Nodding, I pull the sleigh to a stop, and take Rona’s hand to help her down to the ground. “Mind you don’t slip.”
Grabbing hold of my coat with her other hand, she brings me in for a kiss. “I won’t, but if I do, you can catch me.”
“Always. Just stay there one minute while I sort this lot out.”
“Okay.”
Popping the cork on the champagne, I shove it inside my pocket in case Rona wants to keep it. Jake’s idea. Apparently, Elise keeps mementos every time he does something romantic. I actually didn’t know my son had any romantic tendencies, but I’m obviously wrong.
Once the champagne is poured, I reach inside my jacket to the inner pocket for the engagement ring I’ve bought for Rona. I drop the ring into her glass. God, I don’t ever remember being so nervous before. We haven’t known each other that long, but it’s long enough for me to know that I want to spend the rest of my life with her.
Taking a deep breath, I pick up the flowers and go over to Rona. “Twenty-four pink roses for the woman who has my heart.” Passing the flowers to her, I cup the back of her head with my hand and bring her in for another kiss. “I can’t stop kissing you. You’re addictive.”
“Don’t ever stop,” she whispers.
Pulling away from her, I pass her the champagne flute with the ring inside, toasting her. “To the woman I love.” I smile.
“To the man I love.” She clinks her glass with mine.
Going to take a drink, she suddenly stops, staring into the bottom of her glass. “What is this? I mean . . .”
Going down onto one knee, I take hold of her left hand. “I love you, Rona, with all my heart. I know this is fast, but I’ve never felt like this before. I promise to always love, honor and cherish you. Will you marry me?”
Letting go of my hand, she pours the rest of her drink out on to her palm, catching the ring. “Don’t move, honey.”
She’s in tears. She runs to the edge of the river and dips her hand into the freezing water. Running back to me, she wipes her hand on her sweater, kneels down in front of me and smiling through her tears, replies, “I love you with all my heart, Cade. I’ve never felt at home before, until I met you. You’re my home, always, so yes, I will marry you.”
She passes the ring to me. “Put it on.”
It looks stunning on her finger.
Standing up, I help Rona to her feet. She throws herself into my arms and slams her lips to mine in a very passionate kiss. I move my hands up to cup her head, deepening the kiss, while she practically climbs up me wrapping her legs around my waist.
I bring the kiss to a softer level. “Sweetheart, let’s head back so you can show your ring off. Plus, as much as I want to make love to you right now, I don’t fancy freezing my balls off.”
She licks her lips. “I’d keep them warm.”
“Shit. Get in the sleigh, Rona.”
I let her slide down my body so she can feel what she does to me while I keep hold of her assure her feet to gain traction on the ice and snow. “Thank you Cade, this was the most romantic experience of my life and I will treasure it always.”
“So will I, sweetheart. Let’s head back and get warm.”
“I can’t wait to show Elise. Oh no, what about Jake, Anna and Beth? I mean, they’re okay about our relationship, but what about me being your wife?”
Not quite knowing how to handle this other than to tell her straight, I say, “I asked their permission to marry you. Rona, I would have asked you to marry me even if they didn’t approve, hoping that they would eventually. But for my own peace of mind, I needed to know where my family was on this. They all love you for making me happy.”
“I’m glad you did. Thinking about whether or not they approve would have put a bit of a dampener on the day. So Cade, stop worrying, I really am fine with you asking them first.”
Kissing me, she snuggles against me, keeping her glove off to look at her ring. I can’t stop the grin from spreading all over my face.
Chapter 32
Rona
On the way back to the house, I can’t stop looking at my beautiful engagement ring. It’s platinum with an interwoven design, displaying a large diamond in the center and has lots of small diamonds within its curved lines. It’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen.
Glancing at Cade, I notice he hasn’t stopped grinning since he’d gotten down on one knee to propose to me. I hadn’t lied to him when I said it was the most romantic experience of my life. I’m so happy I could burst, and I have to stop myself from asking Cade to pinch me.
All too soon, we arrive back at the stables, and after Cade leaves the horses to the stable hands, he ushers me out of the barn and toward the house.
Walking through the back door, I find Jake grinning behind his cup of coffee. Scanning the room for Elise, Jake reads my mind. “She’s gone over to Anna’s. She shouldn’t be too long.”
He walks toward me grinning like an idiot. I can’t help myself and run to him, throwing myself into his arms for a really tight hug. “Thank you Jake, for everything.”
“You’re welcome. Mom!” he teases.
I swat him on the shoulder.
“Don’t sweat it. You’ll make a cool mom. You can practice on me!”
“Do I kill you now or later?”
“Preferably not at all,” Elise responds, joining us in the kitchen.
Screaming, I run to Elise, hugging her.
“Congratulations,” she manages to get out as we hug each other.
“Oh Elise, I’m so excited. We need to do something.”
She laughs. “I think you need to do something with Cade, not me.”
Looking at Cade, I run back over to him and throw my arms around his neck. His hands land on my butt. I wrap a leg around one of his, drawing closer, and slowly lick along his lower lip, moving to his upper lip. Dipping into his mouth to touch the tip of his tongue, I forget everything as he opens his mouth and plunders mine in a toe-curling kiss.
I pull away slightly. “I think I’ve forgotten my name,” I say, as Cade drops small kisses all over my face.
He smiles at me. “We lost Jake and Elise.”
“Oh God, as soon as I touched you, I forgot anyone else was here. I like winding Jake up, but not this much.”
“Don’t worry, he’s probably gone to do the same to Elise and a lot more.”
Still wrapped around him, I kiss his eyes, nose and finally his mouth. “Mmm. You taste good.”
“Isn’t that my line?”
Climbing out of his arms, I can’t help but feel his erection behind his zipper. Wanting to tease, I cover his bulge with my hand, and caress back and forth a few times.
Cade moans, and removes my hand. “Behave.”
“Only until tonight, because I’m going to seduce you,” I threaten.
“What happened to the ‘no sex’ until vacation?”
“Our vacation starts tonight when I put my red dress on.”
“Hell, woman.”
“I think we need some lunch. I’ll make a salad, so Jake and Elise don’t have anything to really do when they come up for air.”
“That would be good. Do you want some help?”
“No, I’m good.”
“Yes, you are.”
I laugh and decide I might be better ignoring Cade for a short time. Retrieving the salad vegetables out of the refrigerator, I start chopping. Within ten minutes, I have a rather large salad mixed. I retrieve some chicken and Caesar dressing, and lunch is made.
I text Jake to let him know lunch is ready and in the refrigerator.
I finally look at Cade. “Are you okay now?”
With a small grin, he replies, “For now I am. Let’s go eat this delicious salad you’ve made then I think you need to pack. We’ll need to make sure all our things are together and ready for later.”
I grin at him. “When are you going to tell me?” I’m desperate to know where we’re going.
“I’ll tell you af
ter lunch, but I’ll tell you now that we need to be ready to leave around eleven tonight for our flight to Denver.”
“Oh, I can’t wait. Can we walk around naked and make out anywhere without being walked in on?”
“I wish you would stop talking about being naked, and inside the accommodation, we can wear whatever we want, including our birthday suits. I’m also pretty sure we’ll be able to find somewhere outside to make out in private too,” he finishes, laughing when he sees the excitement on my face.
“So there are lots of possibilities then?”
Groaning, he leans toward me. “Eat, your mouth needs filling.” He sees me about to retort. “Don’t say a word.”
Sitting down at the table, we start to eat in silence. In fact, I’m partly afraid to open my mouth in case he drags me over the table and has his wicked way with me. Not that I’d complain, but the thought of Jake and Elise walking in on us kind of puts a hold to those thoughts.
Silently finishing my meal, I drain my glass of orange juice and make my way to the dishwasher. Cade joins me, and with a quick kiss to my neck he adds his own dishes. This is one of the things I love about being in Cade’s presence. We don’t feel the need to fill the silence with useless chatter because we’re comfortable around each other.
“Well, that didn’t take long.” Cade slides his fingers between mine, and tugs me into his arms.
I wrap myself around him and rest my head against his chest with a sigh of happiness leaving my lips.
“I love being in your arms.”
“They were made for you.”
I reach up to kiss him, but pause when the doorbell chimes.
“I think it may be Anna and Beth. They said they’d come over in the afternoon to see us.”
“Okay.”
Cade releases me and dashes off to answer the door while my stomach is somersaulting with nervousness at the prospect of facing them now that I’m engaged to their father.
With a smile planted on my face, I follow behind Cade, and as soon as it’s opened both Anna and Beth practically attack him, hugging him and congratulating us. They come over to where I’m standing and give me a hug before dragging my left hand up to look at my ring.
My nerves disappear with their enthusiasm, replaced with excitement.
“Wow. That is some ring.”
“Beth, that’s because it’s the only engagement ring I ever intend to buy.”
“Congratulations Rona, and thank you for making our dad so happy.” Anna gives me another hug.
I can feel myself starting to get emotional. Although Cade has told me they accept me as the woman he wants to marry, actually hearing it from Anna makes me all choked. Deep down, I was still worried about their acceptance because of our age difference. But this seems real.
“Welcome to the family, Rona. I hope you aren’t angry with our dad for asking permission to marry you. The fact is we can see how good you are for him so saying no wasn’t an option. In fact, I think if we had said no, he would have married you anyway, and just so you don’t misunderstand what I’m saying, I’m saying I really am glad you are marrying Dad. He’s probably the happiest guy alive right now—well except maybe for Mack,” Beth adds.
“Dammit, Beth.”
We all laugh, except Cade, who looks a bit pale. Still chuckling to myself, I walk over to him and wrap my arm around him, feeling so happy when he pulls me close in front of his girls.
“Dad get real, I have two kids. How do you think I got them?” Beth smirks.
“A stork delivered them!”
Taking Cade by the hand, I lead him toward the living room. “I think you need to sit down, honey, before you start with more fairy tales.” Looking toward his daughters, I ask, “Does anyone want some coffee?”
“Please, Rona,” they both reply.
“Where’s Jake? His truck is still outside.”
“Beth, I think he’s getting as ‘happy’ as Mack!” My words stun everyone into silence for a split second.
Cade
After Beth and Anna left, Rona headed upstairs to pack, which was over an hour ago. Deciding to go see what she’s up to, I head up to our room expecting to find clothes everywhere. Our room. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of thinking that.
Pushing the door open, I’m surprised to find Rona’s suitcase, obviously packed, open on the floor. Her purse is on the dresser with her passport on top and she’s curled up on the bed asleep, facing toward the window.
Going over to the opposite side of the bed, I lie down next to her gently so as not to wake her. Lying on my side, I just look at the woman I love. She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, and soon, she’ll be mine forever. Taking her hand, I can’t help but stroke her finger where my ring sits. It’s perfect. I’ve bought her the matching wedding band as well. I hadn’t even given thought to a wedding band for myself, but I will be rectifying that in Dubai during our overnight stay.
On the last thought, Rona starts waking up so I lean close and kiss her on the lips. “Hi, Sleeping Beauty.”
With a sleepy smile, she replies, “Hi, Prince Charming.”
“You look as though you’re all packed.”
“I am. I just have a few things to go in later.”
I pull her into my arms so her head is resting against my chest. “Do you remember when you first arrived here, how you said you wanted to go to the Maldives?”
Rona goes very still, lifting her eyes to look at me, then nods. I smile down at her. “Well, I’ve booked us into a Grand Water Villa for two weeks.”
She starts to cry, then brings her lips to mine for a tender kiss. “Thank you. I love you so much. I’m not sure I can take any more surprises. I’m ready to burst,” she says in a choked voice, before I pull her back against me, running my hand up and down her back to soothe her.
“There is just one more surprise.”
Cupping her head, I smooth my thumbs under her eyes to catch her tears. “I would be honored if you would marry me while we’re in the Maldives.”
Really crying now, she just buries her face into my chest, shaking with tears.
As she comes up for air, I mop her face up with tissues. “Here, I wasn’t expecting all the tears,” I say, rather shakily.
“Yes, yes, I’ll marry you in the Maldives.” Her face is filled with a mixture of tears and laughter. “I’m sorry. Just being with you makes me so happy, but everything you have done for me is so perfect. I feel overwhelmed. I’m afraid you might have to put up with me crying all over you a few more times yet.”
“Cry on me anytime you want sweetheart. I’ll always hold you and mop up afterwards.” I hope to get a smile out of her, which I do.
Chapter 33
Rona
Dressing with Elise is fun and exciting, especially with everything planned for this evening. I can’t stop looking at how my ring sparkles every time I move my hand, much to Elise’s amusement.
I’ve just shoved her into the bathroom with her dress telling her to stop putting off wearing it and to get it on.
I have my red dress on again, with the matching heels and although I’d told Elise to go commando, I have a lacy red thong on as I wasn’t sure I could go out there totally bare with Jake being present. I’d picked a blue one up for Elise, which I gave her along with the dress, much to her relief, if the sigh she let out was anything to go by.
Elise finally appears in the bathroom doorway, stunning. “You look amazing, Elise. Jake is going to have his tongue hanging out when he sees you.”
Elise laughs and rushes over to look at herself in the mirror. “I look different. Good different, but nevertheless different.”
“You look amazing, and there’s nothing wrong with different.”
“I think I’d feel better if Cade wasn’t going to see me as well.” She chews on her bottom lip nervously.
Am I doing right, having them eat with us? I have to remember that Cade and Jake are father and son, not best friends having grown u
p together. Perhaps a change of plans is in order to make everyone more comfortable.
Elise, who is unaware that tonight’s plans are about to change walks to stand in front of me. “Thank you, Rona. For everything. I really do appreciate it.” She smiles. “You look amazing, and Cade isn’t going to be able to keep his hands to himself when he sees you in the dress.”
“Thanks, Elise. I think we need to change the plans.”
She looks at me with a question in her eyes.
“You need to be alone with Jake, just like I do with Cade. So my suggestion is this. You go and wait in the room across the hall, and I’ll get Cade up here. When he enters our bedroom, you sneak out and go downstairs to Jake and entice him to your room. I promise to make a tray up with food, and I’ll knock and leave it outside the door.”
“But you’ve planned this meal,” Elise says, unsure, even though I see relief briefly in her eyes.
“It’s fine, Elise.” I offer with a genuine smile so she can see I’m totally okay with the change of plans.
She nods and hedges toward the door.
After Elise disappears into the other bedroom, I shout for Cade to come help me upstairs. Deciding to get his blood going early on, I sit on the edge of the bed with my legs crossed allowing my dress to ride up my thighs practically to the top, and lean back slightly on my elbows. My nipples are already outlined against the front of my dress and I’m so turned on I’m not sure I won’t jump him the minute he walks through the door.
“You called, sweetheart?” Walking through the door, he stops in his tracks. Speechless.
“You like, honey?”
Shutting the door without answering, he walks toward me, never taking his eyes from mine. Standing directly in front of me, he drops down to his knees. Opening my thighs, he settles between them.
Placing his hands on my feet, he caresses up from my ankles and along my thighs before reaching between my legs. He spreads his fingers over my hips and brushes his thumbs over my mound and between my legs. I moan. Moving my thong aside, he rubs one of his thumbs around my throbbing clit.
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