The Rose Ring

by Lucie Ulrich

  Micah swallowed a bite of sandwich. “At the risk of starting something, will you answer one question that’s been bugging me?”

  “Ask away,” Noah said.

  “When you told me that you’d tried to keep in contact, was that true?”

  “I wrote to you every couple of weeks for two full years.” He sat back in his chair. “And every couple of weeks for two full years, those letters came back unopened. I even tried going through a third party, but Sam somehow got wind, ‘cause those letters came back as well.”

  Micah lifted the mug to his mouth but didn’t drink. “For a time I wondered if that might be the case. Even got up the nerve to ask Sam about it once.”

  “I can only imagine the old man’s reaction.”

  The moment was etched in Micah’s mind. It had solidified the feelings of anger and abandonment he’d carried through the next fourteen years. He sipped his coffee. “I’m sure you can.”

  “Tell me.”

  “It’s not important anymore. It’s enough to know you tried.”

  Noah looked him dead on. “It’s important to me.”

  Micah set his mug on the table and stared into the inky brew. “Sam grabbed the front of my shirt and brought me nose to nose with him. Said if I ever accused him of anything like that again, he’d see to it I couldn’t sit for a week.” Micah’s throat tightened. “I was never to mention your name in his presence again. You’d abandoned your family, and if I thought you cared anything about me, I was a bigger fool than my no-good brother.” He looked up. “I believed him.”

  “You were a kid.”

  “I should have known better.”

  “And I should have tried harder.” Noah reached for a sandwich. “But no matter how many excuses we come up with, we can’t change the past. Truth of the matter is Sam was an overbearing control freak. I couldn’t find my place in this town, and you were a kid trying to cope with more loss than you deserved. If ever there was a mixture for disaster, that was it. Let’s just be grateful we’ve gotten a second chance.”

  Micah swallowed hard. “I am grateful. I kind of like having my big brother around again.” He pushed his chair back. “And before we start sounding like a couple of teenage girls, I’m going to get to work.”

  Noah laughed. “If I promise not to cry, will you give me five more minutes?”

  “Sure.”

  “Great, follow me up to the attic.”

  “The attic?”

  “Trust me.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

  Micah pulled in the alley behind the diner and stepped through the back door. In keeping with Sky’s requests, he’d stayed away, though they’d spoken on a daily basis. It had been fun to flirt over the phone.

  “Go on up,” Carl called from the kitchen. “She’s waiting for you.”

  He dashed up the stairs, a bouquet of white, pink, and red roses in his hand. Standing at the door, his heart took on a slightly faster rhythm, and his palms began to sweat. He’d never been nervous around girls before. Then again, Sky wasn’t just any girl. She was his wife, and he wanted her to remain his wife.

  Sucking in a breath of air through his nose and releasing it through his mouth, Micah straightened his tie and hid the flowers behind his back before knocking. When she pulled the door open and greeted him with her beautiful smile, he nearly dropped the bouquet. She wore a sapphire blue knit dress with a wide black belt that accentuated her small waist, black tights, and boots that reached just below her knees.

  “Wow!” His heart rate kicked into overdrive. It took all of his self-control not to take her into his arms and kiss her until she begged for air.

  Rein it in boy. This is a date, not your honeymoon.

  Her already pink cheeks deepened in color. “You told me this was a no jeans date, so I had to do some shopping.”

  “I’m thinking you should go shopping more often.” He pulled the flowers from behind his back. “For you.”

  “They’re beautiful.” She pressed the bouquet to her nose. “Come in while I put them in water.”

  He followed her to the kitchen and watched while she snipped the ends of the stems and arranged the flowers just so. “I’ll put these on the coffee table then we can go.” She looked over her shoulder. “Where are you taking me, anyway?”

  “It’s a surprise.”

  She set the flowers down and made a final adjustment. “You have mischief in your eyes, Mr. Connors.”

  He smiled, excited about the plans he’d made. “Get your coat so we can get out of here. I’ll let you determine whether or not the evening contains any mischief.” When she returned, he stood behind her and helped her on with her coat. “By the way, you smell as good as you look.”

  “And here I thought we’d gotten past the whole sniffing thing.”

  He kissed her cheek. “You’re wearing perfume tonight. It’s hard not to notice.”

  “In that case, I thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. Nice coat, by the way. You went all out.”

  “Not bad for someone who doesn’t like to shop for clothes, huh?”

  “Not bad at all.” He offered his hand, which she took, and led her out the door and down the stairs.

  “See you later, Carl.” Sky stepped toward the kitchen and blew a kiss in Carl’s direction. He took a couple steps in her direction, arms outstretched, and she backed away, giggling. “I love you, but I don’t want any kitchen crud on my new outfit. I’ll hug you doubly hard when I get back.”

  Carl shot him a look over Sky’s head. Micah didn’t dare acknowledge it for fear of ruining the surprise. He should have known Sky wouldn’t miss it.

  She turned from Carl to Micah. “Oh, there is definite mischief at play. What’s this all about?”

  Micah needed a distraction, and he needed it now. “Hey, remember that picture you gave Noah? The one you found in the dressing table?”

  “I don’t think that picture has anything to do with what you have in mind.”

  “Well, it turns out Annie is Noah’s mother.”

  Her eyes doubled in size. “What?”

  Mission accomplished! He grabbed her hand and pulled her through back door. “I’ll tell you about it on the way.”

  ****

  So mesmerized by Micah’s story, Sky paid no attention to where they were going, or how long it took to get there.

  “I can’t believe it.” She shifted her body to look at Micah. “Yet it does explain some of the looks I’d seen on Annie’s face when Noah was around. Still, Annie and your father? I’m stunned.”

  “You aren’t the only one.”

  She pinched her eyes shut. “I’m sorry, Micah, that must have sounded so inconsiderate. It’s just that I’m—”

  “Stunned?” He smiled and took hold of her hand. “Can’t say it didn’t come as a shock, but I’m glad it’s out in the open. Annie deserves to be able to acknowledge her son, and Noah has a right to know his mother. They’re both happy about the turn of events.”

  “And what about you? Are you happy?”

  He winked, brought her hand to his lips, and kissed her palm. “I’ll let you know after our date.”

  Electricity sizzled down her spine. She breathed deeply in an effort to regulate her heartbeat. It was important to keep her wits about her, and make sure they had the same goals in mind. “You know exactly what I’m talking about.”

  “Yeah, but I love it when you blush.”

  “It’s too dark to see whether or not I’m blushing.”

  “I don’t need to see to know.”

  The smile in his voice had her ears ringing. She pulled her hand free and looked out the windshield. She’d expected him to take her to Missoula to some fancy restaurant, yet the roads were dark, and if she wasn’t mistaken, they’d just passed the farm across from Micah’s property. “Where are you taking me?”

  “You’ll find out in about three minutes.” He took a hard left onto a dirt road.

  She frowned when they drove und
er the familiar Eagle’s Nest arch. “I don’t understand.”

  “I told you it was a surprise.”

  She remained silent while Micah drove toward the house. When he parked, he told her to stay put while he ran around the front of the truck to open her door. He extended a hand and helped her out. With her hand safely enveloped by his, Micah led her, not to the main house, but around back to the cabin. She stopped him a few yards short of the front door. “What’s going on, Micah?”

  “Don’t spoil the fun.” He kissed her cheek. “Please?” His smile, crooked and inviting, radiated under a full moon.

  There was no way she could deprive him of this moment. “Okay.”

  “Close your eyes,” he said when they stepped onto the small porch.

  “Seriously?”

  “Yes, seriously.”

  The innocent little-boy grin accentuated the mischief in his eyes. Tingles of excitement and anticipation prickled Sky’s cheeks. She could hardly wait to find out what he was up to. “I’m at your mercy.” She closed her eyes and allowed him to guide her into the house, his arm circled around her waist.

  Their footsteps resonated against hardwood floors. She sniffed the air. Whatever was cooking smelled Italian. There was definitely lots of garlic and oregano. “Are you cooking?”

  “No questions allowed.” He led her a few more feet before coming to a stop.

  “Can I open my eyes now?”

  “Not yet. I have one more thing to do first.” He released his hold.

  She reached out for him. “Where are you going?”

  Micah took her hand and kissed her palm. “I’ll be right back.”

  The distinctive strike and pungent odor of a match had her wondering about candles. Butterflies flitted in her belly. The man was certainly making this special.

  “Okay,” he said when he returned to her side. “You can look now.”

  Instead of opening her eyes, Sky tightened them. Her heart danced with anticipation, and she wanted to hold on to that feeling for a moment longer.

  “Hey, I thought you wanted to look?”

  “I do.” She laced her arm through his and laid her head against his shoulder. “Just trying to picture what you’ve cooked up for me.” She let out a long breath. “Okay, here goes.”

  The beginning of a fire crackled in the most beautiful stone fireplace she’d ever seen. Atop the large wooden mantel, holly sprigs and garland accentuated part of her Christmas tree collection. The remainder of the trees were arranged into a beautiful centerpiece on the coffee table. Her voice hitched. “You did this?”

  He grinned and puffed out his chest a little. “I did.”

  The built-in bookshelves on either side of the fireplace were filled with books. Hers? She stepped forward for a closer look. They were. Turning back to him, she gasped at the sight of a six foot Christmas tree in front of the window next to the door. It was strung with tiny white lights and dotted with poinsettias instead of ornaments. A silver star twinkled atop the tree. “Oh Micah.”

  “I know Thanksgiving’s still a week off, but I figured it was time I brought Christmas back to Eagle’s Nest.”

  Tears sprang to her eyes. “But this is Noah’s place. I don’t understand.”

  “Maybe this will help.” Micah brushed a tear from her cheek before taking her hand He guided her to the back of the cabin. “As much as I’d like to take credit for what you’re about to see, it was Noah’s idea. And a pretty good one, I think.” He pointed to the door. “Go on in.”

  With shaky fingers, Sky grasped the doorknob. What other surprise could possibly be waiting for her? She turned the knob and stepped into the room. Her breath caught at the sight of the furniture from the attic. The sleigh bed was made up with the comforter from her room at the main house. Twin nightstands sat on either side. The dresser was adorned with a large floral arrangement of pink roses and green hydrangea, and the vanity she loved so dearly sat next to the window. In the far corner sat a circular tan dog bed with the name Charlie monogrammed on it. Her heart swelled.

  Noah was the only one who knew how much she appreciated the furniture. He not only wanted her to have it, he wanted her to have his place. He and Micah had worked together to make this happen. “For me?”

  Micah came up behind her and slid his arms around her waist. “I have a lot to make up for.”

  His warm breath tickled her ear, sending shivers down to her toes. She wrapped her arms over his. “You’re off to a pretty good start.”

  “Come on, there’s something else I want to show you.” He released his hold and took her hand.

  “I’m not sure I can take much more.”

  “I think you’ll like this. I know I will.” He brushed a gentle kiss over her lips before leading her toward the Christmas tree. “Noah told me about the talk the two of you had in the attic.”

  Her heart clenched at the memory of the splintered sled and the pain she’d seen in Noah’s eyes. “Are you angry?”

  “No. I’m glad he told you what I couldn’t bear to talk about. But those days are gone, Sky. I don’t want to keep my past hidden in the attic anymore.” With a quick tug, he removed a blanket from what she thought was a large ottoman. “This belongs with the bedroom set, but before you can fill it with your memories, I need to empty mine.” The chest’s hinges squeaked slightly as he lifted the lid. The gifts were still inside.

  She chocked back a sob. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

  “Positive.” Micah spread the blanket on the hardwood floor and held her hand while she lowered herself in front of the tree. He sat next to her. “Will you do the honors?”

  Sky pulled out a box at the top of the pile. She wanted to thank him for including her in this moment but knew if she attempted to utter a sound, she’d end up sobbing. Mustering a smile, she handed him the gift.

  Micah shook it. No sound. “Must be clothes.” He ripped into the paper and pulled off the cardboard top. “Yup, jeans and a shirt. I imagine the underwear and socks aren’t far behind.”

  She laughed, releasing the tightness in her throat. “I always hated getting socks and underwear for Christmas. Let’s see what else is in here.” She dug into the chest, looking for something that didn’t resemble a clothing box. “This one is too small to be clothes.”

  A small red bow sat squashed on top of the package. Micah paused, holding it in his large hand. His bottom lip quivered. “Mom always put a bow on the good stuff.”

  With tenderness belying his build, Micah carefully peeled the tape back and uncovered the treasure. “A sheriff’s badge.” He laughed while pinning it to his lapel. “My dream job that year. I wouldn’t be surprised to find guns and a holster in there somewhere.”

  After opening a board game, a huge bag of toy soldiers, another pair of jeans, some pick-up sticks and the book Where the Wild Things Are, Micah unwrapped the anticipated holster and guns. He giggled like a kid. “Told you.”

  Sky giggled along with him, enjoying a side of Micah she’d never seen before. A side he should have experienced years ago.

  When the last gift had been opened, he let out a lengthy sigh as he scanned the gifts scattered on the blanket. “Guess I should find a good home for these things.” He patted the badge and grinned. “All but this.”

  “Why don’t we put them under the tree for now?” Sky got to her knees and arranged them with care, while Micah reached to close the trunk.

  “Hey, there’s one more gift, and it has your name on it.”

  “My name?” She turned. “There weren’t any other gifts in…” She froze at the sight of Micah’s outstretched hand, in it a small velvet box. Her heart skipped around in her chest.

  He took hold of her hand and placed the box in her palm. “I opened all of mine. Now it’s your turn.”

  “What is it?”

  Micah scooted closer. “There’s only one way to find out.” She fixed her gaze on him. The Christmas tree lights reflected in his dark eyes, and a smile played on his li
ps. She’d never seen him so at peace. This evening was turning out to be nothing like she’d imagined. Instead of a typical dinner out, Micah had gone above and beyond to make this special for her. Still, the ring box made her just a bit nervous. Gathering her courage, she flipped the lid open and plucked a silver-gray band from its box and ran a finger over the embossed pink roses that circled the center of the ring. “It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen, but I don’t recognize the material.”

  His smile grew into a grin. “The base is titanium, and the flowers are rose gold. A college buddy of mine makes custom jewelry. I got him through algebra and biology, so he was happy to bump me to the top of his client list. Took him a week of working on nothing else, but he got it done.” He fingered the tiny gold band she wore, his voice serious and eyes lowered. “I didn’t put much thought into buying this one.”

  The warmth of his touch shot straight through her. “I don’t know what to say.”

  His eyes met hers, and he spoke in a near whisper. “Say you’ll marry me.”

  How many more surprises did the man have in store for her? How many more could she handle? She bit her bottom lip to keep from crying. “If I’m not mistaken, I already did.”

  “I know, but I never married you back, and I’d very much like to change that.” He reached into his inside jacket pocket and brought out a larger ring made of the same silver-gray material. “I still won’t wear it while I’m around any machinery, but I promise to wear it the rest of the time. And look.” He tilted the ring to show her an inlaid rose on the inside of his ring. “It looks just like the one I saw on your mother’s grave.”

  “But I didn’t place it there, remember? The whole thing was a fluke.”

  “It doesn’t matter who put it there. The important thing is that it brought us together.”

  Who was this man? His face was the same, his smile just as captivating, but his heart had definitely softened. His actions made it that much harder to say what needed to be said. “The rings are beautiful, Micah, and I’m glad you want to wear yours…” She looked down at the ring in her hand.

  He lifted her chin, forcing her to look at him. “Now isn’t the time to hold back, Sky. I want to know everything you’re thinking.”