Page 48 of Darla's Christmas Knight
Her heart skipped a beat. “You do?”
Bobby kissed her palm and released her hand. “Don’t move,” he instructed, leaping to his feet.
She watched him retreat, brushing away the fresh tears before he returned.
He was back in a flash, holding a familiar envelope in his hand. “It stopped being about Advent weeks ago, Darla.” He dropped back down to his knees, “I love you with everything I have inside me and I will do my best to remind you of that fact daily.” He placed the envelope in her hand. “And I expect you to remind me if I ever fall short on that promise.”
Darla turned the envelope over, yet hesitated, her hands shaking slightly. She eased the flap open and tugged out the card.
It was blank. She flipped it over.
Her breath hitched at the two simple words in his flowy script.
Marry me.
15
Darla couldn’t stop stealing glances at her left hand. The sparkle was irresistible. And the weight of the ring Bobby had slipped onto her finger several hours ago felt oddly comforting.
“Admiring your bling?” Bobby teased
“Do you blame me?” She stretched out her arm and waggled her hand. The emerald-cut solitaire diamond resting between two delicate bands was perfect. “This is the ultimate in sparkle. You really went all out, huh?”
He flashed her a smile. “You think?” He grabbed her hand and brought it to his mouth, brushing his lips across the back. “An extraordinary woman deserves a little extra.” He lowered their joined hands to his thigh.
She smirked. “Extra? Babe, I’m all about bling. But I gotta say, you did good... for a knight in dusty armor.”
Bobby chuckled. The sounds warmed her heart and made her stomach flutter. Pity they had a luncheon to attend. She’d have preferred to return to the snug bed they had vacated not so long ago.
“A man’s gotta keep up with his woman’s standards.”
“Your woman?”
“Darling, that rock shouts that you’re mine.”
“Rather smug, are we?”
Turning into the parking lot adjacent to the town hall, he replied, “Not smug, love. Happy. Very happy.”
She was happy, too. Unbelievably so. And to think that mere months ago she’d been ready to settle for … not this. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“For?”
“Knocking on my door all those months ago. Making the effort to win my heart back.”
Bobby found a parking spot, cut the engine, and turned in his seat to face her. “Darla, loving you, being loved by you, is a privilege.” He took hold of her hands. “By accepting my ring” — he placed his lips on the knuckle above the ring — “you have gifted me with your trust. And I swear, here, now, to never give you any reason to regret that. Whereas I cannot promise you a trouble-free future, I can promise to be by your side through the curveballs life throws our way.” He swallowed, his throat bobbing. “Thank you for giving me a second chance.”
Tears prickled her eyes. “You’re very welcome, Robert,” she whispered as his mouth took hers in a deep kiss.
Holding hands, they made their way through the town hall foyer and handed in their jackets. The hall was ablaze with festivities and the scent of roast turkey and cinnamon filled the air. Locals chatted in groups, clinking glasses, and exchanging joyous greetings. Piped Christmas music played over the speakers, and a Christmas tree, festooned with colorful lights and glittery ornaments, stood tall and proud in one corner. Holiday wreaths and garlands hung from exposed rafters with a large Merry Christmas banner above the doors leading to the main hall where the luncheon, arranged by the Town Council in aid of those folk directly affected by the tornado, was due to start in a few minutes.
“Good, you’re finally here,” her mother called, rushing closer.
“Think she’ll approve of the diamond?” Bobby whispered,snuggling in behind her, his hands resting on her hips.
She couldn’t help but chuckle while looking down and flexing her hand. Diamond and platinum winked back under the glittering lights. “It’s certainly visible,” she said, leaning back into his strength, waiting for the onslaught of Momma Miller.
When her mother arrived, her eyes focused on the ring. “Lemme see,” she demanded.
