Page 99 of Abandoned

“Of course.” Will tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “And how are you?”

Her insides fluttered around. “Better, now that you’re here.” She ran her hands across his shoulders and behind his neck.

He tugged her close by the hips. “I’m glad you were able to help Miley, but I missed you this afternoon.”

“You know what they say about absence?”

“It drives the lovesick crazy?”

She laughed. “Sure. That’s it.”

He leaned forward, and she met his lips with her own. If their life was a romance story that had started with their silly meet-cute of literally running into one another, wasn’t this the part where he’d get down on one knee and ask her for forever?

Will pulled out of the kiss first. His eyes sparkled. “The weather is as beautiful as you. What do you say we walk into town, have dinner, and …”

“And?”

“Maybe stop in the jewelry store and look at rings?”

“The one that’s closed on Sundays, and even if it wasn’t Sunday, closes at five?”

“Yeah, that one. I guess we can’t do that tonight.”

“Is it too soon?” She bit her lip.

“Apparently. The store is closed.”

She laughed and laid her head on his shoulder.

He kissed her head. “What about the other part? Walk into town?”

“Absolutely.” She stepped back and slid her hand into his.

They walked down the driveway and turned down the tree-lined lane that held some of the oldest homes in Hazel Hill.

Half a block down, Will said, “I requested enrollment information from my old college.”

“Really? Thinking about becoming a detective?”

“I’m not sure, but I’ll at least take a class or two toward my degree and see where it takes me. If you’re okay with that.”

She squeezed his hand. “Of course. I’m so proud of you. I’m beside you whatever you choose.”

“Good.” They walked on.

Her mind wandered to the idea of looking at rings. She held up her left hand that still had the twisty-tie ring, although it wasn’t the same one. Will had made her a new one the day after Brett tried to kill her.

She said, “I am fond of this one, but it’s not very practical. Are you sure it’s not too soon for us to get that serious? I haven’t even met your sister Victoria yet.”

“Anne approves; I don’t care what Victoria says. Plus, my parents adore you.”

They’d had dinner with his family again last night, and once again, it had been the most wonderful time Zara had ever experienced with a family. Could they really become her family too?

Will stopped under a huge oak tree and tugged her to a stop. “I’ve already told you how convinced I am about our future. Do you have doubts?”

“No. I don’t think so. No, I don’t. I have no doubt that I love you. I may have a long road ahead to realize that you really will stick around, but you’ve proven it, so I have no more doubts.”

“Good.” Will closed the small distance between them and, with a hand raked into her hair, drew her lips to his.