Page 23 of Five Mistletoe Moments
“Um, Sacramento isn’t LA, but we do have jewelry stores here,” Valencia added.
“I know, I know.” She handed Alana her plate and stood. “Wish me luck.” Halfway across the room, a thought popped into her head. “Valencia, I need something first.” Mia smiled. This moment would be hers.
Chapter 8
“We’ll have to find someone else, Terrell,” Dwight said. “I’ll put an ad in the paper next week and I might reach out to Lorenzo and Cedric Hunter. They said to call if we needed anything.” He’d met the cousins who owned Hunter Construction at a conference not long after he and Terrell started out. The two men had taken over running their family’s large company and had a wealth of knowledge. Dwight had appreciated their willingness to share and all four were now good friends.
Terrell let out a frustrated groan. “How do you just up and quit two days before Christmas without saying one word? And after we agreed to give her a raise. The only good thing is that it hadn’t kicked in yet.”
He understood the aggravation. They’d hired Pamela Adams a year ago after their other business manager retired. One of Terrell’s cousins referred Pam, saying the woman had relocated and needed a job. Dwight clapped his friend on the shoulder. “Nothing we can do about it today, so just enjoy the day.” He wasn’t going to allow anything to spoil his good mood. It had been messed up for four long years and he didn’t intend to go back there again. Dwayne, Marcel and Zaire shook their heads.
“I totally get losing employees.” Marcel gestured toward Dwight. “And I have a feeling this one right here is about to steal one of ours.”
“I’ll make sure she gives you a two-week notice.” They all broke out in laughter.
Dwayne lifted his beer bottle. “Here’s to finding dependable employees.” They touched bottles. “Uh oh, here comes Mom.”
Dwight shifted his gaze and saw his mother bearing down on them like a woman on a mission. By the time she reached him, every one of the men had disappeared, leaving him to face Hurricane Rita alone. “Hey, Mom.”
“I still can’t believe you didn’t tell me about Mia.”
“You said that already. And I’ve only known her a month.”
Her eyes widened and her mouth fell open. “Amonth? And you’re ready to marry her?”
“Yeah, Mom. I am.”
“Baby, are you over here getting into Dwight’s business?” his father asked, joining them.
“Yes. He just told me he’s only known Mia for a month, and—”
“And what? If she makes him happy, the time doesn’t matter.”
Dwight always appreciated his father’s calm demeanor and wisdom. “Thanks, Dad. Mia does make me happy. More than I ever imagined.”
“I was worried that you’d never be able to open your heart again after Elena and I’m glad you found Mia and made her yours. She’s a beautiful young woman and I see the same love shining in her eyes. Let that love be the only thing that dictates your future.”
His chest tightened and he swallowed around the lump in his throat. It got tighter when he felt his mother run a comforting hand over his back.
“What I was going to say before your father rudely interrupted me,” she glared at her husband, “is that sometimes love hits you that way and you should always take advantage of those blessings. Now, since we’re talking about a Christmas wedding, I’ll need to start planning.”
Dread crawled up his spine. “It’s a year away, Mom.”
She waved a dismissive hand. “I know, dear, but time flies and there’s a lot to do—a reception venue to reserve, flowers, a DJ or band…” She counted off each thing on her fingers.
“That’s my cue.” Reginald Albright ducked his head, held up one finger like he was sneaking out of church and walked off.
Dwight’s eyes started to glaze over and he’d stopped listening when she mentioned color schemes.
“I’ll have to get with Mia’s mother.”
“Her parents passed away when she was seventeen.”
She brought a hand to her chest. “Oh, my word. Then I’ll take extra special care of her. Maybe she and I can get together in the next couple of weeks to discuss what she wants.”
“Mia lives in LA.”
She pursed her lips and shook her head. “No matter. I’ll fly down when it’s convenient, and I know she’ll be visiting here.” She gave him a meaningful look. “And we can get the ball rolling.”
