Page 69 of A Little Bit Whiskey
NOIR
SIX WEEKS LATER…
Noir took Tamsyn’s hand. It had been an emotional roller coaster the last few weeks.
The worst had been Fred’s decision to take his own life.
Anna had gone from claiming innocence to being forced to go along with Fred’s diabolical plan, to now possibly going for an insanity plea.
The trial was going to be a shitshow.
The reporters were relentless, especially Alison. She didn’t seem to care who she hurt to get her story.
“Are you okay?” he asked. “Today was a long day.”
“I’m just glad Anna won’t be getting out anytime soon. But the woman isn’t insane. Not by the truest definition of the word.”
He palmed her cheek. “No. She’s not. I wish I could tell you that it is all over. But I can tell you that it’s all going to work out. They can’t hurt you anymore.”
“Your family has been so amazing. I don’t know what I’d do without them.”
“They all feel the same way about you.” He arched a brow. “They will feel safer knowing you’re the new chief of police.”
She rolled her eyes. “I still can’t believe that one. I’m the youngest in the history of this town.”
“You’re going to be the best.”
“I appreciate it. I just better not be turning the other way when my boyfriend or his family gets parking tickets in this town.”
He chuckled. “Only Zinny avoids that rule.” He brushed the hair from her face. “It’s Merlot’s lead foot you should be concerned about.”
“Your family is a little bit nuts, but I’m falling just as much in love with them as I love you.”
“That’s sweet.” He brushed his lips across her mouth. Could this be the right time? No. It wasn’t the right place. He should wait until they were back at the cottage. Or maybe next week when they moved into Dax and Chablis’ garage apartment.
Better yet, he should take her on a romantic overnight. Maybe to Cape May.
“I love you, Tamsyn. My family does too. You’ve always got a place here with us.” He held her gaze for a long, awkward moment. The ring burned a hole in his pocket. He’d been carrying it around for five days. Once, he thought he’d lost it.
His heart hammered in his chest. He dug his hand into his pocket and fingered the diamond. It wasn’t very big or flashy. But Tamsyn wouldn’t have wanted anything too showy. She was a simple girl with simple desires.
His father strolled into the den carrying two glasses of wine. “I’m so sorry to interrupt. Your mother sent me with these. She thought the two of you could use a little relaxation.” He glanced toward Tamsyn’s left hand and scowled. For the last week, all anyone ever did was look at her freaking ring finger.
He regretted telling any of them he’d bought a ring. It’s all they thought about.
However, he wasn’t sure this was the right time.
Her biological father had just died. The woman who raised her was facing life in prison. Tamsyn’s world had been turned upside down. It didn’t matter that there was a lot of good going on too. He needed to pick the perfect time.
“Thanks, Dad.” He sipped his wine.
Tamsyn shook her head. “Thanks, but I’ll pass.”
“We’re all going to be eating apple crumble. Trey and Ashling made it. I can tell you it’s delicious. When you’re done in here, come join us.”
“We will,” Tamsyn said.
“I’m starving.” Noir couldn’t do this here. Other family members had made big productions and proposed in front of everyone. That wasn’t Noir. He was quiet. Private. He’d do it at home.
