(Ruby's POV)
The sun was almost gone when Nicholas hung up the phone.
I was still at the window, watching the last light fade over the cliffs. The sky was deep orange near the horizon, bleeding into purple higher up. The sea was black, restless, white caps visible where the waves broke against the rocks.
Nicholas came to stand behind me. He put his hands on my shoulders, his thumbs tracing small circles on my neck.
"That was the contractor," he said. "They can start on the conservatory next week."
"That's fast."
"I may have offered them a bonus to move up our timeline."
I turned to look at him. "You're eager."
"I'm eager to see you happy." He dropped his hands and walked to the fireplace. "The conservatory was your place. Your sanctuary. I want you to have it back."
I followed him, sitting on the arm of the leather chair across from the hearth. The fire was burning low, the flames casting shadows across the room.
