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It was Desdemona. “Oh, thank the stars!”
I smiled as my aunt rushed to my side and embraced me as though I were breakable. I breathed in her familiar scent of patchouli, and tears prickled in the backs of my eyes. I was surrounded by my family, and I’d never felt more loved.
57
NATE
On Saturday,after Alice had been formally charged and remanded in custody, I delegated my duties to Patton and returned to Queenstown with Tess in tow. We ran an errand and then went to the hospital. Desdemona and Max were already in Grace’s room. Desdemona sat at her bedside, talking to her, while Max observed from his position against a wall near the door.
As we entered, my gaze lingered on Grace. Her skin was still pale, especially in contrast to her dark hair, but she was beautiful nonetheless. She met my gaze and smiled. I felt the force of that smile in my heart.
Max grabbed my hand as I passed him. “Are you sure you want to do this now?” he asked softly. “It’s understandable that you’re having a strong emotional response to the trauma, but—”
“I’m sure,” I interrupted just as quietly. “What happened gave me a metaphorical kick up the ass, but this is absolutely what I want to do.”
“Okay, then.” He let me go.
As we drew near to Grace, Desdemona stood and offered me her seat. I took it, and Tess perched on the edge of my lap—something she hadn’t done since she was younger.
“Hey, Gracie.” I leaned over to kiss her forehead. “How are you doing?”
“Better.” She sounded weary but more awake than yesterday.
“I’m glad to hear it.” I swallowed, trying to choose the words that would express everything I wanted to say. I was better at action than words, damn it. “I love you so much. I know our relationship is new, but in a way, I’ve loved you for years. You’re my best friend. Other than Tess, there’s no one I trust and care for more. We’ve let time slip away from us, and I don’t want that to happen again.”
I nodded to Tess, who reached into her pocket and withdrew a small black box. She opened it to reveal a white-gold engagement ring. The design was simple but elegant. I thought it matched Grace perfectly.
Grace’s eyes widened and her breathing hitched. She looked from the ring to Tess and me, a question in her eyes.
“This diamond represents our past,” I told her, indicating the smaller gem to the left of the central one. “All our years of friendship and the foundation we’ve built together.”
She raised a trembling hand to her mouth.
“This is for our present.” I pointed to the large stone in the center. “And this third one is for our future. I hope it’s long and bright, because you make me happier than I ever thought I could be.” I paused for a moment, then took the plunge. “Will you marry me?”
Tears sparkled in those warm hazel eyes I’d stared into so many times before.
“Yes,” she said. “I would love to marry you.”
Thank god.
I let out a breath. I’d hoped she’d say yes, but our relationship had changed so recently that I couldn’t be sure.
“Tess, honey, why don’t you help her put the ring on?” I suggested.
With a wide grin, my daughter carefully took the ring from the satin cushion and held it out to Grace, who slipped it onto the third finger of her uninjured left hand.
“I’m glad you said yes,” Tess confided in Grace. “Dad would be a mess without you.”
“Hey!” I protested, but Grace and Tess just laughed. I glanced at Max, who arched an eyebrow as if he agreed with Tess.
“I told you change was on the horizon,” Desdemona said, beaming at Grace. “I’m so happy for you, dearest.”
Grace looked at her affectionately. “You could have let me know it was something good.”
Desdemona shrugged. “All good things come with bad. Where there are new beginnings, there are also endings.”
Grace’s lips quirked. “I love you, Auntie.”
