by JoAnn Durgin
“Shh,” she said, putting one finger over his lips. “I know.”
He tilted his head. “You do?”
“Your brother the TV star told me you built it yourself and refunded Adam’s money.”
Kevin’s grin was a little sheepish. “I wish I’d thought of it myself. It was extremely creative.”
Rebekah laughed a little. “He’s an idea man, but you’re the one who followed through and finished the job. I love my gazebo. It’s gorgeous, and I adore the design name. It means so much more because you designed it and built it, knowing all along it was for me.” Taking his hand, she lifted it to her lips, kissing the callus on the palm of his hand. “I don’t deserve you.”
“Is Adam still in town, Rebekah?”
She looked up at him in surprise and shook her head. “The last I heard, he was packing up and moving back to England. I think he’s had enough of the States. He’s gone, Kevin. I finally woke up to what was under my nose all along. Adam’s out of our lives. Permanently.”
“Good. Glad to hear it. About time.” He nudged her toward the wall of the trailer, tangling her fingers with his as he moved her backward, pinning her flat against the wall.
She couldn’t move if she wanted, not that she wanted to leave. Ever. A long sigh escaped her lips. Kevin’s kisses were whisper soft and as gentle as a butterfly’s touch as he peppered her cheeks, her jaw, her forehead, her eyelids. It was beyond romantic and anything she could have imagined. He loved her with his eyes and murmured how much he adored her and she did the same for him. He increased the intensity of his kisses with a passion that left her weak. When she started to fall, he swept her close, enfolding her in his arms as if he’d never release her.
“Kevin,” she gasped, fighting to steady her breathing. “I didn’t know you had it in you.”
“Me either.” He shrugged. “Besides,” he said, kissing her a few more times, making her beyond giddy, “you know what they say.” His lips trailed a slow path to her neck.
Oh, he shouldn’t do that. Putting both hands on his cheeks, Rebekah lifted his head, waiting until his eyes met hers. She loved how she could make this man so crazy, and knew her expression mirrored his. Those sparkling blue eyes promised her so much. One thing she knew: life behind closed doors with this man would never be dull. That rumble in her belly was going at full-throttle now.
She gasped, trying to catch her breath. “No, what do they say?” She leaned forward and kissed the tiny scar on his forehead, loving it.
“Watch out for the quiet one.”
Throwing her head back, she laughed and he joined in. “Promise me something, sweet lumber man.”
Kevin kissed her again. “Anything, my love. Name it.”
“Please don’t make me wait too long.”
The loopy grin emerged. “Promise.”
Chapter 45
Winnie and Chloe sat side-by-side on a blanket in the park nearest to the apartment. A picnic basket sat beside them and Winnie balanced a book on her lap. Chloe leaned across her leg, her finger on one of the pages, probably learning her ten new words for the day. Stepping out of the car, Josh closed the door, being as quiet as he could.
The two loves of his life.
He watched his girls a few seconds, thankful they were oblivious to his presence. When he heard Chloe’s giggle, he could wait no longer. Pushing his hands in his pockets, he walked in their direction, quickening his steps the closer he came. If he gave into his impulse, he’d break into a sprint.
Chloe saw him first. “Mr. Josh!” she squealed, jumping to her feet and running toward him. Crouching down, he held his arms open wide. She threw her arms around his neck as he hugged her tight. “I missed you.” She put her hand on his cheek.
“I missed you too, Buttercup. So much, you can’t even know.” He surprised her by scooping her into his arms and carrying her back to her mother. She giggled the whole way. He locked eyes with Winnie, drinking in the sight of her wearing the same pretty dress she’d worn the first time he saw her in Sam and Lexa’s living room. Though not that long ago, it seemed like years. She rose to her feet, all grace and elegance. The best thing was she didn’t look nervous. She looked like a woman in love.
Lord, I don’t deserve her. Thank You.
Lowering Chloe, Josh wrapped one arm around Winnie’s waist and drew her close. “Hello, Guppy.” He planted an open-mouthed kiss on her cheek.
Her soft laughter was infectious. “If that’s my new nickname, I certainly hope it’s not a commentary on my kissing technique.”
“Never. Your technique is incredible.” She blushed and ducked her head as he stole a quick kiss on her neck. “That’s when I first knew I was in love with you, you know. When you told that ridiculous story about guppy kisses. It was the most creative—not to mention nuttiest—thing I’ve ever heard. Put it this way: you had me at guppy.”
“Like I said, you must not get out much.”
“I need another demonstration,” he said, turning her chin with one hand. Her skin was so soft. Her hair was in its usual ponytail, brushing past her shoulder. She was so beautiful it made his heart almost burst to think she belonged to him.
Winnie nodded over her shoulder where Chloe now sat on the blanket, holding the book and sounding out words. “Sweetie, close your eyes.”
Impressive how fast she obeyed. Stealing a few soft, sweet kisses—some of the guppy variety, some not—Josh released her, chuckling when he spied his daughter still sitting on the blanket, her hands covering her face. Bright emerald eyes peeked at them from between her fingers. She moved her hands back and forth over her eyes, playing peek-a-boo.
“I was right,” Chloe said.
“What do you mean, Buttercup?” Winnie asked.
“Mr. Josh is your prince.”
Winnie rested her head on his chest and he put his arms around her. “Yes, he is. Get used to it. Mr. Josh is going to be around a long time.” She looked up at him. “Have you eaten? I brought an extra sandwich.”
What a woman—affection then food. She had her priorities straight. “I thought you’d never ask.” He dropped down to the blanket beside her, leaning back on his hands, stretching out his legs.
“Turkey or ham?”
“What do you think, Chloe?”
Chloe tilted her head. “Turkey, please.”
He loved the way she said please. “Turkey it is then, please.” Winnie handed him the sandwich and a bottle of apple juice, and he said an abbreviated prayer. If he thanked the Lord now for all his blessings, he wouldn’t be done until sometime tomorrow. They laughed and talked together, and Chloe entertained them with stories of some of the antics at her nursery school. Her imagination was lively and her enthusiasm made him smile.
“As much as I hate to break up our little party,” Winnie said a short time later, “I think there’s a little girl who needs her nap.” She ignored Chloe’s protests. “If you hush and go quietly, Mr. Josh will teach you five new words.” They both laughed when she snapped her book closed and jumped to her feet.
“Do you want me to drive you back to the apartment?” Together they gathered the remains of their picnic lunch and put them in the basket.
Winnie shook her head. “It’s such a beautiful day and not far so why don’t we walk? If you have time.”
He smiled. “For you and Chloe, I have all the time in the world, sweetheart. Let’s go.” Standing, he retrieved the picnic basket and held out his hand. A warm hand slipped in his. Chloe’s hand. It was one of those moments he’d never forget. She skipped beside him, her hand firmly encased in his, as they headed back to the apartment.
This is exactly where I need to be. If only Winnie agreed. When he was with Winnie and Chloe, he was home. A part of his heart ached when they were here and he was in Baton Rouge. Maybe they’d always been in his heart, stored away in that secret, cherished place. Now it was time. He’d move to Houston. Surely the HBA wouldn’t mind adding one more mergers and acquisitions attorney to its
roster.
Tiptoeing out of the room after they both tucked Chloe in for her nap, Josh closed the door.
“Chloe’s not the only one who’s missed you,” Winnie said, her lids heavy as she gazed up at him.
He planted both palms on either side of her face. “Is it too soon, sweetheart?” He prayed she’d understand his meaning.
“No,” she said. “I could look in your eyes forever, you know. They change colors and go from light emerald to dark depending on your mood. They’re incredible.”
“Good thing,” he said, “because that’s why I’m here. In Houston. In your apartment. With our daughter sleeping in the next room. On a weekday. In the middle of the day.”
Her smile was a wonder to behold. “You’re here so I can stare in your eyes?”
“Marry me, Winnie. Then you’ll have my eyes and all the rest of me. I want to marry you and Chloe. She can have that pink and white bedroom you’ve always wanted for her, and I can give you anything you want, in the bedroom and otherwise,” he growled against her neck.
“Josh,” she said with a small laugh. She looked a little stunned but allowed him to lead as he pulled her by the hand to the sofa.
“Sit, please.” She was a most obedient woman when she wanted. He pulled the ponytail elastic from her hair, thankful it slid out easily. Her hair fell to her shoulders and he moved closer, running his fingers through it. “I’ve been wanting to do that ever since I first saw you in the park today. Here, I have something for you.” He reached for his sport jacket and retrieved the small, black velvet box from the inside pocket, smiling when he heard Winnie’s sharp intake of breath. Her eyes filled with tears and one hand moved over her mouth.
“Well, if it’s going to make you cry,” he said, pretending to pocket it again.
“Joshua Alexander Grant, pull out that box now and get on with it.” At least she’d recovered her voice.
Sliding down to one knee, he pulled open the lid. He didn’t get out a word before Winnie slid down beside him, throwing her arms around his neck, covering him with kisses.
“I didn’t even ask the question yet,” he said, loving the feel of her so close to him, her hands clasped around his neck. “Winnie Doyle, what is your full name?”
On her knees beside him, she laughed. “It doesn’t matter.”
“Oh, it does. I need to know your full name.”
“I don’t share it with just anyone, you know.” He gave her a look and she sighed. “Winifred Justine Doyle. Sad but unfortunately true.”
Josh tilted his head to one side. “I love it. But I think Winifred Justine Grant sounds much better. Winnie is such a whimsical, fun name. I’ve never known anyone else with it except. . .”
“I know, I know,” she said. “No one except a chubby little bear with a red T-shirt and a honey pot.”
“Oh, you’d look real cute in a red T-shirt and a honey—”
“Josh!”
“I like you whimsical and fun,” he said, helping her to her feet. “You can’t always be no-nonsense and practical all the time.”
“As a mother, I need a dose of both.”
“As a wife, you’ll need both.”
“Josh, do me a big favor. I know we have a lot of nicknames around here, but please don’t call me Pooh. . .or Guppy.” She giggled.
“Then what do you prefer? Ladies choice. Pick a name.”
Her smile lit up his world. “Mrs. Grant. Now that’s a name I could live with the rest of my life.”
“Winnie, is there anyone I need to ask officially for permission to marry you?”
“No.” Her eyes clouded, but it was gone as soon as it surfaced. “No one except maybe—”
“Sam,” he said, and she nodded.
“I know Chloe already approves, but we should probably ask her, too,” Winnie said. “But, first things first. Let me see my ring, please.”
“Oh, sorry. You’ve been incredibly patient.” Josh opened the top of the box again, relishing her delighted gasp as he pulled it from its velvet nest and easily slipped the diamond on her finger. With the ring tucked close to his heart the whole trip, he prayed she’d love it. It looked like it was made for her finger as it winked at him.
“It’s perfect. How did you know my ring size?” Her voice was breathy.
“Lexa helped.”
Winnie raised a brow, still staring at the ring. “How did she know?”
He shrugged. “How do Lexa and Sam know anything? Beck helped me pick the cut and everything else. My twin sister’s uncommonly talented and knowledgeable when it comes to diamonds. Who knew?”
“I’ll be sure and thank her.” Holding out her hand, she stared at it as if she couldn’t believe he sat beside her and she was wearing his ring. “And wouldn’t you know?”
“Hmm?” he asked, nuzzling her neck. He pulled back. “What’s that?”
“The cut of the ring, Josh. Do you know what it is?”
He shook his head. “No. I’d much rather kiss you some more.”
She laughed, obliging him in the best way. Between kisses, she whispered, “It’s an emerald cut diamond.”
“Sounds perfect,” he said against her lips.
“Perfect. That’s a word we should teach Chloe.”
He smiled. “Somehow I think she probably already knows.”
~~**~~
Rebekah and Kevin sat next to each other at The Grotto later that evening. All the dust and grime had been washed off and he looked even more handsome than on their special date because this time he was dressed in his khakis and a dress shirt, his hair combed like usual. He drove his big blue truck with the guitar in the back and wore his boots.
“I think you kissed away whatever brain cells I had left today,” she said. “You make me as nutty as one of those grins of yours. Not that I’m complaining. Not at all.” She loved the grin that spread across his handsome face. “Tell me something.”
“Go ahead.” He took a long, slow sip of water. “Ask away.”
“Where did you learn to kiss like that?”
Kevin had to catch himself not to spit out his mouthful of water. Putting his napkin up to his mouth, he laughed. What was it about her that made guys spit their drinks on the tablecloth?
“Unfair advantage. It’s because it’s you, Rebekah. Trust me. I’ve never kissed anyone else like that. You’re my one and only.”
How she loved hearing those words. “I love you, Kevin.” He squeezed her hand and they spent the next few minutes acting like the lovesick fools they were. By far, it was the most exhilarating feeling in the world. Love was a process, at least for her. The journey with Adam was one way the Lord revealed His truths and helped her appreciate this man all the more.
After their food was delivered, Kevin asked the blessing. Releasing her hand, he began telling her about the dish he’d ordered, a local specialty some of the guys at the construction site raved about all the time.
“Kevin,” she said, watching as he took his first bite and pronounced it delicious.
“Yes, sweetheart?” he asked after taking another generous bite.
“If you never ever want to tell me about the food—how it’s prepared, or pretty much anything about it—I’m perfectly fine not knowing.”
He winked. “Not a problem. Still want to share?”
“You’d better.” She scooted her chair closer to his and waited for her first sample of whatever it was he ordered. It could be anything in the world short of sawdust and it would taste like the sweetest nectar because she was sharing it with her lumber man.
As she finished her meal, Rebekah noticed he’d stopped eating and pushed his plate aside. He leaned his chin on one hand, watching her. “You are the most incredibly beautiful woman I’ve ever known and I’m blessed to know you much less be graced enough to love you.”
“Don’t say anything else for a full minute,” she said, raising one hand and closing her eyes. “I just need to savor your poetic words.”
Kevin nudged
her arm. “You’d better stop. People are starting to talk.”
She laughed. “I thought you didn’t care. As long as we’re in the center of God’s will for our lives, let them talk. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
“Well, as long as people are talking, anyway. . .” Her eyes widened as he slid down on one knee beside her, taking both her hands in his. “Marry me, Rebekah Nicole Grant. You’re the greatest gift of my life. I thank the Lord every day for the honor and privilege of loving you, and I’ll spend the rest of my life making you happy.” He reached into his pocket and gave her a sweet look when he heard her gasp. “This is just a proxy ring. If you’ll have me, then we’ll go ring shopping tomorrow. I was going to pick one out, but I want you to pick out the perfect ring. Sam knows a guy downtown.”
She laughed. “Of course he does.” Taking her finger, Kevin slipped on the ring. Costume jewelry or not, it was the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen. “We’ll pick one out together.” Her eyes filled with tears. “Wow, you really took my advice.”
“Which advice is that? I’m on my knees here.”
“I told you not to wait too long and you were a most obedient man.” She took his face in her hands and pulled him to her. “Decisive,” she whispered, “I like that. Saves a lot of time.” Knowing he would want to hear the words, she whispered, “Yes, I will marry you, Kevin Curtis Moore. Whenever you say. I’ll be honored to be your wife and I will cherish you as my husband.”
He kissed her but pulled away when claps and quiet cheers erupted around them. A small group of servers and those at neighboring tables congratulated them. Kevin acknowledged the nods from other male diners and the ladies winked at her as if to say “Great catch.”
Don’t I know it.
~~**~~
Lexa and Sam sat next to each other, enjoying a private, romantic dinner by candlelight in the dining room. She ate the last baby carrot on her plate. That wouldn’t be surprising except it was her second plateful of food. Single-handedly, she’d nearly devoured an entire head of broccoli, not to mention all of her generous pork chop. She caught Sam’s amused grin as she put her fork on the side of her empty plate.