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A few people were out on the lake in their canoes and paddleboards, but the area was quiet overall. Zack hoped the fewer people and distractions would lend itself to good conversation, because he had some important things he wanted to share with her.
Naya waded down the embankment, splashing up water behind her. She climbed into a kayak and Zack followed suit. They both used their paddles to push off the landing.
“Want to race to that island over there?” Naya grinned.
Zack shrugged his shoulders. “Depends on if you’re going to let me win.”
“Not a chance.” Naya dug her paddle into the water and took off.
“Hey, you didn’t say go.” Zack sped after her, following her giggles all the way to the other embankment.
Naya tilted her head back and narrowed her eyes. “You just let me win.”
Zack wiggled his fingers. “No way.” He feigned being out of breath. “You just cheated and left me in the dust.”
Naya gasped. All the while, her eyes gleamed. “I would never.”
They pulled their kayaks out of the water, then sat down on the grassy hill and let the silence lengthen.
Zack fingered the red bracelet on his wrist. He was ready to share what was on his heart.
Naya broke the silence first. “You know I would never leave you in the dust. Or tell lies.” Her expression grew earnest.
“I don’t doubt you. You are a truth seeker. In all the best ways.” Zack clasped his hands together. “I didn’t mean for my comment to come across that way.”
Naya shook her head. “It didn’t.” She sucked in a breath. “My boss asked if I would write a story on your parents’ case. Since I have firsthand information.”
Oh.Was he ready to have his family’s life and the pain of the past become public knowledge for all to talk about? Did this mean she’d gotten the promotion? He’d been so caught up in the celebration yesterday that he’d forgotten to follow up on her boss’s decision. “Are you going to write it?” he asked.
“I didn’t take the promotion,” she said as if she’d read his mind.
“You gave up the offer?” Zack’s eyes widened.
“I don’t want it.” Naya propped her hands behind her. “I gave my boss an alternative offer though. One that reworks my job description but still meets the needs of the paper. Especially since Tucker was fired.”
“So what are you going to do?”
“I’ve spent enough time searching to expose the truth.” Naya glanced down at his wrist, and Zack stopped fidgeting with the bracelet. “I have an idea for another hope-filled story. One that has been playing out before my very eyes.”
Zack propped his arms on his knees. “Does this said story involve you sticking around?”
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather go.” Naya bit her lip.
Zack still couldn’t believe this was actually happening—being here, with Naya. Now was his chance.
“We’ve both had lots of people come and go from our lives.” Zack swallowed. Although there was truth to those words, he couldn’t dwell on the past. Not when the present moment glimmered with the prospect of a future reality he didn’t want to risk losing. “And I don’t want us to go separate ways. I want to be someone you can lean on. Someone you can trust and count on to stay.”
Zack reached into his pocket and pulled out the box that held the one keepsake he’d waited years to give back to her.
He opened the lid and held out her red bracelet.
Naya looked at him, then the ribbon, then him again. Tears gathered in her eyes. “Zack, what’s that?” She pointed to the silver diamond infinity band tied to the bracelet.
“We made a promise to each other as teens that we would stick by each other’s side. There may have been some mishaps along the way,” he chuckled, “but it would be an honor to pursue you. To love your fiery, yet compassionate heart. I can’t promise I’ll be perfect, but I’ll point you to the One who is.” Zack pulled out the red ribbon from the box and held the ring. “This is a promise of what’s to come. I love you, Naya.”
“Thank you for showing me what it means to stay.” Naya held out her hand. “I love you, Zack. There’s no one else I’d want by my side.”
Zack unhooked the ring, then slid it on Naya’s finger before clasping the bracelet around her wrist. He leaned in and enfolded his fingers over hers. Then he cupped her cheek with his other hand and sealed his lips to hers.