Celine knew without a doubt Noni meant every word she said. “I think it makes Aaron feel better. He's trying to protect you.”
“Why do you think I let him put it up?” Noni took a sip of tea. A gentle breeze blew a few strands of her silver hair free from her bun. She’d taken care of Celine before her kidnapping, when she’d been working with Aaron to help at the wedding.
“I see so much of my Johnny in him. Both men were strong, hard-working, and loved something fierce.” Noni lifted the corner of her flower printed apron and wiped a lone tear away. “I still miss him sometimes, just like the day I lost him.”
Celine's heart lurched and she covered Noni's hand with her own. What must it be like to have a love like that? Someone who loved you beyond death. “I'm so sorry.”
“It's okay, the good Lord saw fit to give us fifty years together. Besides, I know he's up there watching over me and our family.”
“He sounds like a special man.”
“He is and you’ve got your own special one right out there.” She stretched a bony finger in Aaron's direction.
Celine’s throat closed off, leaving her to nod weakly. Aaron was special to her, more special than any man. He'd made her see that she wasn't second-best to him. He put her above everything and everyone else.
He’d somehow gotten his commander, Colonel Grey, to issue orders for him to stay stateside for a while, guarding Celine until they were sure all the threats to her life were gone. She’d expected a little push back from Aaron, but no, he’dseemed perfectly content to stay by her side.
“Girlie, what are you doing sitting up here with an old woman?”
“What do you mean? I love spending time with you.” Noni was so different from her own family and Celine had already halfway adopted Aaron’s grandmother in her heart. She’d never gotten the chance to know her own grandparents, but if she had, she’d like to imagine them just like Noni.
“I have a feeling we'll get to spend plenty of time together,” Noni said.
“I hope so.”
Noni stood and stretched and then went to the front door. “Time for my afternoon nap. You go on and take him some tea and fudge.” Noni winked at her. “Men like that.”
She went inside, leaving Celine to either sit on the porch by herself or do what the woman said. Go take care of her man.
She poured a glass of iced tea from the pitcher on the tray, grabbed a handful of fudge and crossed the yard. Aaron dropped his tools and leaned an elbow on the gate, giving her a smile that melted her heart. She was going to take care of him alright, for the rest of her life.
“Damn.” He shook his head as if he couldn’t believe his eyes.
She paused a foot from him, soaking up the appreciation shining in his baby browns. “What?”
“My woman bringing me some sweet ice tea and fudge. The only thing I think that could make it better would be you standing there naked.”
“Aaron! Noni could hear you.” Heat stole up her cheeks, embarrassed and aroused by him all at once.
“It isn’t like she hasn’t heard it before. Come here.” He took the glass and chocolate, balanced them on the fence post behind him. And then he took her into his arms and proceeded to show her exactly how much he wanted her.
A little while later, she managed to pull back from his heart melting kiss for some air. She rested her cheek against his chest and savored his strong, muscular arms. “Do you think we could ever be like Noni and her husband were? Together for their whole lives?”
Aaron leaned away from her, his eyebrows arching. “You mean love each other until we’re old and grey?”
She nodded, wishing for that more than anything.
Aaron dropped to the grass and reached into his toolkit. He turned her palm up and covered it with his own. She barely registered the fact that he’d dropped something in her hand.
“Only if you say yes.”
He uncovered her palm and she stared in shock at a delicate diamond and filigree ring. Everything about it screamed vintage and gorgeous. Heat exploded across her chest and down her arms. “Is this…”
“Noni’s original wedding ring. She said she wanted us to have it. I want a love like that too. Celine Latimer will you be my wife, even after death?” Hope and an emotion so deep she didn’t have a name for it shown in his expression.
Celine clapped her free hand over her mouth, nodding through the tears. “Yes.”
Aaron carefully took the ring from her trembling hand, turned her palm over and slid the ring on her finger. It fit perfectly. Like it was meant to be.
