Page 45 of Silver Sanctuary
“I know it’s very sudden, but would you be okay with staying here?” Lacy asked.
“Here, in Nash’s apartment? Why?”
“Last night, after my accident, when you were already here with Mae and Hawk, our trailer caught on fire.”
Embrie’s eyes went wide but she didn’tsay anything.
“I’m so sorry, baby, but the only things that made it were the things you brought with you.”
Tears gathered in her eyes as the tip of her nose turned red. “My clothes? My books?”
Lacy just shook her head.
“That’s why we have to stay here?”
“It’s what got me thinking to ask,” Nash admitted. “But I want you guys to think of this as your home too. It’s not just my place anymore. Mae and Lily took care of ordering you new things, but we can go this weekend, if your mom is feeling up to it, and you can get some things for your room here. To make it more comfortable.”
“Okay,” she whispered.
“Embrie, if you aren’t okay with staying here, you can always tell me. It won’t hurt Nash’s feelings and I’ll figure out somewhere for us to go.”
“No! I love it here. My bed is so comfortable and it’s princess sized and all just for me! And the water was so warm this morning in my shower. I don’t want to leave. Don’t make us leave.” Her arms banded around Lacy’s waist and she bit down on the inside of her cheek to hide the sharp pain.
“Okay, okay, don’t squeeze your mom too tight there. You don’t have to leave. The game plan is to have you stay here for now. Why don’t you change into your pajamas and then you can pick out one of the books Sloane dropped off from the library.”
“That was so nice of her,” Lacy said as she realized all of their friends had truly stepped up to help.
“Everyone just wants to make sure you guys are okay.”
Lacy nodded, kissing Embrie on the forehead before slowly leaning back against the headboard.
“I’ll just be a few minutes. Going to make sure she’s all set.”
“Nash?” Lacy called out as he stepped toward the door.
“Yeah.”
“Thank you. For everything.”
He walked back to the bed, placing his hands on the mattress before he lowered his head and pressed his lips to hers.
“That ring on your finger means we’re family, Lace. I’m glad I can take care of my girls how they always should have been cared for.”
Fourteen
“Hey! Look at you!” Lily’s laugh filtered into Petals as Lacy finished wrapping a small bouquet for Dolly. “Back at it and looking better than ever.”
Lacy held back the wince that bubbled up as she raised her hand to wave hi to her friend. Her side was feeling so much better after Nash basically forced her to stay in bed and rest for days. She was going stir-crazy by the time he agreed it was okay for her to start back for a few hours at Petals.
“With the friend’s discount, it’s going to be twenty-five dollars.”
“Honey, I’m happy we’re friends, but you keep that discount. In fact, you keep the change.” Dolly slid two twenty-dollar bills across the counter and smiled.
“Oh, no. That’s not necessary.”
“It is. What happened to you… we’re not all assholes here. Some of us are plenty happy that you’re back and giving new life to this old shop. I’ll be here every Monday and Thursday to get new flowers for the diner.”
“That means the world to me. Thank you.”
