Chapter 8

“I’ve got to be back at the hospital in a few hours,” Zack complained, rather half-heartedly.

“Sorry, babe, but this night is too important to waste.

“Our anniversary,” Zack said through a face-splitting yawn.

“Exactly.”

Sam, who was on his knees drying Zack’s legs, paused his rubbing, reached into his back pocket and pulled out the small wrapped box he’d retrieved from the bureau when they’d come in.

“Oh, angel. My gift is in the bedroom, I’ll just—”

“In a minute.” Looking up at his lover, Sam said, “Unwrap it.”

Zack tore off the paper and flipped open the box to reveal two gold bands with tiny turquoise stones running all the way around them.

“I know it’s not legal in this state, but Dr. Zachary Pierce, will you marry me?”

“Oh, Sam,” was Zack’s only reply.

Sam waited, watched. But Zack remained frozen. “Um, babe?”