“Why are we going to the Inn? I figured if you were already in Winter Lake we’d stay until your shift started.”
“Well, normally I would, but I’ve got some things to take to the Inn and I thought I’d do it before work.”
“I can take them for you. Save you doing the extra trip.”
“You could, but I’m not sure all my stuff will fit in your truck.” Not that she was taking everything now, but she wanted him to clue in to her plan without her outright saying anything.
Nash was silent for a moment, only the sound of his breathing coming through the phone before he growled, “Laura?”
There was so much emotion in his voice and she couldn’t keep the excitement from filling her own. “Nash.”
“Are you…? Did you…”
She could imagine him shaking his head the way he did whenever she shocked him. “Yes.”
“I’ll be there in five. Don’t move. Don’t do anything.”
Laughing, Laura glanced over her shoulder at her sister. “I’m not actually doing anything. Carly is doing it.”
“She’d packing up your stuff?” The sound of Nash’s truck starting filled her ear before everything cut off for a second. They’d done this before. Nash always called to let her know he was leaving work, so she knew the call was connecting to the bluetooth in his truck. He’d obviously forgotten the disruption in connection because when his voice came back it was with half a sentence. “Kicking you out?”
“What?”
“Is Carly kicking you out?”
She laughed. “No. But she did give me a good nudge in the right direction.”
“Did you need a nudge?” Concern laced his words.
“Not really, and it was more of a reality check. She reminded me that I shouldn’t worry about anyone but you and me.”
“And that prompted you to reconsider moving in together?”
“Yes. Plus other than when I’m on shift or your at work we are together. We sleep in the same bed every night, yours or mine. We live together already, we just do it in two different houses.”
“And now we’ll do it in one house.”
“Yes.”
“Come down stairs.”
“What?” Laura glanced at the window. “You’re here? Just come up.”
“No, I’m parking, but I want you to come downstairs.”
“Nash, I?—”
“Please, Laura.”
“Fine.” She was already walking toward the door but stopped. “Wait. I should bring some things down with me.”
“No!” Nash’s shout was dulled by the slamming of his truck door. “Just come down here. Please.”
“Okay. See you in a sec.” She hung up and yelled, “I’m going down to meet Nash,” over her shoulder.
She didn’t wait for Carly to reply. She threw the door open and raced down the stairs. Now that she’d made the decision to move in with Nash she wanted to see him. Hold him tight and kiss him. Right this second.
Bursting through the building’s exterior door, she rushed toward Nash. It wasn’t until she was a few feet away that she registered what he was doing and came to an abrupt halt.
