Page 56 of Going Home

"Of course, but—"

"I'd like to spend as much of the time I have left with Zane, which gives you two plenty of time to discuss and figure out what you want. I know you both care about me, and that's enough."

Nash just stared at his wife, blinking, and he seemed stunned. Never had Emma seen Nash struggle to find words before. He always came off so smooth and sure of himself, but she supposed hearing his wife give him permission to have an affair would catch any man off-guard. "I'm not sure I'm comfortable with this."

"Me, either," Emma agreed.

"Go show her the clubhouse, Nash. Take her to your apartment and talk. If you want to wait to have sex until after I'm gone, which I know you miss, that's your decision. But don't let me be the reason you don't explore what you could have between the two of you. I give you permission to start moving on and have someone to lean on and comfort you when I'm gone. You're no good alone, Nash. And I don't want that for you."

Nash took Emma to the clubhouse shortly after that, and it was awkward. Both stood in a brown room, neither quite sure what to do. But then he kissed her. The moment their lips touched, they were nothing but hands and legs and pleasure. Four rounds proved tiring enough to allow them to sleep, and they were together from that moment on. Never in front of Margaret, but Emma understood and didn't mind sharing Nash.

Many nights, Emma had lain awake, wondering if she’d done the right thing, but she had to commend Margaret for such a selfless act. She knew what Nash needed, and she loved him enough to guide him to it. Never making him feel guilty about it.

Emma was with Nash and Margaret the night she left them, and she cried with him. Held him and understood his pain. Never once has she ever felt jealous or resentful about the love she knows he still carries for his wife. That love brought them together, and even when apart, Emma still celebrated Margaret's birthday. She'd only known her for a short time, but she had such an impact on her life.

The one thing Margaret never accounted for in her request to take care of Nash and Zane was Zane's resentment. No matter how she tried, Emma was never able to fulfill the promise she made his mother. And when it came down to Zane or Lex, Emma had to protect her daughter when Nash didn't. She just hoped Margaret understood why Emma had to leave.

The languid sex starts to build Emma up again, and she's pulled from her memories. Something about them feels very familiar to today, but she pushes it to the back of her mind and brings a hand between her legs to rub her clit furiously.

"Come again for me," Nash murmurs into her ear, shifting and hitting her G-spot.

Leaning back, she rests her head on his shoulder, her eyes rolling to the back of her head. Between his cock and her hand, another orgasm rips through her. "Nash!"

"Em!" he cries, filling her as he holds his arms around her tightly, keeping her flush against him. "Fuck."

They stay in this position for a couple of minutes as they come down. She smiles at their ability to still take each other's breaths away. No matter what he's done, she still loves him with her entire heart. No one has ever come close to what she feels for him.

Pulling her down onto the bed with him, he kisses her jaw just below her ear. "So beautiful."

"So sexy," she says and smiles.

"Em, I've been thinking about something."

Laughing, she turns and looks into his hazel eyes. The skin on his face is weathered from years of sun, and she finds him even more handsome than ever. "What's that?"

"We should get married."

The laughter stops abruptly. "Pardon me?"

"I love you. I've loved you for over thirty-five years. I think it's finally time we tie the knot."

"Are you sure?"

She tries to avoid getting her hopes up. Every time marriage was brought up in the past, Zane got in the way. Or the club. Pretty much anything to dash all hope she had of the only thing she's wanted with the man she loves with all of her heart.

His eyes lock with hers, pulling her close so their naked fronts press against each other. He tucks a strand of hair behind her ear and smiles. "I am."

"What about Zane?"

"He'll have to get over it. It's time I make an honest woman out of you. Something I should have done decades ago."

Tears fill her eyes. "I've wanted to marry you for so long."

"I'm sorry it took so much time, baby," he says and kisses her forehead. "Lex will be happy and support us."

"I'm worried about her, Nash. She's not herself."

"She'll be fine. You know our girl. Tough as nails."

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