Jacob picked up their mugs and headed back to the kitchen for refills. “While we’re waiting, you can tell me how you got back in mom’s good books after all of those mistakes you made. I might need a few pointers.”
Jacob knew he’d need more than a few. He’d already pushed Molly’s comfort zone further than she liked. Adding the extra pressure of a long-distance relationship wasn’t going to work. Not for Molly, and not for him.
***
Molly put the last two mugs in Jacob’s pantry and looked around the kitchen. She’d washed every dirty dish. She’d even rinsed out the dishcloth and left it to dry over the faucet.
Earlier in the day, Jacob’s dad had hung a set of sheets from the ceiling. They fell below the counter, blocking the kitchen from the rest of the living room.
Jacob had assured her that he wasn’t about to paint the walls, polish the floor, or do any of the things a bored property developer might do. She wasn’t entirely convinced that he was telling the truth, but for tonight she’d believe him.
His brother and dad were bound to come visiting tomorrow. Between the three of them, Jacob’s feet wouldn’t be scaling any ladder this side of Christmas.
Molly wiped the front of one of the cupboards and wondered what Jacob was doing. After they’d had a lovely dinner at the dining table, she’d been banished to the kitchen.
While Jacob worked on the other side of the sheets, she’d cleaned the kitchen from top to toe. “Have you finished your top secret project, yet?”
“Nearly finished.” Jacob grunted, then stuck his head around one of the sheets. “No peeking.”
“Who me?” Molly grinned. “You cooked my favorite meal for dinner. I’m not about to spoil such a perfect night.”
“Just hold onto that thought...” He disappeared back into the living room.
Mac and cheese might not be many people’s idea of heaven, but Molly had always had a soft spot for old-fashioned comfort food. Her gran used to cook simple meals, like mac and cheese, for her and Becky when they’d been little.
Jacob’s dinner had reminded her of roaring fires, pretty bouquets, and lots of hugs.
“I’m nearly done. Close your eyes.”
Molly sighed and closed her eyes. “My eyes are closed.” The opening notes of a Christmas carol filled Jacob’s home. “Would this be a clue as to what you’ve been up to, or are you wishing Christmas would come early?”
“It’s a surprise.”
She heard a rustle of cloth, the flick of a switch, then saw the darkness that comes with no light hitting her eyelids. She heard Jacob come close, felt his hands go around her eyes.
“I’ll not be peeking, Jacob. You don’t need to cover my eyes.”
“This is important. Step forward with your left foot. I’ll follow you.”
Molly stepped forward. “It’s just as well you’re such a clever man. Who would have thought to coordinate our footsteps?”
“That wouldn’t be sarcasm by any chance, would it?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Molly held her hands out in front of her. “I hope you can see where we’re going? The dining table has to be around here somewhere.”
Jacob whispered in her ear, “Stop.”
Molly shivered. “Did I tell you that I like a man who knows what he wants?”
Jacob laughed, then left a trail of kisses along her neck. “All the time. But for now, I’m going to behave myself.”
“I wish you wouldn’t.”
Jacob sighed. “Keep your eyes closed.”
Molly started to nod, then realized Jacob still had his hands over her eyes. “Did I tell you that patience isn’t one of my virtues?”
His hands dropped away from her eyes. “No, but I’d already guessed that much.”
Before Molly could say another word, he moved away. She heard a click. A soft red haze lit her eyelids. Jacob had turned some lights on. They weren’t as bright as the kitchen lights, but they were better than peering into a dark room.
His footsteps echoed on the wooden floor as he walked toward her. She felt his arm brush against hers. His hand gently squeezed her fingers. “You can open your eyes now.”
Molly opened her eyes. She blinked a few times to focus on the pretty sight in front of her. “Jacob Green,” she said softly. “You’ve got a romantic streak inside of your handsome body.”
If Molly wasn’t mistaken, her handsome man’s face blushed to a delicate shade of red.
“I wanted tonight to be special,” he said.
She kissed the side of his heated face. “My time with you is always special. This is grand.”
When Molly had arrived, she’d seen the beginning of what would be a beautiful Christmas scene. They were going to change some of the photos on Jacob’s website, tell another story for potential home buyers to fall in love with. With Christmas less than two months away, it was a time for new beginnings, celebrations, and change.
Alex and his dad had spent half the day helping Jacob get ready for the photos. They’d wrapped hundreds of fairy lights around the rafters of the ceiling, raided every candle store in Bozeman, and bought more than a dozen flower arrangements from Becky’s store.
While Molly had been doing the dishes, Jacob had turned the fairy lights on and unpacked all of the Christmas ornaments. He’d lit the candles and set the table with a lovely dessert. “You decorated the tree, as well?”
She walked across to the pine tree and touched the tinsel decorations. They sparkled from the lights strung through the branches. “It’s truly magnificent.” She imagined the photos she’d take, the extra lighting she’d need to capture the magic Jacob had created.
“It’s like a Christmas fairy tale.” Molly ran her hand along the pretty garland decorating the mantelpiece. Red bows and silver bells had been woven through the greenery, framing the fire that Jacob had lit.
“Becky made the garland this afternoon.”
Molly nodded and continued around the room, smiling at the little touches that made the room special. “And the pine cones? Did Becky make those as well?” A row of pine cones had been decorated to look like reindeer. Their pointy ears and happy faces made Molly’s smile grow wider.
“My sister, Gracie made those with her daughter. They’re on loan until after you’ve taken the photos.”
Molly returned to Jacob and kissed his cheek. “Thank you for your surprise. I feel like Christmas has come early.”
“I want you to remember tonight.”
Molly stared at the serious expression on his face. “Do you have news about the sale of your property?”
Jacob nodded.
A heavy weight sat on Molly’s shoulders. “We won’t need to take the photos if you have a contract on your home.” She stared at the Christmas tree. Her vision blurred as she thought about what that meant. “When will you be leaving for New York?”
Jacob held her hand. “Did you notice the angel on the tree?”
Molly blinked back her tears and looked at the tree. A beautiful angel sat on the top branches. Even though her heart was breaking, a smile touched her lips. She stepped forward and looked more closely at the angel. One side of her wings had been made from a miniature American flag and the other was adorned with the Irish flag.
“She’s very cute.” Molly wiped her eyes and stepped away from Jacob. “You’ve done a grand job of decorating your home. But you’ll be moving to New York soon. Why did you put the Christmas decorations everywhere?”
“This will probably be my last Christmas in this house, but not the last on this land. I’ve decided not to sell this property.”
Molly turned to look at Jacob. For the first time since he’d told her he was leaving, she felt a sense of relief. Even if he wasn’t going to live here, he’d be able to return when he was ready. “You won’t regret it. Emerald Lake is beautiful. In years to come, the value of the land will surely match any investment you could have made elsewhere.”
“I’m not worried about how much the land
will be worth.”
Molly watched Jacob carefully. “That’s not like you.” She waited a heartbeat before continuing. “I have some news of my own.”
“You do?”
Molly nodded. “I’ve been offered a contract. I’ll be illustrating a wedding book with photographs of brides and grooms, and everything in-between.”
Jacob frowned. “Will you be working in New York?”
Molly shook her head. No…maybe…how did you know?”
“The town’s Facebook page. Doris posted a story about you. She said you’re moving to New York.”
“I don’t know how she heard my news. I’ll only be in New York for some of the time. Most of the work will be done from Maine. But Maine is closer to New York than Bozeman. We could see each other more often, commute more easily.”
Jacob sat on the arm of a chair and stared at the Christmas tree.
“Are you all right, Jacob? I thought you’d be happy at the news?”
“I am.” He stood up and walked over to her. “There’s something I need to tell you. When I told you I wasn’t selling this property, it’s because I’m not moving to New York. This is where I want to live.”
Molly held her breath. A Christmas carol filled the silence in the room. A man was singing about walking in a winter wonderland with bluebirds and snowmen. When he sang about Parson Brown, she was nearly in tears. “When did you decide to stay?”
Jacob’s hand brushed her cheek. “Two days ago. I love you, Molly. Living in New York wouldn’t have worked and I’m too selfish to risk losing you. I want to be part of your life. If that means working from Emerald Lake and commuting around the country, then that’s what I’ll do.”
“But you can’t buy the building in New York without selling this property.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
Molly frowned. “I’ve signed the contract with the publishing house. I’ll have to be the one commuting for a few weeks.”
“As long as you come home, I’m happy.”
“I’ll always come home to you, Jacob Green.”
He kissed her quickly, then walked over to the Christmas tree. He took a gold box out of its branches and held it in his hand. “I want to…” He took a deep breath and Molly’s heart swelled with love. “I want to ask you something.”
Fresh tears filled Molly’s eyes as Jacob got down on one knee.
“I love you, Molly. I can’t imagine my life without you. I’ve never felt like this before. You’ve taught me how to be a better person. You paint the world in so many colors and I want to be part of your magic. Will you marry me and share your life with me?”
Molly tugged on Jacob’s hand. “I love you, too, Jacob. You are the most amazing person I’ve ever met, even if you do have more money than the state of Texas.” She grinned at the man who’d made her feel like the luckiest woman alive. “Now stand up. I can see that you’re in pain.”
Jacob held Molly’s hand as he pulled himself upright. “I wanted this to be perfect.”
She hugged Jacob, taking care not to hurt his bruised ribs. “It is perfect. You’re my best friend, the man I want to spend the rest of my life with. I was worried that you were going to live in New York without me.”
“And now look at us.” Jacob grinned. “My wife will be the one traveling between cities.”
Molly’s eyebrows rose. “You’ll be wanting to get married quickly, then? My contract starts in three months’ time.”
“You won’t have to worry about bridesmaids’ dresses, and if we talk to Emily, she’ll make you a wedding dress.”
“You’ve got it all worked out, then?”
Jacob kissed Molly until she couldn’t think straight. “We can work it out together.” He opened the box and held it toward her. “Will you wear my ring?”
Molly stared at the beautiful diamond. It was sparkling as bright as any star under the fairy lights. “Oh, Jacob. ‘Tis the loveliest thing I’ve ever seen.”
He slid the engagement ring on Molly’s finger and smiled. “Mo ghrá thú.”
Tears fell down Molly’s face. “I love you, too. Where did you learn to speak Irish?”
“Becky helped me.”
“She knows?”
Jacob nodded. “She told me that your parents and gran would be pleased. She also offered to carry our bags on our honeymoon, but I told her we’d be okay.”
Molly laughed. “That sounds like, Becky. So where do you want to go on our honeymoon?”
Jacob pulled her close. “As long as I’m with you, I don’t care where we go.”
Molly closed her eyes and tightened her hold on Jacob. “Grá mo Chroí,” she whispered. He was the love of her heart, the beginning and the end. For now and forever.
THE END
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Keep reading for a preview of Sealed with a Kiss, John and Rachel’s story in the Emerald Lake Billionaires series!
SEALED WITH A KISS
EMERALD LAKE BILLIONAIRES, BOOK ONE
Three billionaires, an emerald lake, and a lifetime's worth of happy endings.
Rachel parked her car outside her friend’s apartment. For the entire ride across town, she’d been thinking about the envelope on the seat beside her, the exciting news that would bring a smile to Annie’s face.
For the last couple of months, Rachel had been helping a group of friends who’d started The Bridesmaids Club. They gave donated bridesmaids’ dresses to brides in distress. Most weeks, at least a dozen dresses were sent to them, packed in boxes, bags, and anything in-between.
Rachel sometimes helped with the dress fittings, but her main job was to sort through the letters they received. She made appointments for the bridesmaids to see the dresses and contacted the people they couldn’t help.
Nearly a year ago, a letter had arrived from a little girl called Bella. All of her friends had spent weeks trying to find her. But Bella wasn’t easy to find. With no return address and no last name, the glittery card with sparkling jewels had become their mystery card. The only clue to where she lived was the Bozeman postmark on the envelope.
Bella’s big, round handwriting had made them smile, and her request had touched their hearts. Bella didn’t want a bridesmaid’s dress. She wanted a bride for her daddy.
Rachel picked up Bella’s envelope and smiled. She was almost one hundred percent positive that she’d found the little girl they’d been looking for.
She got out of her car and headed toward Annie’s apartment. The cold October wind tore through her coat and left her shivering on the doorstep. They were lucky that it hadn’t started snowing. Montana’s weather could be unpredictable at the best of times, but during the fall, they could have four seasons in one week.
Annie opened her front door just as Rachel was about to knock. “Tell me you’ve got good news?” She pulled Rachel into her apartment and closed the door.
“What’s happened?” Rachel stared at the boxes scattered around the living room. Annie was getting married soon. She had everything organized, right down to the way each napkin would be folded on the tables. She’d been determined not to get stressed, or give in to the last minute pre-wedding nerves that most brides seemed to develop.
Annie ran her hands through her hair. “Dylan’s mom is driving me insane. She doesn’t like the table favors that we’ve organized for each guest. We should have gotten married next April. Why did I want to get married earlier?”
“Because you love Dylan and couldn’t wait to be his wife.” Rachel glanced at the tulle and ribbon bags they’d filled two nights before. “What’s wrong with peppermint cremes, anyway? I thought Dylan’s mom liked peppermint?”
“So
did I, but she’s found a company in Vermont that makes maple toffee crunch brownies. One of her friend’s daughters got married last weekend. The brownies were the most delicious thing she’d ever tasted. They come in individual boxes, gift-wrapped with ribbon to match the theme of the wedding.”
“But this is Montana, not Vermont,” Rachel said carefully. She didn’t want to get between Annie and her mother-in-law, but with one week left before the wedding, it wasn’t the time to be changing anything.
“Precisely. But is she listening to me? No. Dylan called her this morning, but she’s determined to have the brownies. She called the company and they can send enough boxes to us by Friday. She even offered to pay for them. What am I going to do?”
Rachel took her coat and scarf off and left them on the back of a chair. “What difference does it make if you have the brownies?”
“Nothing, if they arrive in time. We could give the sixty bags of peppermint cremes to someone else. But it’s the principle that counts. Dylan and I have spent months getting everything ready.”
“Do you want my advice?”
Annie nodded. “You’re the most sane person in the room at the moment.”
“Go with the brownies. Who cares what the table favors are? No one’s going to be worried if they get a brownie instead of peppermint cremes.”
Annie moved two pairs of shoes off a chair and sat down. “I suppose you’re right. It’s just so annoying.”
“Welcome to the world of families. Dylan’s mom probably had the best of intentions when she mentioned the brownies.”
“If she’d had those same intentions two months ago, it would have been better,” Annie grumbled.
“I’ve got some news that’s better than your brownies.”
Annie frowned. “Have your students found their farmyard animal costumes for the Christmas play?”
Rachel shook her head. “I don’t think we’ll ever see the costumes again. One of the other teacher’s must have put them in a box somewhere. This is more exciting than lost costumes.” She waved Bella’s envelope in the air. “Do you remember this?”
Sweet on You (The Bridesmaids Club Book 4) Page 22