“Maybe,” she mumbled.
“Did you tell Della about your big game?” he asked to distract her.
“Yes. She said good luck. I got texts from her sisters, too,” she said with a smile.
As he had thought since meeting them, the Harts had embraced Natalie as one of their own, including her in everything. That included calls from her mom nearly daily now. And her aunts had included her in a group text that kept her updated on everything in their lives.
“I got you a present.” He got up and went to his desk in the front of the room.
“A present? I didn’t think we were doing presents. I mean, you never got me anything for my birthday.” She followed him in her orange shoes.
“I got you a mom, isn’t that enough?” he countered as he grabbed the gift bag from his desk drawer.
“No, I need more. Maybe another trip to your parents. Without them, if possible.” She laughed because his parents were hinting that they needed to go back again. That they could have a big gathering there for some special event. Though no specific event had been mentioned. The hints made it sound like an engagement party.
“I don’t think this will be as good as the one you got yesterday. So don’t think it will be that great.” He held the bag close to his chest.
There had been a box from Aunt Zephyr waiting for her when she got home from work. When she had opened it, she squealed and danced around the room. Her aunt was an author and had sent her copies of all her books, signed just for Natalie. Natalie loved her books before she knew the author was related to her. And now she had signed copies. It was an apology of sorts for saying the wrong thing the night they had left Birch Cove. Not that it was Zephyr’s fault. Natalie was going to bolt no matter what. Sam knew that now.
He laughed at her enthusiasm as she grabbed the bag from him. Watching her open the bag and pull out a small box, her eyes met his over the bag. “Are you proposing?” her breathless voice asked.
“Am I?” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. He was not, but he loved her reaction.
Pushing him away, she opened the box. Her face showed she was a little let down. It was not a ring. Taking the box from her, he took the necklace it held and made her turn around.
“Lift up your hair,” he whispered into her ear from behind.
As she did, he carefully put the necklace on, kissing her neck when the tiny clasp connected on her warm skin. Her head had tipped, exposing her neck, so he kissed it. Sliding his arms around her, he pulled her close to him with one arm, and the other hand touched the necklace he had just placed there. Whispering in her ear, he said, “It’s a four-leaf clover for luck on your big game, and it has orange stones all around it because you are and always will be a Tiger.”
He felt her melt into his body with a sigh. “God, I love you.”
“I love you too, Natalie. Even when you’re making fun of me.” He chuckled at her when she slapped his leg.
He pulled away from her and turned her in his arms. “So, you want me to ask you to marry me?”
“It was just a thought. No rush.” She was blushing, something she rarely did.
Soon after the night she watched herself on film from her high school days, she had moved her lamp over. She was right, it was a unicorn. But it meant she was staying. And he was planning to ask her soon, but not here, not now. He was going to marry this woman.
“How about this weekend we go shopping for some things for the house, and we can glance in a few jewelry stores. No rush. Just see what you like.” He watched her eyes light up at the idea.
“That sounds fun,” she said more to herself then to him.
“You are fun. I can’t believe you’re mine.” He kissed her again, loving that she was his.
CHAPTER27
Slowly,the gym filled up with fans for the first volleyball game of the year. Natalie scanned the bleachers, finding the book club sitting as a group on the top row. Seeing that she was looking at them, they all waved, and Mia let out a wolf whistle, making Natalie laugh. That caused her to relax for a moment.
Watching her players warm up from near their bench, she noticed her dad come into the gym in his old Landstad Tigers sweatshirt. She knew her name was written on the back of it because it had once been hers. With him was Faith and the boys, all decked out in the school colors of orange and white. Catching his eyes, she gave him a small wave, and he gave her a smile back. He wouldn’t miss her first game of coaching.
Her first game, and she was nervous. She had no idea what the team was like last year, and she had no idea if her coaching was any good. From where she stood, the girls all looked happy and excited to show off their skills.
“Are you nervous?” She had been so lost in thought she hadn’t noticed her dad come up beside her.
“Yes. But once the game gets going, I think I’ll be okay,” she admitted.
“You’ll be great. You always are.” He squeezed her shoulder in support.