Page 59 of Silver Sanctuary
“Well, damn. I don’t think I’ll ever want anything else for lunch now.”
She laughed, closing her eyes and tipping her face up to the ceiling, just so unbelievably happy with her life.
Seventeen
The warm Autumn sunshine kissed Lacy’s face as she tilted it towards the sky. The community was out in full force for Silver Spring’s Annual Fall Festival. She hadn’t been able to go as a kid, so seeing Embrie run up and down the street with Sage while Gunner and Nash chased after them made her feel warmer than the sunshine ever could.
The scent of fresh apple fritters filled the unseasonably hot air. Leave it to Silver Springs to still try and make something feel cozy on a day when most people, Lacy included, were dressed in T-shirts and shorts. Her eyes looked up and down Ford Avenue, pausing at each booth and table to scope out what goods everyone was selling.
Because Petals was a bit out of the way, and not in a prime festival spot like Montgomery Defense, Nash and the guys had volunteered their sidewalk space as a place for her to set up a little booth. It had been a last minute decision for her to participate, so they’d had another impromptu party at the flower shop the night before. Everyone stayed late and Lacy had indulged in far too many slices of pizza while they finished the arrangements for that morning. Gageand Stone had even spent the time building her an adorable little display case for some of her arrangements from the plywood they’d previously used to cover her broken window.
“This looks great.” Nash wrapped his arms around her from the back, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “How’s it going so far?”
“Good. It’s been better than I thought. Dolly stopped by and got some arrangements for the diner, and I’ve had a couple smaller purchases too.”
“That’s great, baby. I’m so proud of you.”
“Embrie.” She smiled down at her daughter. “It looks like you’re having the best day.”
“I am! It’s been so much fun.” Her head swiveled to Nash. “Are you gonna ask her?”
“Ask me what?” Lacy’s eyes bounced from Embrie over to Nash.
“Smooth, Muenster.”
“Why do you two look like you’re up to something nefarious?”
“Us?” Nash feigned shock.
“Just spill before I start to worry.” Lacy crossed her arms, waiting for them to come clean about whatever they were up to.
Nash held out his hand to Embrie.Oh boy.The two of them were about to gang up on her. “I wanted to ask if it was okay for me to take Embrie down the street to get some fresh fritters. She’s been hounding me for a hot minute, but I said I had to check with you.”
Oh, her heart.“I appreciate that so much, but you’re part of the parental team now. You don’t need my permission for everything. Just let me know where you’re taking her before you disappear.”
“Are you sure?” Nash asked.
Her hands slipped up to frame his face. “I trust you; I know she’s safe with you. Go. Have fun together.”
“You’re too good to me,wife.”
“Not yet.” Lacy laughed.
“Soon enough, you’ll see. Embrie, close your eyes.” His hand covered Embrie’s eyes, and she giggled. Nash pressed a kiss to Lacy’s nose, but that just wouldn’t do.
Lacy wrapped her arms around his neck before he could pull away, her lips slamming against his. When she licked along the seam, he opened to her. Their tongues danced together for a second before she pulled away, laughing.
“You are so naughty?—”
“Lacy!”
Her stomach pitched as soon as the sound of her name being called hit her ears. No. No, that voice couldn’t belong to who she thought it did. Not there. Not in Silver Springs.She promised. She promised they would be free.
“Lacy! Don’t ignore me.”
Her eyes went wide as the voice got closer, but she didn’t take the time to look at the woman calling out to her. She needed to get Embrie away—to safety.
“What? What is it?” Nash’s hand landed on her back, the worry evident in his voice.
