Black Ties and White Lies(75)

I’d intended on sleeping, but I couldn't resist her. I couldn’t get enough of her last night. Anytime we’d drift off to sleep it wouldn’t be long before we’d wake up again and get lost in one another. It was the first night in I don’t know how long that I hadn’t woken up to check my phone multiple times. In fact, the only reason I’d woken up this morning was thanks to the sound of my vibrating phone on the nightstand.

I’ve never had such great sleep, even with all of the late-night interruptions. It seems that Margo may need a bit more sleep than I’m used to by the way, even as I run my fingers over her face, she doesn’t move a muscle.

She nestles even deeper into my side, giving no indication of waking up.

Ezra opens his door, returning from talking to the pilot and crew. I’d sent him to go check in with the crew, wanting to give Margo as much time to catch up on sleep as possible.

“They’re almost ready to take off,” he whispers, his eyes looking at Margo. If he’s wondering what transpired between Margo and I in the time since he last saw us yesterday, he hasn’t asked.

I nod before quietly opening my door. Ezra grabs it, holding it open for me. My hands slip underneath Margo’s thighs as I lift her to my chest. Her body is limp, the movement not jolting her from her sleep. I cradle her against me as I slip out of the car, mouthing my thanks to Ezra as I walk down the tarmac.

I’m expecting Margo to wake up. Between the cold air hitting us, despite my attempts to shield her from the bitter air with my body, and the sun beating down on us and shining brightly against the snow, I don’t know how she still sleeps so peacefully against me. Apparently last night had taken more energy from her than I’d even expected.

A flight attendant smiles at me from the bottom of the stairs leading to the jet. I nod before I follow her up, mumbling a good morning to the crew who wait inside for us. Without saying anything else to anyone, I go straight to the back of the plane where a private room waits behind a small door. I try to carefully place Margo atop the covers, being as gentle as possible. Careful to not wake her, I pull each of her boots off and set them on the ground by my feet. Once I feel like she should be comfortable enough to sleep, I pull the covers over her to keep her warm.

For a few moments I watch her sleep. I can’t fight the urge to lean down and press my lips to her forehead. She lets out a content sleepy sigh, the sound making my heart constrict in my chest. It takes everything in me to leave her sleeping alone in the room and talk to the crew who will be taking us to New York.

There’s a split second where I consider saying fuck it and just climb into bed with her. I plan on returning in a bit to check in on her, but I do need to speak with Ezra and answer a few work calls.

Taking one last look at her, I softly shut the door and leave her in peace to sleep.

Earlier she’d said that New York City was her home. I loved the sound of it coming from her lips. It was that moment that I realized Manhattan was no longer the place I call home. I’d call anywhere home if it meant I was with her, because my home is no longer a physical place. My home is her.

I’ve made a home out of Margo, even at the risk of knowing she may never find a home in me.





The feeling of warm lips pressing to the inside of my wrist pull me from a deep sleep. My feet stretch underneath a soft, heavy blanket as my eyes drift open. I feel the tender caress of lips against my palm at the same moment I register Beck’s figure kneeling on the side of the bed.

I smile, feeling hot by the intense gaze in his eyes. “Hi,” I mumble, still trying to fully wake up.

His eyes soften the same moment his fingers run softly over my forehead. “Hi, baby.” Pet names always seemed overused and cliche until I heard the word baby fall from his mouth. Now I’d willingly never hear my own name again if it meant he’d keep calling me it. I thought it may be something he said in the throes of passion, but his use of it now says something different.

He keeps a hold on my hand, laying gentle kisses to it. The gesture does so much to my fragile heart, making it hope for something that isn't in the cards for us.

“How long have I been asleep?” I roll to face him, his grip holding true around my wrist. My eyes travel down his body, realizing he’s changed into a custom suit. Apparently I’d been asleep long enough for him to get cleaned up. It was amusing to see him in the clothing from the inn but disarming to see him back in a suit that was custom made for his body.

It’s only when he presses a kiss to the knuckle of my ring finger that I notice something new. Gasping, I sit up in the bed, tearing my hand from his grip and holding it in front of my face.

I focus on the enormous oval diamond ring on my finger. It’s the biggest diamond I’ve ever seen, and it sits on my ring finger.

“Beck,” I say cautiously. “What is this?” I can’t stop staring at the beauty of the simple gold band with the stunning, flawless diamond that’s perched atop it.

He reaches for my hand, pulling it to his lips once again. “It’s an engagement ring, Violet. One I picked out for you.”

I stare at it. It’s classic yet modern. Definitely gaudy, but I was the one who told him I wanted a massive ring. He’d delivered on that, even if I’d been only halfway kidding when I’d said it.

“I’ve never seen something more stunning,” I marvel, not knowing if I should look at him or the ring.