Page 17 of Five Mistletoe Moments
“This is magnificent and I love the deep shades of blue and gray.” She stopped at the entrance to the kitchen. “Nowthisis what I’m talking about. If I had a kitchen like this, I’d cook every day.”
Dwayne threw Dwight a look that said, “I’m glad it’s you.”
Unlike his brother, Dwight loved to cook and the large space with two islands and double ovens had sealed the deal for him.
Dwayne smiled and pointed to a plastic bag on the counter. “I didn’t know if you two had a chance to eat anything, so I picked up something.”
“Thanks, bro.”
“You’re bringing Mia to the house tomorrow, right?”
“Yes.” To Mia he said, “My parents always have a family get-together on Christmas.”
“Well, we’d better let them get settled in,” Valencia said, hooking her arm in Dwayne’s. “Mia, I’ll look for you tomorrow.”
Mia nodded. “Thanks for picking up the clothes.”
“You’re welcome.”
“I’m going to walk them out. Be right back,” Dwight said.
Once they got to the door, Dwayne faced his brother. “Mia is a beautiful woman. Mom’s going to lose her mind with the prospect of having another daughter-in-law.”
He let out a short bark of laughter. “I haven’t even asked her to marry me.”
“But you will. If you need my help with anything, I’ve got you.” Dwayne and Dwight did a fist bump.
“Let’s go,” Valencia said. “Dwight doesn’t look like he needs any help.” She stepped outside, then turned back. “Then again, I’ve got your back, too.” She gave him an exaggerated wink and giggled.
Dwight chuckled and watched as the two headed toward the car and Dwayne kissed Lyn. They loved each other and didn’t care who knew it. He threw up a wave and closed the door. He wanted the same love and devotion he saw with them, his parents, and his sister and her husband. And only with Mia.
* * *
“I’m really okay, Alana,” Mia said to Alana. She shifted on the stool and rested her elbow on the island.
“Are you sure? Because we can get a flight out tonight and be there in a little over an hour.”
“I am. I love him. I know I said it before I left, and at the time, I was only fifty percent sure. Now, I’m completely sure. I need this time with him.”
Alana’s sigh came through the line. “I guess. When are you coming back?”
She hadn’t even thought about a return date. “I don’t know yet.”
“Mia—”
“As soon as I find out, I’ll call you.” She turned when Dwight entered the kitchen. “I have to go.”
“Alright, but if he does anything to hurt you, I’m sending the brothers to beat his ass.”
Dwight kissed her softly and gave her the smile that always melted her insides. “I don’t think that’ll be necessary, sis. He’s a good man. The kind I’ve always dreamed about having.” She’d spoken to Alana, but her eyes never left Dwight’s. “I’ll talk to you soon. Tell your mom I’ll call her tomorrow to say Merry Christmas.”
“I will. We’re going to miss you.”
“I’ll miss you guys, too.” It would be the first time since her parent’s deaths that she wouldn’t share the holidays with the Black family. After disconnecting, she said, “Your brother is hilarious. Why didn’t you tell me you were a twin?”
Dwight shrugged. “I hadn’t gotten around to it.”
“Who’s older?”
