Page 22 of Silver Sanctuary (The Silver Springs #3)
“People will know. It’s a clear statement that I’ll step up for you.
That I’ll protect you. It will put the message out there that anyone who has a problem with you has a problem with me.
That you have people here who love you—family who loves Embrie, too.
It means we can take things slower. No matter what, I want you to know that I’d marry you tomorrow, and it wouldn’t just be about your protection, Lace.
It’s exactly where I see this going between the two of us. ”
“Okay,” she whispered.
“Okay?”
“Yes. I’ll marry you… one day, in the future. After things settle down and I know you aren’t just doing it because my life is falling apart in front of us. One day when I know I’ve actually earned the privilege of being your wife.”
Nash groaned. “No. There is no earning , Lace. You are perfect and worthy right now. In my bed, sleep rumpled, and leaning on me. You. Are. Exactly. What. I. Want.”
Nash smiled, taking her hand in his. He pressed the ring up her finger, until it slid into place, and then he brought her hand up to his lips, and sealed the agreement with a kiss. The weight of the ring felt foreign, and also, so incredibly right.
“Do you think… could I steal a kiss from my fiancée?” he asked.
“I think she’d like that very much.”
His lips covered hers, gentle and soft, as if he was afraid she would shatter like fragile glass under his touch.
“Mom! You’re awake!” Embrie bounced into the room, and Nash pulled away from Lacy just in time to wrap Embrie up in his arms before she could crash into her.
“Careful, Cottage Cheese. Remember, your mom had an accident yesterday. We have to be extra careful around her.”
Embrie nodded, her eyes going wide as she tiptoed toward the bed.
“Hey, guys!” Lily’s soft voice traveled down the hallway. “Just checking that you don’t need us to keep her overnight.”
“No. I’m okay.” Lacy smiled. “Thank you so much for everything—for watching her.”
“That’s what friends are for. Nash, just call or text if anything comes up. I’ll lock your door on my way out.”
“Thanks, Lily!” Nash called out after her.
Lily waved goodbye over her shoulder, disappearing just as quickly as she came in.
“Are you okay?” Embrie’s small voice tugged at her heart. “You were so sleepy when I saw you this morning.”
“I’m fine. I promise, ladybug. You did so good calling Nash to help me last night. Thank you.”
“I was scared you were going to be mad at me. You said we couldn’t ask him for help, but I knew something was wrong.”
Nash quirked up an eyebrow but she just closed her eyes and held Embrie.
“I’m sorry I said that. I was wrong. We can always ask Nash for help. We actually need to talk to you about something, okay?”
“Okay?” Embrie pulled away, looking nervously between the two of them.
“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’t say 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.”