Annie's Song(46)

“That’s the plan. How about you?” He glanced at her. “I see the wheels turning in your head. Letting Claire back in your life changes things, doesn’t it.”

“I knew that before I made the decision to do so.” He let out a sigh, and leaned over to kiss her cheek. “Be happy, Annie. All of you.”

She watched him move through the dancers, take Claire by the hand, talk to her. The smile on her face eased the tension in Annie’s shoulders.

“That’s Zach, isn’t it.” Theresa moved to her. “The Zach. Simon told me,” she added, fingers twisting around each other, “and I can keep a secret.”

“Never said you couldn’t. And stop waiting for me to punch you. I’m over it. Mostly.” She winked at Theresa, watched her relax. “Go have fun. Meet the real Zach. He’s much cooler than the one you tangled with. Thank you, by the way.” Theresa halted, eyes wide. “Your distraction, risking yourself like that. I never got to thank you.”

“I—you’re welcome. I’d do it again. Anytime.”

“I’ll remember that.”

Laughter bubbled out of her as Zach blushed, obviously embarrassed by Theresa’s attention. She was pretty, and he had nil experience with pretty girls who weren’t family.

Warm, familiar hands closed over her shoulders. Eric kissed her scarred ear, and she shivered, wanting more. Wanting him. “Ready to go?”

“Oh, hell yes.”

He laughed, and led her past the tables, stopping at the edge of the garden. “Time to start our new life, Mrs. Malone. Where are we going?”

“Home,” she said. Unable to help herself, she looked at the ring shimmering on her finger. The sapphires danced blue fire across her hand, different from her last ring, somehow more controlled, but as familiar as her heartbeat. “I want to go home.”