“Of course, we’re not going to make it to Savannah. Frankly, the more I hang out with you, the more I’m beginning to think I’m lucky to get a B amp;B in the middle of dairyland. Whatever lucky stars are out there, your family wasn’t born under them.”

He ran a hand through his hair, sounded more nervous than she’d ever heard him. “So what I’m trying to say, of course, what I mean is… Oh hell.” He was back off the bed, this time dropping down to one knee and grabbing her hand. “Kimberly Quincy, will you marry me?”

“But I’m naked,” she said rather stupidly.

“I know. It’s part of my strategy. Naked, you can’t run away.”

“Somehow, when this moment came, I always thought I’d be wearing clothes.”

“True, but if it’s any consolation, I don’t mind.”

“I’m also tired and cranky.”

“I don’t mind that, either.”

“You really don’t, do you?”

“Ah babe, I love you cranky, hostile, armed, dangerous, and any other way I can have you. I already even started a pool about how fast before you kick Candi Rodriguez’s butt.”

“I really don’t like her,” Kimberly said instantly.

“That’s my girl.”

Mac reached over and turned on the bedside lamp. Then, with hands that were shaking nearly as badly as hers, he slowly opened the box still nestled in the palm of her hand.

The ring was old, a vintage setting of small diamonds and platinum. Nothing bold, nothing flashy. Kimberly thought it was the most beautiful ring she had ever seen.

“It was my grandmother’s,” Mac said quietly. “If you don’t like it, we could always rework it-”

“No!”

“No, you won’t marry me?” He sounded a little panicked.

“No! I mean yes. Yes, I will marry you; no, don’t you dare touch that ring! Well, actually, yes, touch that ring, but slide it on my hand, silly man. Put it on.”

He did. Then they both sat there, stark naked, admiring the ring for a long while.

“It’s beautiful,” Kimberly whispered.

“You’re the most beautiful thing in the world to me, Kimberly. Hell, I love you so much, it scares me half out of my mind.”

“I’m scared, too.”

“Then we’ll take it slow. I just… I wanted you to have the ring tonight.”

“I love you, Mac,” she said solemnly, then leaned forward and hugged him till it hurt. Then they both looked at the ring, still glittering on her finger, and they both understood.

“I can’t wear this tomorrow,” she whispered.

“I know.”

She looked up, understanding again the words that weren’t said. “Hold me, Mac.”

He took her in his arms. Then she removed the ring and wordlessly returned it to its box.