He looked over his shoulder.
I crossed the room.
The office safe waited downstairs.
The ring inside had existed in our life longer than my memory of Reid.
For months, that had frightened me.
It had felt like evidence in a case I had not agreed to hear. A promise made by strangers. A future waiting for the wrong man.
Now it felt different.
Not a command from the past.
A question still available.
“Show me the ring.”
Reid went completely still.
“What?”
“The one in the safe.”
His eyes searched mine.
“Tonight?”
“Yes.”
“You’re tired.”
“I rested in the car.”
“This is not a small request.”
“I know.”
“Are you asking because of the lunch?”
“Partly.”
His throat moved.
“What else?”
“Because I’m ready to see it.”
He set the container down.
“Noah.”
“I don’t want a proposal.”
Pain flickered across his face before I finished.
“I want the ring.”
