Page 58 of Nothing But Air

Seated near the back of the dining hall, Noah leaned his elbows on a table as he watched Nimue and Meg demolish “It’s Raining Men” on the makeshift stage at the far end of the room. Speakers flanked a microphone stand, and colored lights threw splashes of red and blue across the rough-hewn wall behind it. The equipment looked out of place against the rustic grandeur—too modern, too bright—like someone had dragged a piece of Vegas into the wilderness.

Proposal plan: officially dead.

The girls were hamming it up, Meg’s voice strong and confident on the high notes. She kept pointing at him during certain lyrics, eyes sparkling with mischief.

Despite his ruined plans, Noah found himself grinning.

She was having so much fun. How could he be upset?

Liam slid into the seat beside him. “You doing okay?”

“What?”

“I know this isn’t easy for you.” Liam kept his voice low, under the music. “Watching everyone gear up for tomorrow while you’re stuck at dispatch. But we need you coordinating communications?—”

“Liam, that’s not?—”

“—and I know you’ve been working on the control thing. Trusting the team without you there.” Liam sipped his Coke. “This is good practice, right?”

Noah looked at his friend and saw genuine concern.

Liam thought this was about Noah’s inability to let go. His need to lead every mission instead of trusting his rangers.

And normally, he wouldn’t be wrong. Three weeks ago, Noah would have had his pack loaded, ready to lead one of the two teams himself no matter the doctor’s orders.

But that wasn’t what this was about.

“Liam.” Noah pulled the small velvet box from his pocket, holding it below the table. He flipped it open just long enough for Liam to see the three-quarter-carat diamond glinting in the dim light.

Liam’s eyes went wide. His mouth opened. Closed. Opened again. “Thanks, Noah, but I’m taken.”

Noah shook his head, snapping the box shut. “Hilarious.”

Liam blinked a few times as he drew a breath. “Wait. Tonight? You’re going to?—”

“Was. Past tense.” Noah glanced at the darkening sky. “Had this whole plan. Sunset at the lookout.”

“That’s…” Liam paused. “That’s pretty fast, though, isn’t it? You guys have only been official for a few weeks.”

“True.” Noah’s hand found the ring box again. “But we’ve been building this thing between us for a couple years. Morning coffee dates. Sharing, talking, opening up. Me falling in love while being in complete denial. Trust me, it was nowhere near fast.”

He leaned forward, eyes locked on Meg as she took her bow. Her face glowed with happiness.

“Now that I’m done pretending I don’t want forever with her?” His voice came out rough. “I’m ready for forever to start. I’d drive her to Vegas and elope if she was willing.”

Liam was quiet. Then he nodded slowly. “I’m happy for you, man. Really.” A pause. “Any plan B?”

“I’ll figure something out. Maybe after everyone leaves tomorrow?—”

“Noah!” Meg’s voice cut through as she and Nimue returned, both breathless from performing. She slid in beside him, her hand finding his. “You okay? Your side isn’t bothering you, is it?”

So much for hiding it.

“Side feels great. I’m fine.”

Her gaze darted out the large floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the canyon. “We missed the sunset. I am so sorry.”

He offered her hand a squeeze. “We’ll catch the next one. No big deal.”