He cupped her cheek. “And thank you for finally telling me about the attack before you quit medicine.”
“My counselor said that was something you should know. The guy’s dead, btw. Car accident.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“No, I’ve moved on. I think fighting Pierson off went a long way in helping me put that behind me.”
“That’s all good.”
She gave him a small smile.
Staring at the Christmas tree, basking in the greenery scent, Nick believed this was a new beginning for them.
He glanced down at her stomach. “How about the other?”
“I feel the loss. But I talked at length with my counselor—" a friend of Eve’s who’d come to the house three times “—and wrote about it in the journal she’s having me keep. I’ve kind of decided something.” She took in a breath as if what she was going to saywas very important. “If you’re willing, I’d like to get pregnant again.”
“I’m willing.” He smiled. He slid something from his pocket and reached out his hand. “Open my palm.”
She tugged on his fingers. Inside was a platinum ring studded with glistening emeralds. “Nick!”
“I didn’t want to get an ordinary diamond though there’s a few sprinkled in here. Make no mistake, though, this is an engagement ring. Marry me, love.”
“Yes. Yes. Yes.”
Gently he took her into his arms and kissed her thoroughly. He pressed his mouth to hers. “About time for this,” he murmured against her lips.
She said, “You’ve kissed me before.”
“There was no sex involved in those kisses. They were…consoling.”
“Speaking of sex, we’re alone now.”
“Not yet, darling. You’re still healing. And I know you ache all over.”
She feigned a weary sigh. “Then get my champagne.”
When he returned, they toasted to the future. “I have something else to tell you. I called Anthony Johnston today. I’ll cut the ribbon at the opening.”
The flute slipped a little in her hand. “I’m so glad, Nick.”
“You’re not the only one who’s made progress with your counselor. Luke helped me dissect my feelings about what happened in the park. And he said we had more to talk about in the weeks to come regarding Scotty.”
“You still feel guilty.”
“He said I’ll probably feel bad about my neglect forever. But he’s helping me on the road to regret. That’s better than guilt.”
“You got a lot done for two sessions.”
“They were two hours long. I cried. I got angry. He suggested the ribbon cutting thing could be a new start for me.”
“I’m glad, love.”
“I’m glad, too.”
He gestured to the room. “Shall we live here or at my house?”
“Yours is gorgeous too. I don’t care.”
