Page 30 of His Christmas Gift

“I don’t want to get too ahead of myself on that, not until after I tell Jasper who I actually am.”

“The only thing Jasper’s going to be upset about is the fact that you were living where you were considering who you are. He’ll probably be angrier with your father for not insisting on learning where you were than being angry with you about it though. If there was anyone that could stand up to Ethan Hannover, I’d definitely say it’s Jasper Thomas. Whenever you tell him, he’s going to wonder why he didn’t see it himself already, so start making plans, because we’re all going to want to be there for your big day,” Grace said, giving her another hug before leaving, letting Melissa wonder how much of that was true.

Chapter 13

The lighting in the room made the décor come alive and Melissa turned around slowly, smiling at the results. This was beyond even what she’d seen in her mind while planning. It was absolutely perfect. The white linens combined with the iridescent blue tinted ones truly made the space look like an icy wonderland.

“Oh, my word, Melissa!” Evelyn said moving into the space making her smile further.

“You made it,” she replied, hugging her in return.

“Of course, we did, especially when I didn’t have to deal with all of this,” Evelyn stated, shaking her head as she looked around the space. “This is beyond stunning. Jasper’s lucky he found you for free.”

Melissa laughed at that, accepting Frank’s hug as well. It made her miss her father more but in just about three weeks, she’d be finished with the internship and back home in Seattle to see him—with Jasper.

“I hope everyone enjoys it. I know I did in getting it all ready,” she mused.

“They’re going to die when they see this. Jasper’s investors are going to flip for it, and you. Speaking of you, we need to get you ready as well,” Evelyn added glancing over her attire.

Melissa didn’t argue. The caterers would arrive soon to begin dinner preparations. The employees for the center would handle the rest giving her plenty of time to slip into the dress Jasper bought her.

She’d given in and hired a hairdresser and makeup artist for the night. Well, she flew Devon and Jordan out to help her at least. The two worked together after seeing the dress, letting her simply sit there enjoying the time as they asked her about Jasper.

The end result was amazing. Devon worked her magic on her finicky hair, making the front frame her face with soft sweeps, the length up in a loose yet secure twisted masterpiece, with sparkling pins hidden here and there throughout it. Her makeup was kept soft beyond her eyes, with a nude lip. Jordan played up the icy theme with the eye makeup, using blues and purples, with a hint of glittering silver.

Her dress was truly incredible. The fit perfection and not even the lowness of the nude color mesh had her worried. If her father was here, he’d flip but she couldn’t wait for Jasper to see her in it.

“Dang girl,” Devon said when the two stood back looking her over. “There is no way you’re coming home to us for long.”

“Just make sure we’re here to do your wedding,” Jordan added, and she hugged them both before they headed out to enjoy their evening in New York.

The look on Jasper’s face when she opened the door for him made her heart flutter, and she didn’t begin to resist the kiss he dropped onto her lips. He looked incredible in his tux. There was a hint of the same matching blue in his pocket, and that subtle way of claiming her as his was just another reason she loved him so much.

“I don’t want to let you out of my sight now, princess. You look…there aren’t words for just how beautiful you are.”

“Pretty sure you’re a bit biased, but I’ll take it,” she teased, heading to the event with him with joy.

Guests began to arrive, and Jasper didn’t let her move far from his side for a minute, making her even happier. She slid back to his side after a question from the head of the catering company, snuggling into his hold when his arm slid around her waist.

“Melissa, this is Paul,” Jasper said, and she gave the man a smile, greeting him in French.

“Beautiful and unexpected, a pleasure to meet you,” Paul returned, kissing her hand. “Jasper is a lucky man and doing quite well if tonight is any evidence.”

“We are and I am extremely lucky, old friend,” Jasper replied. “Melissa handled everything tonight for me, I can guarantee, it’s going to be a night you enjoy.”

“It already is. I’ll find you later for a chat,” Paul stated before moving on and Melissa relaxed meeting the newcomers until it was time for dinner to begin.

Jasper’s speech was received well but the meal and desserts seemed even more well received.

Afterwards, Jasper was pulled away from her side and she moved around, ignoring the personal questions. She was with Jasper’s friends when he finally returned to her side, and she relaxed in his hold, accepting the praise for the evening.

“How much longer until the end of your internship now?” Ella asked.

“Two and a half weeks,” she said, unable to stop the grin that hit knowing her agreement was almost complete.

“I’m taking Missy home to meet her father three weeks from now. Mrs. Nelson will be headed out on her vacation to see her daughter and hopefully, I can bring Missy home with me to have some privacy for a few weeks.”

“Mhmm, so don’t expect to see the two of you anytime soon?” Luke said, chuckling while Karina elbowed him in the side.

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