Page 49 of Mine before Dawn

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“Do you mean it?” she whispered, afraid that a single word would break this spell.

James looked almost offended.

“Aye.” His forehead touched hers gently. “I do. I wouldn’t want anyone else. It’s either you or bachelorhood.”

Then awkwardly, almost shyly, he dug into his trouser pocket.

A small gold ring rested in his palm. Delicate gold filigree work worn smooth with age.

“This was me gran’s,” he muttered. “My mam gave it to me when she passed away years back.”

Asha stared at it speechlessly. James took her trembling hand carefully.

“Let’s see if it fits.”

The ring slid over her finger, then stuck stubbornly at her bony knuckle.

James barked out a startled laugh.

“Bloody hell, yer fingers—”

Before he could finish, Asha shoved hard and the ring finally slipped into place.

Perfect.

She stared down at it.

“It fits now,” she whispered.

Then immediately—

“But—”

“No buts.”

Her eyes lifted helplessly to his.

“It doesn’t change…” She swallowed hard. “The fact that my skin is brown.”

James stared at her for a long moment, then shrugged.

“Aye.”

Asha blinked.

“Aye?”

“Aye, yer brown.”

James grinned suddenly.

“But do I care? Do I want anyone else?”

She opened her mouth before closing it again. He leaned closer until their noses brushed.

“We’ll have kids all different shades o’ milky coffee.”

Asha made a choking sound.

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