Page 44 of Silver Sanctuary
“Lacy.”
“Nash… please.”
“Goddamn it, would you listen to me? This makes sense; it’s the right thing to do.” He opened the box, revealing the most beautiful ring she’d ever seen. It was perfect. Stunning rose gold woven around to form a band made out of little branches. Several leaves were studded around the branches, with sparkling diamonds inside. But the main stone, a breathtaking oval-shaped diamond, nearly blinded her. There was no doubt in her mind that the ring he was holding out to her was worth more than anything she’d ever owned before.
“It’s perfect,” she admitted, watching his face fill with hope. “But I’m not marrying you tomorrow. I’m sorry. I can’t. If that means we have to leave tonight, if it means you don’t want to keep seeing me…”
They sat in silence for a moment, Nash’s eyes never leavinghers. Finally, he moved to sit on the bed beside her, reaching inside the small jewelry box to pull out the ring.
“If you won’t marry me tomorrow, because I can see how that would be overwhelming and a bit presumptuous on my part, will you at least become my fiancée?”
She laughed as her brows drew together. “Why?”
“People will know. It’s a clear statement that I’ll step up for you. That I’ll protect you. It will put the message out there that anyone who has a problem with you has a problem with me. That you have people here who love you—family who loves Embrie, too. It means we can take things slower. No matter what, I want you to know that I’d marry you tomorrow, and it wouldn’t just be about your protection, Lace. It’s exactly where I see this going between the two of us.”
“Okay,” she whispered.
“Okay?”
“Yes. I’ll marry you… one day, in the future. After things settle down and I know you aren’t just doing it because my life is falling apart in front of us. One day when I know I’ve actually earned the privilege of being your wife.”
Nash groaned. “No. There is noearning, Lace. You are perfect and worthy right now. In my bed, sleep rumpled, and leaning on me. You. Are. Exactly. What. I. Want.”
Nash smiled, taking her hand in his. He pressed the ring up her finger, until it slid into place, and then he brought her hand up to his lips, and sealed the agreement with a kiss. The weight of the ring felt foreign, and also, so incredibly right.
“Do you think… could I steal a kiss from my fiancée?” he asked.
“I think she’d like that very much.”
His lips covered hers, gentle and soft, as if he was afraid she would shatter like fragile glass under his touch.
“Mom! You’re awake!” Embrie bounced into the room,and Nash pulled away from Lacy just in time to wrap Embrie up in his arms before she could crash into her.
“Careful, Cottage Cheese. Remember, your mom had an accident yesterday. We have to be extra careful around her.”
Embrie nodded, her eyes going wide as she tiptoed toward the bed.
“Hey, guys!” Lily’s soft voice traveled down the hallway. “Just checking that you don’t need us to keep her overnight.”
“No. I’m okay.” Lacy smiled. “Thank you so much for everything—for watching her.”
“That’s what friends are for. Nash, just call or text if anything comes up. I’ll lock your door on my way out.”
“Thanks, Lily!” Nash called out after her.
Lily waved goodbye over her shoulder, disappearing just as quickly as she came in.
“Are you okay?” Embrie’s small voice tugged at her heart. “You were so sleepy when I saw you this morning.”
“I’m fine. I promise, ladybug. You did so good calling Nash to help me last night. Thank you.”
“I was scared you were going to be mad at me. You said we couldn’t ask him for help, but I knew something was wrong.”
Nash quirked up an eyebrow but she just closed her eyes and held Embrie.
“I’m sorry I said that. I was wrong. We can always ask Nash for help. We actually need to talk to you about something, okay?”
“Okay?” Embrie pulled away, looking nervously between the two of them.
