Noah dodged her attempt. “That he chose to do with as he pleased. And now so am I.”
“Noah, you don’t understand. I’ll be fine.” Her gaze turned pleading. She scooted closer to him on the couch and pressed the paper against his chest, holding it there against his heart. “I’ve come to terms with this. Delia is going to be okay—she’s got several potential buyers interested in the Blossom. If this hunt has taught me anything, it’s about what’s most valuable in life.”
August leaned forward in his chair, eyes attentive.
Elisa’s hand slipped on Noah’s chest, and the check drifted to his lap. “I can’t let you lose your grandfather’s legacy because of me.” She swallowed, pressing her now-empty hands to her cheeks. “You’re more important than my memories.” She let loose a little half laugh, half cry. “You’re some of my best ones.”
Noah picked up the check, his chest burning from the lingering imprint of her touch. He stared at her in awe.Thiswas the woman he’d been afraid to trust? The one insisting she kill her own dream so his could live? The one sacrificing herself and her desires for him—because she genuinely believed that was the right thing to do?
He’d assumed the worst again, like his family had always done. But he could break that curse, right here and now. By trusting Elisa.
He searched her eyes, all his feelings for her rising to a crescendo in his chest. How had he been so scared before? He’d do a dozen more hunts with her and for her. He’d climb a dozen more lighthouses. Heck, he’d go to the moon if she wanted, heights and all.
“I mean it.” She whispered now, her eyes glassy with unshed tears. “This check is yours. I’ve gotten what I needed.”
“Elisa…” He couldn’t stand it anymore. He reached out and touched her cheek. The tears slipped over, dripping down her chin. If August hadn’t been sitting mere feet away, he’d have kissed it away. “I don’t deserve you.”
“Finally something you and my father agree on.” She grinned through the tears, reaching up and taking his hand in hers as they laughed. She threaded their fingers together, then tucked their joined hands against her cheek.
Emotion clogged the words he wanted so badly to say. He loved this woman. He’d loved her every day since he was eighteen. It was true then, and it was true now—only deeper. Wider. All-encompassing. He stared into her blue eyes, memorizing their depths.
They felt like home.
“Maybe I’ll pour another cup of coffee.” August lurched to his feet. “Take your time.”
Noah only noticed his exit through his peripheral because he couldn’t stop staring at Elisa. “Last chance on the money. Are you sure?”
“Positive.” She briefly pressed her lips against his knuckles on their joined hands. “I have full faith it’s the right thing to do.”
“I’m pretty sure something else is the right thing, too. Something I was too afraid to say earlier this morning.” Noah traced her cheekbone with one finger before letting his free hand settle into the ends of her hair. “Will you give me another chance? Officially?”
“I’ve heard about those Hebert men.” Elisa leaned in closer. “You know, about how persistent they are. Never quit, that bunch. I don’t think I have a choice.” She batted her lashes at him.
Her words, while playful, settled like a balm over his heart. “Very persistent, I think. Especially when we see something we want.” His gaze landed on her lips, which curved into an immediate smile.
Curse broken.
He leaned toward her just as his phone rang, startling them both. He reluctantly pulled away and checked the ID.
Sadie. He winced. “I should probably get this.” Sadie had agreed to keep the book in her store’s safe until he could come back for it later. He didn’t need to tote it to the bank unprotected.
Which reminded him…he checked his watch.
Thirty minutes ’til nine. “Do me a favor? Hold that thought you were just having”—he grinned at her—“and go let August know we’ve got to leave.”
“Hello?” He pocketed the check as he answered, unable to keep himself from watching Elisa as she headed for the kitchen.
“Noah.” Sadie’s voice sounded serious, snatching his full attention. “I’m so glad I caught you.”
He stood. “Is everything okay?”
At the question, Elisa paused by the kitchen door, eyes raised as she waited.
“After you left, something kept niggling at me.” Sadie’s words raced faster. “You called the book a collector’s edition.”
“Right.” Noah frowned. “Grandpa’s favorite.” He motioned for Elisa to continue on her quest. They had to get to the bank before Russell.
Sadie’s anxious tone pierced his ear. “Noah, it’s not a collector’s edition.”
