Page 190 of Checkmate
Chapter 57
Erica
At first glance, the ring had a simple yet elegant design. I was only on the ride home when Erica saw how intricate the custom ring was.
Delicate thorns entwined between two rose-gold bands, curling into faint green leaves. Held by four tiny arms was a morganite stone, carved into the shape of a rose. In her opinion, lovelier than any diamond.
It looked like something from the twenties. Yet, it had a modern touch that kept it from being old-fashioned. Every time she looked at it, she fell more and more in love with it, and more in love with the man who had given it to her.
They were engaged!
Everything felt lighter tonight. The real world and its troubles could not touch her. The cab driver, muttering under his breath, did nothing to spoil her mood. Though the late-night traffic was unexpected, it couldn’t dampen her spirits. Nor could the light mist of rain. It made everything look dreary.
None of it mattered.
Not with Marcus’ arm securely around her shoulders as his lips brushed against her hair in the briefest of kisses. With his ring on her finger and the promise of forever in their future, the world could throw anything at her. She was ready for anything.
“That’s gonna be thirty quid,” the driver said as he pulled into the driveway. “The traffic, you know?”
“No problem,” Marcus said as he untangled himself from her and grabbed his wallet. “Call it forty for braving the streets for us and being so delightful about it.”
Erica stifled a giggle as she left the cab, heading to the front door to let them in the house. Everything looked different somehow as she punched in the security code for the alarm. Of course, nothing had changed. This was their same old house with the same old walls, but she was an engaged woman now, and that changed everything.
She giggled at herself. There had definitely been one too many glasses of champagne tonight.
“Everything good?” She asked as Marcus shut the door behind him. He nodded, hanging his jacket up on the rack.
“The boys have left a mess outside again,” he said, shaking the rain from his hair. “I’m gonna have to have a word.”
“Leave them alone,” she replied. “Building an extension is messy, and they’re doing a great job. Besides, I don’t want them charging us more than they already are because you’re being bossy.”
Marcus smirked at her, pulling her into his arms. “And what if the future Mrs Crowe stepped on a nail or something because of their carelessness? I’d have to have their heads.”
I’d like to think the future Mrs Crowe would have more sense. She wouldn’t step into a construction zone without looking.” Erica kissed him once. “Although I appreciate you thinking of me. It’s looking good, hm?”
“It is,” he agreed as he released her, checking the answering machine. Erica looked out of the small window towards the dark shape at the back of their property that was to become their new storage unit.
After the break-in at the old garage, they’d decided they wanted their tour buses closer to home. Once they got the cheque from the London Group, they had more than enough. They could transform their home to suit all of their needs.
“... wanting a second series. Call me back as soon as you can. I’ll wait. Cheers.”
“What was that?” Erica said as she kicked off her shoes. “Did he just say a second series?”
“I... think so?” Marcus said with a frown. “Hang on.” As he replayed the message, Erica bit her lip and listened intently.
“Marcus, Erica! I hear congratulations are in order—”
“News travels fast,” Marcus muttered, zipping his lips as Erica shushed him.
“I hope I get an invitation to the wedding. Anyway, I’m sorry to call so late, but I couldn’t sit on this until the morning. The guys at the network love the show. They love you guys. They’re already wanting a second series. Call me back as soon—”
“Wow,” Erica breathed. “Did you hear that?
“A second series,” Marcus said with a nod, his lip pressed into a thin line.
“Are you trying not to smile?” She asked, her own smile breaking across her face. Giggling, she moved into his arms at the same time he reached for her. She wrapped herself around him, squealing in excitement.
What a night!
