Page 111 of Releasing 10
“Like a grown-up,” I snickered, thoroughly enjoying him. “Or a nerd.”
He shrugged his shoulders and grinned. “Maybe, but I bet I can kick a drop goal from the ten-meter line better than any nerd you know.”
“I don’t know about rugby kicks, but you’re prettier than any other nerd,” I replied. “Any other rugby player, too.” My words caused Hugh to full-on blush this time and I cackled. “You look even prettier when you blush.”
“You’re not supposed to call me pretty, Liz,” he muttered, looking embarrassed. “I’m supposed to callyoupretty.”
“Then call me pretty.”
He rolled his eyes. “You know you’re pretty.”
“Come on, I want to hear you say it.” Turning my body sideways, I reached up and grabbed his face between my hands, forcing him to look at me. “Don’t be shy.”
“You’re pretty,” he said, eyes locked on mine. “The prettiest girl in Ballylaggin.”
“Thank you.” I beamed back at him. “And what else?”
“What do you mean?”
“Wasn’t there something you were going to ask me?”
He rolled his eyes again. “Yeah, Liz, when we’re nineteen, not nine.”
“Nineteen is too far away.” I laughed, feeling mischievous. “Ask me now.”
“This is so embarrassing,” Hugh groaned, and then, because he knew I wouldn’t let it go, he cleared his throat before asking, “Elizabeth Eleanor Young, would you do me the great honor of becoming Elizabeth Eleanor Biggs?”
“Why yes, Hugh Andrew Biggs,” I gushed through fits of laughter. “I would be delighted to.”
“Milady is too kind,” he replied in his playful, brave-knight accent, before climbing to his feet and bowing dramatically. “From this day forth, dear Wife, this sword shall be sworn to you.” He placed his stick at my feet and bowed again. “I shall slay all your enemies, shield you from dragons, and protect you with my life.”
“And I shall protect you with mine, dear Husband.” Snatching the stick, I jumped to my feet and swished it around. “Have no fear, brave knight, for I shall be your secret weapon in every battle.”
Hugh opened his mouth to respond but quickly clamped it shut when his attention shifted to something behind me.
“Are you okay?” I asked, watching his expression carefully.
He didn’t look okay. In fact, his eyes were narrowed, and his face was set in a deep frown.
“Hugh?”
“Liz.” He kept his eyes trained on something over my shoulder and pointed. “Do you see that?”
Curious, I swung around to look, only to freeze on the spot when my eyes took in the familiar figure.
“Oh my God.” I turned back to gape at Hugh. “You see her, too?”
“Yeah.” He nodded. “I see her, Liz.”
My heart slammed so hard in my chest I thought it might burst.
Hugh could see her.
He could see the crazy lady.
It wasn’t all in my head.
“Come here, Liz,” he instructed in a stern voice, holding out his hand to me. “Right now.”
