Liz’s mouth hung open in shock, but before she could protest, Ethan took her hand and led her to the dance floor, pulling her close to him and dancing with her.
“You are looking smug.” Ryan came up behind her, putting his arms around her waist. “Are you causing trouble, witch? Will I have to punish you?”
Lacy turned toward him and put her arms around his neck and kissed his lips softly. “Oh, definitely, Sheriff.”
He kissed her back but was interrupted by Stella.
“Plenty of time for that later. Right now I need to hug my best friend.” She cried all over Lacy until Stanley pulled her away, patting her back. Stanley was tall and thin with blond hair cut short and wire-rimmed glasses. He was as quiet as Stella was bubbly. He gave Stella a handkerchief and put his arm around her. “Lacy is fine, sweetheart. Don’t get so upset. It’s not good for the baby.”
“I’m doing good, Stella, and I’ll be back to work soon,” Lacy assured her friend with a smile. “You two look so adorable,” she said, changing the subject. They were both dressed as scarecrows and holding hands. They looked so happy together. She wanted everyone to just enjoy the party tonight and not feel sad for her. She really was doing better. She was happy to be alive and wanted everyone to be happy, too.
Stella sniffed into the handkerchief but smiled at Lacy. “You look hot by the way. Did you see Henry? He’s dressed as a hippie. How much you want to bet that’s a genuine outfit that he wore in his youth?”
They all laughed and made small talk for a few minutes and then Ryan pulled Lacy out to the dance floor. He held her closely as she laid her head on his shoulder and sighed. “I’m so happy to see everyone. Thanks for bringing me Ryan. I know you don’t like parties.”
“I’d do anything for your smile, baby.” He kissed her lightly, swaying softly to the music and rubbing her back gently. He loved feeling her body so close to him. He knew she could feel his erection. He wanted tonight to be romantic but he couldn’t help how his body reacted when she got near.
She looked out to the dance floor, seeing Stella and Stanley dancing close and Ethan with Liz. Lacy sighed and closed her eyes, humming softly to the music, enjoying the moment. Thank God Emma wasn’t here to ruin the moment.
After the song was over he took her upstairs to the apartment. She hadn’t been there all week and it felt strange to be back. The door had been fixed and everything was clean. She flinched a little, remembering Chico breaking the door down, but it was gone quickly. Like Ryan said, fear didn’t belong in their lives.
“I wanted to be alone with you.” He looked a little nervous. “But maybe this wasn’t the best choice. I don’t want you filled with bad memories tonight, baby.”
Lacy sat on the couch. She took her hat off and set it on the table and smiled flirtatiously. “We could make some new memories. All we need is you and me and a bed.” Then she looked at the couch with a smile. “Or maybe a couch will do.”
He laughed and kissed her passionately then pulled away before he forgot everything but taking Lacy to bed.
He smiled and held her hand. “I love you, Lacy, and I want to spend the rest of my life making memories with you. Will you marry me?” He pulled out a ring with a solitaire diamond in the middle.
Lacy threw herself into his arms so hard he fell back on the couch and she straddled him. She screamed with joy, kissing his face all over, making him laugh loudly. “I love you, Ryan Clark.”
Ryan slipped the ring on her finger and pulled her down for a soft, gentle kiss that sealed their promise. He moved her hair back so he could see her precious face. Lacy’s face was radiant and her eyes were filled with such love and joy that he had to blink back tears. He hope
d to see that same expression in fifty years and was determined he would. “You are mine now and forever, darlin’,” he vowed.
“Always,” she promised him with no more doubts or fears. Appledale had not only given her a safe place to hide but had given her her soul mate.
THE END