"I..." She shook her head. Words were clearly impossible. Morgan was saying things she'd only previously imagined.
And she gripped her mop a little tighter so she wouldn't fall over.
Morgan stepped closer, removing the mop from her hands and pulling her into an embrace. "So, may I have this dance?" he whispered.
"There's no music," she said, although she had a sneaking suspicion he'd seen her dancing earlier without it.
"That doesn't bother me." He gazed at her questioningly. "Does it bother you?"
"No...not at all."
Morgan clutched her right hand and slowly began to lead her in a waltz. They danced for minutes in silence, and then he spoke. "I've been meaning to tell you, I'm so glad I met you that day at the office."
"Me, too."
"And I'm glad we're dancing right now."
"I wish I wasn't wearing this elf costume," Brooke Anne admitted.
The corners of his eyes crinkled. "You look cute."
They danced to the back of the room - no, glided. She was amazed that they could keep in step without any music.
"You've made me happier than I ever thought possible." Morgan continued. "You make me laugh and feel more than I ever thought I could. And you've helped me open up...be more honest with my emotions. Those weeks when I couldn't find you, I thought I'd go crazy."
It was her turn. "I was afraid to take a chance after Russell. And...I thought we were too different."
Their feet stilled. Brooke Anne raised her hands to circle his neck. Morgan closed his eyes briefly, as if he was savoring her touch.
"We both know that isn't so," he said quietly. "Brooke Anne, you make my life magical. Special. Happy."
No one had ever said anything that sweet to her before. Tears pricked at her eyes.
"I love you, Brooke. I love you so much."
Her eyes widened, His words, his tone - they were so romantic, so honest, so heartfelt. For once, their roles were reversed and she was the one who didn't know what to say.
"I'm doing the best that I can, Brooke Anne." he murmured. "I mean, I've barely learned to write a decent note."
A tear slid down her cheek and she smiled. "You're doing an excellent job."
He clasped her hands with his own. His grip was gentle, his expression sincere. "Brooke Anne, would you marry me?"
That was when she realized dreams really could come true. Cinderellas really could get their men, and princes really did live in her world.
"I love you, too," she said. "And yes, I will. I will marry you."
Morgan spun her in a circle, gazing at her as if there was no one else in the entire world.
Brooke Anne laughed.
Her laughter echoed through the room. Out the door and through the hospital corridors. More than one person smiled at the sound. A few people chuckled, too.
After all, some things were just meant to be shared.
Epilogue
Brooke Anne,
Merry Christmas! Come over at ten this morning. I have a gift for you.
I love and adore you, Morgan (I know it's only three sentences, but I'm trying!)
Dear Mom.
Thanks for the new flannel nightgown and slippers! I'll put them to good use this winter. Morgan and I had a wonderful Christmas together. As I told you on the phone, I'm having a hard time taking my eyes off of my beautiful diamond engagement ring. I still can't believe it was threaded over the strap of a new pair of shoes! I'll call you soon. Love.
Brooke Anne
Dear Brooke Anne,
Don't forget that I'm taking Friday off. Ronnie and I hired a babysitter and are going out. We've got romance on our minds. Hope you have a good Valentine's Day. too.
Tomi
Dear Morgan,
I cannot believe you're going to miss my Easter soiree because of a trip to Nebraska! Hope Brooke Anne's family is nice. Please tell them I look forward to meeting them at your rehearsal dinner next month.
Caroline
Oh, sweetie,
The whole town is still talking about your glow. You and Morgan make such a nice couple. I love the way he couldn't seem to stop looking at you. And his obvious discomfort around your relatives didn't bother me at all. Don't worry, dear. We'll get him used to hugging in no time. And your father is sure Morgan will enjoy camping once he gets the hang of pitching a tent.
Love,
Mom
Dear Brooke Anne,
I can't believe it's finally our wedding day. The moment I met you, you changed my life. I can't wait to see you walk down the aisle...wearing this pearl bracelet.
By the way, have I ever told you that I've become a fan of letter writing? We'll need to keep a chalkboard in our house, just to continue our habit. See you in four hours.
All my love,
Morgan
Brooke.
This is THE LAST TIME I'm delivering your mail. Enough already! Walk down that aisle and don't look back. The best is yet to come.
Tomi
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Epilogue
Cinderella Christmas Page 20