LOOKING OUT HIS BEDROOM WINDOW at the October trees, Rafe had to heave out a breath to settle his nervous stomach. He fingered the small box in his pocket. Last week had been the six-month anniversary of Zed’s murder, and Rafe hoped it’d been enough time. Today’s family barbecue would be the last one of the summer. It seemed the perfect time.
His mind flashed back to the night Alex had proposed to Francie. He’d taken her to a nice restaurant filled with their friends and coworkers. Rafe had come home from Harvard for it.
For himself, because he was too well known in the area, he didn’t feel comfortable doing anything quite so flamboyant. Was he cheating Ahri out of that kind of memory? Or was he a coward because he was afraid she might turn him down? He didn’tthinkshe would. They’d dated exclusively since Midsummer’s Eve and had discussed a future together.
He fingered the ring box again. More doubts assailed him. Was he being presumptuous in picking one out without her? Why could he be decisive about business-related things but second-guess every detail with Ahri?
When Rafe opened his garage door, he found the guys already waiting in the driveway.
“Everything’s set up at your mother’s place,” Kayn said with a grin.
“Show it to us.” Ez held out his hand.
Rafe pulled out the box and opened it.
“I like the simple design,” Darius said. “It has style but isn’t ostentatious.”
“Good choice.” Kayn nodded. “She’s not into fancy stuff.”
“Simple and beautiful, like Ahri,” Ez said.
Rafe put the box back in his pocket. “Let’s do this.”
As they approached the B&B,Rafe could make out the first zip line platform on the tree in the distance. It’d been quite a production to get everything built and inspected for safety during the week while keeping Ahri away. His mother had taken her and the children to the outlet stores yesterday and kept them out all day.
“You sure she hasn’t been to the house this week?” he asked.
“I made sure her boss knew to have lots for her to do during the day,” Kayn said.
“I didn’t have to make up work for her either,” Darius said. “She’s got your eye for detail, man. She’s the best paid intern I’ve ever had.”
“Even if she’s always pushing to rework the armor on our female champions?” Rafe asked, with a chuckle.
“Well, her argument’s a good one if we want to appeal to a broader audience.” Darius shrugged.
Lessa and Nik burst out the front door at the sound of his car. As soon as Rafe opened his door, she ran to him carrying a bear.
“Ma said this is the best place for it because I can carry it in my harness.” She held the toy out for him to examine.
“You’ll have to be careful not to lose any of his stuffing.” He examined where the seam had been opened.
“Ahri should be here in half an hour.” His mother smiled at him. “May I look at it?”
Rafe handed her the little box. She opened it and bent over so the children could see the ring too.
“I promise I won’t drop it.” Lessa gave him a huge smile. “I’m going to have asister.”
“If she accepts me,” Rafe muttered under his breath.
“Remember, Nik, that you cannotsay anything about this to Ahri.” Ma made a zipping motion across her mouth, and the little boy did the same thing.
“He’s not going to last very long,” Alex said, “so you’ll want to do it as soon as she gets here. Lessa’s been practicing all morning. She can’t wait until she’s ten and can go ziplining for real.”
“I’ll get this closed up.” His mother and sister headed back inside.
“How are you holding up?” Alex asked.
“I think I’m getting an ulcer.” Rafe rubbed his abdomen.
