Page 18 of Five Mistletoe Moments
“Him, by a whole five minutes and he takes every opportunity to lord it over me.”
Mia chuckled. “I can imagine. I really like Valencia. They seem like a really great couple.”
“She’s the perfect match for Dwayne. How do you feel about meeting my family? It’ll be my parents, Dwayne and Lyn, and my sister, Shelby and her family, as well as all the extended folks. My mom tends to go overboard for this holiday. It’s her favorite.”
She and his mom had at least one thing in common. Now that she was actually here, she’d started to get nervous about meeting his family. He obviously picked up on it because he rounded the island and rotated her on the stool to face him.
“Don’t go getting nervous. My family will love you as much as I do. I would drive over for a short visit tonight, but I want to have you all to myself for a while.”
“You’ve had me to yourself just about all week,” she said, smiling and shaking her head.
“And it wasn’t nearly enough time.” He stroked a finger down her cheek.
“I agree.” The kiss that followed was so achingly tender that it reached the depths of her soul. No, she didn’t need a rescue from her surrogate family. She was right where she wanted to be—with Dwight. That he wanted to introduce her to his family spoke volumes about his commitment. A man didn’t take a woman to meet his parents unless he was serious. And he’d told Mia—and shown her—that he loved her. “Yes, I’m good with meeting your family.”
“We can put your bags in my room and see what’s in the bag to eat.”
“Sounds good.” Mia followed him to the master bedroom. “Oh, I forgot my guac is in my bag.” She’d bought a freezer pack and wrapped everything in foil to keep it as cool as possible.
“We can have that with dinner if you like.”
“Nah, I think I’ll save it for later.” Next, she rummaged through the bag to see what Valencia had picked out and was pleasantly surprised by her selections and that the sizes were right. Not only had she included casual clothing, but also a dressier sweater and a pair of slacks that would be appropriate for tomorrow’s dinner. “How did she know my size?”
Dwight poked his head out of the large walk-in closet. “I gave them to her.”
“And you knew—?”
“Because I checked the tags in your clothes.”
Mia couldn’t do anything but shake her head. She’d never met a more resourceful man. From him placing that bid to win the auction and planning activities he knew she’d like, to making sure she had warm clothes for the impromptu trip, Dwight continued to amaze her. At thirty-one, she’d finally found a man worthy of her love.
After devouring the salmon, mashed potatoes and asparagus, they relaxed in the oversized recliner in the master bedroom’s sitting area. The lights were down to the lowest setting, soft music flowed through hidden speakers and a fire blazed in the fireplace. She couldn’t think of anything more romantic or any other thing she’d rather do than cuddle next to him.
“Excuse me for a minute,” Dwight said, lowering the chair and standing.
“Mmm hmm.” She leaned her head back and closed her eyes. A minute later, she felt a touch on her hand. Opening her eyes, she saw Dwight kneeling next to her. He looked so serious. She frowned “Everything okay?”
He nodded. “Everything is perfect.You’reperfect. For so long, I didn’t think I’d ever be able to open my heart again. But the moment that drink landed in my lap and I looked in your eyes, I knew I’d been given a second opportunity to love. This time, I’m not taking any chances, I’m not going to risk losing the woman I love. I love you, Mia Broussard.”
“I love you, too, and you’re not going to lose me. I…” her voice trailed off and she went still.Ohmigod, ohmigod!Dwight held up the small jewelry box and opened it. Her heart stopped and started up again.
“You are a rare and precious jewel in my life and I wanted to find a ring that matches all that you are to me.”
I’m gonna pass out. I know that’s not abluediamond.The faint blue-gray radiant cut solitaire—yeah, she knew her diamonds—had to be at least a carat and a half and the white diamonds of the same shape on either side about a half-carat each. If she knew how to swoon, she would.
“I want to spend the rest of my life loving you, protecting you, cherishing you. Will you marry me?”
“Yes,” she said around her tears. “A thousand times yes.” Her hand trembled as he slid the beautiful ring on her finger. “I can’t even believe this,” she whispered, staring at the ring. She was afraid if she looked away, it would disappear off her finger.
“I know we still have to figure out where we’ll live, but I didn’t want you to go back to LA without you agreeing be my wife. Iwillgive you that fairy-tale Christmas wedding you want and anything else your heart desires.”
Mia cupped his cheek. “I love you, Dwight, with everything inside me. And just so you know, I’m not protected, either,” she said, repeating the same words of vulnerability that he’d spoken before their quickie at the sports club.
“You are my heart, baby.” He waved the cellophane package in the air.
She laughed. “More mistletoe?”
“Gotta seal the deal with a kiss.”
