Gems of Fire: A Young Adult Fantasy Page 25

  “When did you get it from her?” Anna asked.

  “The morning we left her castle.” His lips curved upwards in that lopsided way.

  “That long?” Anna laughed.

  Jack chuckled and then grew serious. “I hope you understand about my family. You will never have what Saira is getting.”

  “As I’ve told you,” said Anna. “None of that matters. Only you.”

  He pulled her into a close embrace again and leaned his cheek on the side of her head. “Neither of us quite fit in here, but we make a good team.”

  “We do.”

  “More dancing?” He rubbed his thumb across her knuckles.

  “No, I’d rather stay here with you.” She melted into him. Her heart pounded, her cheeks were flushed, and her legs wobbled beneath her. She couldn’t imagine dancing right now. But she could imagine spending the rest of her life with him. She could live with this feeling—this calm, close security—forever.

  His chest swelled, and she felt the exhale in her hair. “I’d like for you to ride back to my mother’s with me in a few days—or when you might be ready.”

  “I’d like nothing more. But of course you’d have to ask Father. He may not be keen on me leaving so soon.”

  “Earlier this evening I had a long discussion with your father,” Jack said. “I wouldn’t have given you the ring without asking him first.”

  “He was pleased?”

  “I believe so.”

  “I’m more than pleased.”

  “Me too.” He pulled her close.

  “I’ll never forget this night,” she said, leaning against him.

  Anna slipped her arm around his back. They stared at the moon together.

  Anna smiled. She closed her eyes and rested her head against his shoulder. She was home.

  About the Author

  Diane E. Samson is the author of Gems of Fire. She was lucky enough to grow up on acreage just north of Kansas City, Missouri, with horses and dogs in the backyard. When she wasn’t dreaming of Narnia, she was outside riding her horse, training her dog or spending time swimming at the lake. Her love of words led her to earn a degree in magazine journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She subsequently worked as a reporter, editor and in public relations. After moving around the country, she has returned to the Kansas City area where she lives with her husband, children and dog. She will never be without a golden retriever.