And if the word he’s thinking is eithersexorpenis, I am absolutely throwing the velvet box at him. Not the ring, though. It is far too pretty to be so abused.
I search for the quiet corner in my mind and then reach out to him. It’s like there’s a tentative bridge between his brain and mine. I don’t know how else to describe the sensation.
His emotions find me first and shock the shit out of me. The man is actually nervous, despite the cool smile on his face and the at-ease body language. Being the Woodsman taught him to show a strong front at all times. To allow no vulnerabilities and to hide his fears. Never has he been nervous about a damn thing since I’ve known him. At least, I don’t think he has. But he definitely is now.
Because the word he’s giving me ismarriage.
My carefully styled eyebrows reach for the roof. “What?”
He just watches me.
“Wow…”
And he still says nothing.
The sensible thing to do would be to wait for a year or two. To give ourselves time to ensure this is something lasting and real. But fuck that noise. “You know I love you, right?”
He cocks his head. “No. I didn’t know. I suspected it. But I am happy to hear the words from your lips.”
“You really want to get married?”
“I thought it might be something you would enjoy.”
“Something I would enjoy?” I smile. “Lucas, you don’t have to hide your heart from me.”
“Youare my heart, Skye. There is no hiding from you as much as I might like to.”
Yeah. I don’t know what to say. Because he has just delivered the most swoon-worthy line I have ever heard. Seriously.
Meanwhile, not knowing what to say is not a problem Henry is having out in the hallway. “Did she say yes?”
“Surely she would,” Benedict’s rumbly voice comes next. “Our sister is a very sensible woman, and the old man can support her in more than adequate comfort.”
“Such a romantic way of looking at things. They love each other,” says Leilah. “I’m sure it will be fine.”
“How many of you, exactly, are listening at the door?” I ask, sliding the ring onto the appropriate finger.
“We’ve got Nico on the phone,” reports Henry. “He wants an update. Yes or no, sweetie? You wouldn’t believe the engagement party I have planned. Fireworks, champagne fountains, llamas, you name it.”
“Llamas?”
The corner of Lucas’s mouth has curled up some. And his gaze is glued to the ring on my hand. “Skye’s answer is yes.”
A hearty round of applause comes from the hallway. Having a happy family is a good thing.
Lucas is standing behind me in the blink of an eye. He wraps a hand around my ponytail and brushes his lips over my neck, making shivers race up my spine. His other arm wraps around my middle, anchoring my back to his front. One of the absolute best places in the world to be. I mesh my fingers with his and hold on tight. Tight enough that he couldn’t get away if he tried.
“You don’t have to read my mind,” he whispers in my ear. “The next word isforever.”
“Forever.” I repeat with a smile. “I like that word.”
