Page 99 of A Forgotten Heart
She had so much to say, but words jumbled around in her head.
“I’m all right,” he whispered. “They got Quade. It’s safe now. No more looking over your shoulder.” It was as if he knew everything she needed to hear in this moment. “In a few days, you’ll be back in your schoolroom. Everything will be back to normal.”
It was the hesitation before his last words that had her pushing back to look at his face. She wiped tears from her cheeks. Saw the uncertainty in his expression.
He reached up to tuck a lock of hair behind her ear. His hand faltered. “You’ve got a scrape.” Nick’s lips flattened. “I should’ve hit him harder.”
She glanced at where she’d seen her attacker being carted away. “No, the law has him. It’s over now.”
There was a release in the words.
It really was over. Quade had been arrested. There were witnesses. Charges would stick. The McGraws could finally have peace.
Nick’s breath teased her cheeks. Had he leaned closer?
“El…” He traced his thumb along her jaw. “I’ve got some things to say.”
She froze, lowering her eyes. The hurtful words they’d thrown at each other yesterday played in her mind. “Yes?”
He dropped his hand away, looking serious. “I’m sorry for the way I spoke to you yesterday. I should’ve stayed and talked things out. That was unfair of me.”
His apology settled inside her.
And he wasn’t the only one to blame. “Can you forgive me as well? I should’ve told you about my parents’ expectations.” She swallowed. “And Arnold.”
Why had it taken her so long to say her goodbye to him?
Nick’s eyes cut away. A muscle jumped in his cheek.
His vulnerability touched Elsie, but—“Why did you come back to town?” she whispered.
His chin jutted out a bit, another sign of vulnerability, and then he looked her right in the eyes. “I don’t know if you said yes to Arnold…” He paused. “But I love you, and I want you to choose me. Marry me.”
His words seeped into every broken place of her heart, healing every piece of her, making her want to laugh and cry all at once.
She wrapped his hand in both of hers, feeling his strength when he clasped his fingers around hers. He really was okay.
He went on. “I know I don’t have a lot to offer. Not yet. But I’m going back to the normal school and?—”
“You are? Oh, Nick!” Elsie couldn’t contain her surge of happiness as she threw her arms around his neck.
He chuckled into her hair, his uninjured arm coming around her waist.
Someone cleared their throat nearby.
Marshal O’Grady was staring down at them. Along with several curious townspeople behind her. Merritt stood off to the side, her mouth quirked into a smile.
Elsie drew back slightly but stayed kneeling next to Nick. Her cheeks flushed with heat despite the chilly air.
This was the moment she should be worried about her reputation, but she found she couldn’t care.
Nick loved her. A wonderful thing that had once seemed impossible. Now it seemed anything good could happen.
Danna strode to them, all business. “I have some questions about how tonight’s events unfolded. Can you come to the office and give your statements?”
Nick started to push himself up off the ground but inhaled sharply. When he wavered, Elsie reached out to support him. “Nick needs the doctor first.”
Nick dragged himself to stand. Elsie stuck close to his side.
