Page 7 of Daniel
“Anything you want, baby. Anything.”
We walked back to the truck, his arm around me. Having his body next to mine made me feel both electrified and completely comforted. Safe. Since I was a bit of a nervous person, it was quite grounding to have someone beside me that I knew would help with any tiny thing that came up.
Before he helped me into the truck, Daniel slipped his arms around my waist. “I’m going to dance with you all night, just as an excuse to hold you,” he said.
“Okay.”
“I’m sorry there will also be social obligations,” he said, rolling his eyes. “But I’ll introduce you to all the fun people. And my family are going to absolutely adore you.”
Because it was Christmas there was no way to object that meeting his family was a bit quick. Of course families were going to be together.
Yet it was the pride in his eyes as he said, “I know Mom is going to just love you,” that made me realize something important.
As far as Daniel was concerned, we were already a couple. Already meant to be.
When I was painting, I tried to always lead with my emotions. They were the foundation of everything. The sketch beneath everything I created.
But somehow, I was going to have to find a way to let my mind speak up now and then. My emotions should be reserved for art, now that I was out in the real world, and beginning my brand new adult life in Holly Valley.
Even though I wanted to just let go and be completely wrapped up in Daniel’s perfect couple fantasy, there might come a time when I would have to put my foot down and listen to reason.
5
DANIEL
Today was a day of many firsts. The first time I simply went with my gut instinct. The first time I realized that being in a relationship and starting a family was something that I deeply wanted for myself.
The first time I laid eyes, then lips, on the beautiful, precious woman who I already felt like I belonged to.
And now, walking into Holly Valley’s biggest event of the year with a gorgeous woman on my arm, I genuinely felt like a real king, instead of just someone in the King family.
As we entered the Town Hall and checked Prairie’s coat, I whispered, “Should I keep my hands to myself? I really want to keep touching you, but don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”
Prairie looked up at me with wide eyes, then simply smiled and took my hand.
“Listen,” I said, as we walked toward the main room, “it’s going to be loud and crazy and full of new people, but I’m right here. I’ve got you.”
“I know,” she said with a sweet smile. “Somehow, I don’t know why, I already trust you.”
We did a slow lap around the room as I introduced Prairie to several people. Everyone had heard that “the other Mitchell brother and his wife” had come back to help with the family farm, and were very welcoming when they heard his daughter had just moved here as well.
Looking across the room, I saw that the crowd around my parents had cleared. “Hey, my parents are alone. Let me introduce you right now.”
“Sure.” Her little fingers gripped mine more tightly as we approached them.
“Prairie Mitchell, I’d like you to meet my parents, Mary and Nicolas King.”
Mom absolutely beamed. “Well, this pretty girl must be the reason you were checking your phone all day yesterday.”
I shot her a glare that I hoped said, “I love you, but shut up.”
She laughed merrily, giving Prairie a warm hug. “So nice to meet you, honey.”
“You too. I’ve read about your new toy factory. It sounds like a real bit of Christmas magic.”
“It really is,” Mom laughed. I looked over to see Dad signaling to the band leader, and knew that something was up.
“We’ll let you guys have a moment,” I said, taking Prairie’s arm. As soon as we were out of earshot, I whispered, “Tonight is their fortieth wedding anniversary.”
