Free One Millhaven Lane by Bliss Addison

death.
    He'd jolt awake then, his heart pounding like a jackhammer.
    "I've been thinking," she said.
    "Oh. Oh."
    She punched him playfully in the arm. "I'd like to go into the city after the doctor finishes with me."
    He opened his mouth to answer, then promptly closed it when she held a finger in the air.
    "Before you answer, you should know I really need to check on Aphrodite . Crystal and Dorothy are doing an excellent job of running the shop and they're keeping me posted by phone or text, but there's only so much they can do. I need to pay bills, write checks, make last minute orders, do inventory and customer catering. Christmas is right around the corner. The store is usually decorated by this time. I have personal invitations to extend. Every year I have a soirée for my customers — "
    "Okay."
    "And...what did you say?" She raised her head and looked at him.
    "I said okay. But on one condition."
    "What's that?" She bit the inside of her lip and narrowed her eyes.
    "That I drive you."
    "You got it!" She swallowed. "There's something else we should get out of the way."
    "What's that?" His body tensed. He didn't know why. It just did. The idea crossed his mind then that she'd rethought her marriage proposal and wanted to rescind the offer. But he'd said 'yes'. She couldn't make him take back his response. Already he thought of ways to persuade her not to cancel or postpone their wedding. He couldn't lose her again. Not for anyone. Not for anything.
    "I intend to keep my shop after we're married. Do you have a problem with that?"
    "None." He wouldn't try to talk her out of the decision nor would he attempt to change her mind once they were married. Aphrodite meant a lot to her. In good conscience, he couldn't ask her to part with something dear to her heart. It just wouldn't be right. "Anything else?"
    "Our living arrangements."
    "I'll meet you half-way. If we can't find something to our tastes, we'll build." He had the perfect property in mind.
    "Great." She looked at him and smiled. "I'll delegate more at the shop and spend your days off with you."
    "And I'll cut back on working extra shifts and arrange some time with you in Boston."
    Nate knew he handled that well. His mother had always coached, 'Give a little, get a little'. But even if he weren't being diplomatic, he'd gladly give Asia any indulgence, he loved her that much.
    "I can't wait for you to meet the Quints."
    "Quints?"
    "My friends. We call ourselves the Quints."
    "How did you meet?"
    "At bingo, of all wonders. Seven years ago, after my divorce, feeling lost and alone, I went for a walk to clear my head. As I was passing Stella Maris church, I heard an announcement for everyone to take their seats, bingo would begin in five minutes. How could I refuse such a summons?"
    He enjoyed hearing Asia's stories, her melodic voice brimming with energy and vitality.
    "I look forward to meeting them," he said.
    They had more catching up to do and probably more concessions to make, but they had years to do it.
    ***
    Nate helped Asia into an examining room in the ER and onto a bed.
    "The nurse said the doctor will be right in," he said.
    "Hopefully, he'll be able to take out the stitches."
    "Yes, hopefully." He hid his true feeling on the subject. Asia hated being an invalid. Once she worked more mobility into her leg, he'd have a difficult time holding her still and in one place for long. She already had full control of her arm.
    "You don't have to stay with me," she said. "I know you have calls to make."
    "Are you sure?" There were some things he should check on, but he figured she needed him more.
    "Go on." She slapped his arm. "I'll be fine."
    He dropped a kiss on her nose and headed into the corridor. He found a quiet spot away from the traffic of hospital personnel and patient care, one that also afforded him a direct line of sight into the examination room area. From there, he could see anyone entering or leaving. He wasted no time calling the station. Stacey