Carnations in January (15 page)
She held his gaze. “Yeah.”
All rational thought fled. “I don't know what to say. I'm flattered.”
Grace's face fell and she looked down. Color flamed her face once more. “Then don't say anything. I shouldn't have⦔
He took her hand. “No, Grace, look at me.”
She slowly raised her face. Her eyes glistened.
His chest constricted as his heart ached for her. Love and desire flamed, and he knew what he wanted. “Come here,” he said. As she moved around the table towards him, the candlelight made her distress even more apparent. He tugged her down onto his lap and cupped her face with his hand. He traced her lips with his thumb. “I'm really flattered,” he said softly. “But it's not February.”
“Or a leap year,” she whispered. “But IâIâI love you.”
He leaned in, gently caressing her face. “Say it again.”
“I love you.”
Elliott paused, his lips hovering above hers. His gaze held hers. “Say it again.”
Grace gazed unflinching at him. Her fingers rose slowly, tracing his jawline. “I love you.”
“I love you, too,” he whispered. He lowered his face to hers, finally capturing her lips and kissing her.
13
Grace slid into the pew beside Elliott. “Didn't think I was going to make it for the wedding,” she said. “We had a sudden rush on at midday.”
“Glad you did.” He took her hand. “The church looks amazing, Grace. You did an awesome job.”
“It wasn't just me, but thank you.” She rested her hand on his thigh. “How's the leg doing?”
“OK. Getting used to hobbling around. Joel's decided my nickname is going to be Hobble from now on.”
“That's not kind. Where is he today?”
“He's got Bradley this weekend, so he's off to the park and then the match.” He twisted in the pew and angled towards her. “I have something for you.”
“What's that?”
“I believe you asked a certain question the other evening and here is my answer.” He reached into his jacket pocket and removed a ring box. “I'd like to give you this, to show the world that you belong to me.”
The box snapped open and Grace gasped. “It's beautiful.” The diamonds surrounding a single turquoise gem sparkled in the light, and the stained glass above her sent red and gold flashes across her dress. “Oh, Elliott⦔
He pulled it from the box and took her hand. “I had to guess at the size.”
He slid the cool metal onto her left ring finger; it fitted perfectly. Shivers of delight ran through her. Every doubt that had plagued her vanished.
“I have something for you,” she said.
Reaching for her bag, she withdrew a long box and offered it to him.
His eyes widened as he opened it. “Oh, Grace⦔
“Do you like it? I wasn't sure if you were a jewelry person or not, so I figured a watch.”
His fingers ran over the strap and watch face, delight in his face. “I love it. Thank you.” He held out his wrist to her. “Would you?”
“Sure.” She unfastened his old watch and replaced it with the new one. Then she looked down at the ring on her finger.
“Grace, the flowers are lovely. Thank you.” Pastor Carson stood by the end of the pew.
“You're welcome. You look nervous.”
“I am a little,” he said. “Afraid she won't turn up, afraid someone will object⦔ He broke off looking at her hand. “Congratulations are in order, I see.”
Grace moved her hand, the diamonds sparkling in the light. “Yeah.”
He shook Elliott's hand. “I hope you'll be as happy as we are.”
Elliott's grin grew. “I'm sure we will be. Thank you.”
As the best man waved at him, Pastor Carson took his place at the top of the aisle.
“That will be us one day,” Grace whispered. She leaned against Elliott, sighing happily, as he slid his arm around her. She'd finally come home.
~*~
May 2
Grace stood still as Elliott tied a scarf around her face. She'd caught a glimpse of Joel standing in the street with a camera and had a sneaking feeling she was
finally
going to be allowed inside her house. Sure, she'd watched the outside go up, but she hadn't been allowed inside at all. And whereas it looked the same from the front, the inside was promised to be vastly differentâit had a conservatory and attic room for a start.
Elliott led Grace from the shop. “No peeking.”
“I can't see a thing.” She stumbled on the curb, gripping his arm tightly. “Just try not to kill me en route.”
“I've got you. Step down.”
She took tiny steps, trusting him to guide her safely. “Where are we going?”
“Not far. OK, now step up.” He removed the blindfold.
She looked at him. “It's finished?”
“It's finished.”
Her emotions did that excited nerve tingling jump up and down. Her breath caught and she almost squealed as she tore free from Elliott's hand. She dashed down the path and peered through the bedroom window. “Oh, wow, look⦔
She playfully punched his arm as he appeared beside her. “You really did paint it magnoliaâ¦you brat.”
Elliott chuckled. “Come here, woman.” He swept her off her feet and into his arms.
“Oh⦔ she gasped. “Elliott⦔
He kissed her. “I'm doing this properly.” He carried her down the path. “Door key is in my shirt pocket.”
She reached in, his chest firm under her fingers. Pulling the keys out, she unlocked the door, and then leaned against him as he carried her over the threshold.
“I was thinking,” his voice rumbled over her head as he carried her from room to room. “Maybe we'll live here once we're married. Let Joel take over my place.”
She looked up at him. “Really?”
“As I built it, I had both of us in mind.” He winked. “It's magnolia throughout, but we can decorate it gradually. And you can choose the colorsâwithin reason. No lime green and orange.”
Grace pouted. “You drive a hard bargain. OK, no lime green or orange, but I do have one condition. We grow carnations in the front garden. It's kind of fitting after all.”
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