"Nash . . . I learned something last week, back in the Caribbean."
"Oh? What's that?"
"You can protect me better than any person on earth. But God is even more capable. I need to take advantage of this opportunity before it's too late. But I'm not alone. Iknow that now. I don't know how well it's all going to turn out, but God knows what he's doing."
The truth in her words rang loud and clear. And healed something deep in his core. "Well said." He swallowed, hoping she didn't hear the emotion in his voice. "But be careful. Call me when you're leaving the building. Go straight to the FBI office. I'll meet you there. Good luck."
"Thank you, Nash. Really . . . thank you. I'll see you soon."
Four months later.
Tayla, looking every bit a fairy-tale princess in her wedding dress, actually winked at Lena before she tossed the bouquet.
So subtle.
The bouquet aimed straight for her, leaving Lena two options: duck or catch.
She caught it, eliciting squeals of joy from Tayla and Allie.
Catching a beautiful bouquet of roses at Jason and Tayla's beach wedding didn't guarantee Lena's future withNash, but it didn't hurt her chances. She'd become fast friends with Allie and Tayla over the past few months, and both women hoped Nash would propose soon.
But Lena understood their eagerness was partly due to the "wedding fever" in the air. Allie and Knox had gotten engaged one month before Jason and Tayla's wedding, so naturally, weddings were a popular topic for her new best friends lately.
She didn't want Nash to feel any pressure, though. They needed to navigate their relationship at their own pace.
Because life had been crazy the past few months.
Her father met with lawyers constantly, fighting charges about the jewelry theft. And so much more.
Lena's afternoon investigation four months ago had produced more evidence than she'd expected. The proof she'd handed to the FBI was overwhelming.
Extortion. Bribery. Falsifying documents. Mail fraud.
The list was long. Exhausting. And painful.
Charges were filed. Court dates set. Then more court dates were set.
Her family's lawyers were earning every penny of their steep rates.
Nash had been an encouraging friend, a rock to lean on, and a blissful distraction throughout her family's drama. He prayed with her and didn't let her forget that she wasn't alone.
He was an answer to a prayer she hadn't had the courage to voice. And she was so grateful to God for him. Every single day.
Looking back on their harrowing few days on Isadora Island, she was surprised how much she missed Nutmeg.
She'd stayed on the island another day to look after Nutmeg after her father returned to Houston. Victoria Van Horn returned from Paris early after learning about Emil's death, but when she arrived, she acted more concerned about Nutmeg than about the death of her nephew. Emil had been very far from perfect, but his aunt's apparent apathy saddened Lena.
Then again, everyone mourns differently. So, for Victoria Van Horn, maybe fussing over little Nutmeg was a healthy way to cope with the sudden loss.
Lena wished she could cuddle with sweet Nutmeg when family and work stressed her out. With her father and uncle busy with their lawyers, the bulk of the day-to-day business fell to her. And she didn't enjoy a minute of it.Her only goal was to get the business sorted and handed over to her cousin Michael as soon as possible.
Then she'd quit.
She wasn't exactly sure what she'd do next, but anything had to be better than her family's business. She might even stay in real estate but get a fresh start somewhere else. Or work with therapy animals.
She hadn't decided yet.
Nash was supportive of all her considered options. And she loved him for it.
