“Aye.” Brass raises his hand.
We go around the table one at a time, and each brother votes. Even though it’s unanimous, Coal still turns to Tinman.
“Tally?”
“All ayes. Congratulations, son.” He grins at me. “You boys have done me proud. I’ve got some fantastic daughters-in-law.”
“I haven’t officially asked her yet,” I warn. “I’m taking her for a ride this afternoon and will ask her then.”
“If there’s nothing else?” Coal asks, looking around.
The brothers shake their heads.
“Church dismissed. Ride safe if you’re going out.”
Church empties fast, and I search for Nora as soon as I’m in the common room. I find her rolling on the floor, play-wrestling with Noah, Shea, and Opal.
I watch them for a second before walking over and catching Nora’s eye. Holding out my hand, I tug her up. “Are you ready to take that ride, darlin’?”
“Yep.” She waves at the kids, smiling at their protests as we leave.
Nora lets out a deep sigh, and I turn my head to look at her. She’s smiling, relaxed, and happy.
“That was fun,” she says when she catches me watching her. “They’re lovely kids.”
“They are,” I agree as we reach my sled.
I hand her the borrowed helmet. She’s already dressed for the ride. I wait untilshe’s fitted it on her head before I check the strap under her chin.
Getting on my sled, I back it out before starting it up and hold out my hand for Nora to help her get on behind me.
Once she’s seated, I grip her thighs and tug her into my back. We’re plastered so close that I can feel every breath she takes as she laughs at me. She doesn’t move away, though. Instead, she wraps her arms around me and squeezes.
I set off down the road, past the clubhouse. I raise a hand at Sterling, who must be watching the cameras, because I don’t have to stop and wait for the gate to open.
It’s after one in the afternoon, dry and not too cold, so I decide we’ve got time for a decent run and take the exit for Lymington. It’s a scenic ride and has a café on the beach.
Tension I didn't even know I was carrying flows out of me the further we ride.Behind me, Nora flows with me around every bend and curve. It’s peaceful and just what I needed after the chaos of the last few days.
The beach is quiet when we park and get off.
Nora removes her helmet and lifts her face to the sun, sighing gently. “Oh, this was a good idea.”
Taking her helmet from her, I place it on the seat along with mine. The beach is practically empty. It’s mid-week, so it’s only a few dog walkers and us. We won’t be going far.
I take a blanket from my saddlebag and tuck it under my arm. “Want to sit on the beach with me?”
“Sounds good.”
We walk to an outcropping of rocks. I shake the blanket out and lay it on the sand before sitting with my back against a rock and patting the space between my legs for Nora to sit.
Neither of us says anything as she settles against me, and we watch the waves ebbing and flowing as the tide rolls out.
Nora lets out another little sigh and relaxes against me, closing her eyes.
It’s good knowing that she’s at ease and relaxed.
I hope I don’t fuck it up with my next question.
