Page 12 of Flown in for Christmas

Until I remember her reaction, and how genuine it was. Her little gasps, her excited—albeit shocked—expression, the way she clutched the bouquet to her chest, to the tears that followed. If I didn’t already know that was a sham proposal, I’d say that went pretty damn well.

Any suspicions my sister had are long gone, Rich is stunned into silence at how smoothly that just went, and Leah is torn with what I’m doing.

My mother pulls Joy in for another lung-crushing hug before holding her at arm’s length and giving her a once-over. “Oh, you’re absolutely gorgeous, dear. My new daughter. Simply perfect, isn’t she, Bruce?”

My father grins. “You said it, sweetheart. Welcome to the family, Joy.”

Joy’s eyes grow suspiciously glossy as she peers up at me beside her. My chest feels tight not knowing if she’s mad or upset or planning to find a lawyer in the next five minutes. I don’t like seeing her cry. I’ve never seen her cry, actually, but I don’t like it.

And I certainly don’t enjoy knowing I’m the reason for it.

My mother starts to scold my father, “Look what you did, Bruce, you made the poor thing cry again.”

Joy waves them off, accepting a tissue my aunt hands her. “No, no. It’s so nice to meet all of you. I just…had a long flight.”

I clear my throat, gently tugging her to me and away from my family. She fits perfectly under my arm, and I can’t deny the spike of pleasure I have when she leans into me.

“All right, all right, let her breathe,” I say, leaning down to lay a kiss on her temple. Overdoing it? Perhaps, but I did tell myself Ihadto sell this. “How many bags did you bring, babe?”

Her sharp intake of breath is quiet enough I’m confident I’m the only one who hears it. Yet, it makes me nervous all the same.Too much?Should I dial it back? Was it the second kiss or the endearment?

“Oh, um, one, but…it got lost from Dallas to LA.” She looks up at me wearily. “It’s been a rough day,” she confesses.

Before I can respond, my father is taking charge of the situation. Anytime there’s an issue to be solved, he’s the first one in line to fix it. So it’s no surprise he’s already on it. “Don’t worry, dear, we’ll see what we can find out,” he announces, waving for Uncle Al to follow him to the recovery office near baggage.

Tucker and Martina start to clean up the scattered rose petals. “When I proposed to Natalie, we saved the petals and used them on our wedding day at the altar.” She gives me a coy smile. “It’s good luck to save the petals from the most monumental moments in our lives. At least, that’s what my abuela taught me.”

Joy’s smile is infectious. “That’s beautiful.”

“Hold on, honey,” my sister says, adjusting Izzy in her arm with her phone in hand. She gestures between Joy and me. “I got the whole thing on video, but I want a few pictures. Quick. Get together before Tuck gets all the petals.”

I chuckle, watching my nephew’s fast hands while using his shirt as a makeshift basket. “I think it’s a little late for that, Nat.”

She huffs at me. “Do it anyway. You’ll want the extra photos. Trust me.”

Martina snatches Tucker and Joy’s carry-on from the frame. A second later, my mother and Aunt have their phones out as well, aimed at the newly engaged couple—us.

Joy shifts to hug me around my waist, smiling for the camera with her face pressed to the side of my chest. My pulse picks up at the way she’s clinging to me. I grin down at her as I follow her lead, sliding my arm over the small of her back and pressing her deeper against me.

“Aw, that’s cute, Nick,” my sister beams. “Joy, look up at Nick quick.”

Following my sister’s instruction, Joy gazes up at me. Her smile turns into a sweet laugh that has my smile growing. Several pictures are captured before we call it good. The petals are collected as my father and uncle return with bad news about Joy’s luggage still being MIA.

“’Tis the season.” Aunt Sara shakes her head. “Luggage thieves are a real thing, and the busiest time of the year is the easiest target. I’d imagine LA is full of them.”

My family starts a debate if that’s really what happened to the missing luggage or not. I, however, am ready to get the hell out of here, get my assistant alone, and beg her to stay through the week.

I glance at Joy’s small carry-on. “We’ll stop to grab a few things before heading to the house.”

My father nods sternly, laying a firm hand on my shoulder. “Absolutely, son. The women in our lives always come first, am I right?” He winks.

My mother squeezes in, giving myself and Joy a hug. “We’ll see you soon, dears. Love you both!”

The group shuffles toward the exit. I gently urge myfiancéeto follow, but she seems rooted in place, her eyes glossy…again. I set my jaw, needing to contain my impatience. “Let’s go.”

Her shallow nod seems to release her legs at my nudge, guiding her forward. When we get to the door, though, I catch the strong shiver she lets out before hugging herself.

Right. LA to North Tree.

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