce our opponents for the night. From the left, we have Nick ‘Nut Cracker’ Allen!”

Red curtains in one corner of the arena parted, and a large fighter decked in gold clothing to match his gold tooth made his way down the aisle, then climbed up the stairs to the cage. He had a trainer and handlers with him and was waving his arms around, inciting the crowd to scream and cheer. The announcer recited details about his career and his accomplishments, but Fiona wasn’t paying attention.