The Proposal

by Diane Craver

  He was going to need his hands for what he planned on doing next, so he got rid of his bowl. “I still don’t know Brad’s plans. We don’t talk often these days. But if he proposes to you, I’m giving you something to think about that’ll make you hesitate in saying yes to him.”

  He crushed her to him. His tongue traced the soft fullness of her lips. Jacqueline’s heart pounded against his chest, then settled back to its natural rhythm. She didn’t resist his tongue inside her mouth. She clutched him tightly to her and moaned slightly. When she kissed him with sweet abandonment, he felt like he’d gone to heaven.

  When she pulled away from him, he noticed her pink cheeks. He grinned. “Are you still too warm? You look flushed.” Gently his hand lifted the bottom of her sweater a little, wishing he could see her breasts.

  “The sweater stays on. You proved that I’m attracted to you, but it doesn’t mean I’m going to break up with Brad.”

  “Hey, sis,” Alex said from the doorway, “I won’t tell Brad what I just saw.”

  She shrugged. “Alex, there’s nothing to tell.”

  “Only that I saw you kissing Tyler. It looks like I was right about Brad having competition.” Alex gave a broad smile. “I’ll keep my mouth shut if you let me get my driving permit on my birthday.”

  Jacqueline pointed her finger at Alex. “I’m not giving in to any bribery deals. And anyhow Tyler was kissing me. There’s a difference.” She stood. “Tyler’s just leaving.”

  Why was she denying responding to his kisses to Alex? “You kissed me back in the barn and just now. I’m not leaving until you admit you liked it both times.”

  She looked flustered while pushing up the sweater sleeves to her elbows. “Okay, I enjoyed it a little.” She picked up the bowls and said, “I need to empty the dishwasher and clean the kitchen.”

  “I’ll help,” Tyler said, as she scurried out of the living room. I’ll talk to Alex for a few minutes before following her. Knowing Jacqueline, she probably needs to sort out what just happened.

  * * *

  Even though his appeal was devastating, she’d tried to ignore the strange aching in her limbs when they kissed. But Tyler knew she was attracted to him. How embarrassing she’d shared how much she wanted to marry Brad, but behaved like she had the hots for Tyler. She lost all common sense when she gave Tyler passionate kisses. Shoot—her body heated up just thinking about their kissing. I shouldn’t have feelings for Tyler when Brad’s the guy I want to marry. It was all Brad’s fault for never being around. As she put the clean plates in the cupboard, she realized Tyler could be lonely, and she was just convenient. She’d been surprised he hadn’t dated anyone since moving back. Oh that’s right…apparently after years of knowing her, he now realized that he loved her. Should she believe him? Or was he just messing with her?

  “I better get going,” Tyler said from the doorway. “Thanks for the lasagna and ice cream.”

  “Before you go, I need to say something. I’m sorry I sent the wrong message by kissing you back. I love Brad and it won’t happen again.”

  “If I promise not to tempt you with my mind-blowing kisses, will you still let me take you and Alex out for your birthday?”

  “Only if you give me a present.”

  “I already have your present and it’s wrapped. I think you’ll like it a lot, or I hope you do anyhow.”

  “I’ll have a surprise for you, too, at dinner.”

  He narrowed his blue eyes at her. “I can’t imagine what it’ll be. Give me a hint.”

  She grinned. “Oh, what the heck. Instead of surprising you, I’ll just tell you now. Remember how I told you my friend, Annette, is fun and pretty?”

  “Yeah. She works with you.”

  “I’m going to invite her to celebrate with us. You’ll like her. You two have a lot in common. She loves college football as much as you do.”

  He stared at her for a moment, and then burst out laughing. “Oh, I get it. You think that will solve the attraction between us. I’ll have a girlfriend and I’ll leave you alone.”

  “Don’t laugh about it. You need a woman in your life and Annette will be perfect for you.”

  He cupped her chin tenderly in his hand. “The only way I’ll get over you is if I happen to have complete amnesia. You’re in my heart.”

  She was speechless as she watched him put on his jacket. She fought an overwhelming urge to be close to him. Maybe the birthday dinner with Tyler wasn’t such a good idea. She might end up in his arms and that would be bad. Just because she wasn’t engaged yet to Brad didn’t mean she should be kissing her best friend, Tyler.

  Chapter Four

  Although it would be nice to have Brad here, this isn’t too shabby, Jacqueline thought. Annette was an attractive blond, dressed in a pink blouse with black pants. She hoped Tyler noticed how lovely her friend looked. She could tell Annette noticed Tyler’s good looks because she’d been eyeballing him for the last ten minutes. Tyler’s patients probably had trouble telling him about their health when they looked into his gorgeous, blue eyes with the long, black eyelashes. Okay, I’m not immune to Tyler either. My best friend, the hottie. But Tyler’s not just a superficial great looking guy—he’s also sensitive, caring, and dependable. He never left her side the night her parents were killed. Whenever she needed to talk about them and how she’d cope with raising Alex, he was available to offer his love and support.

  She smiled across the table at Annette and Tyler. “I’m glad you both came to celebrate my birthday.”

  Alex tapped the table with his finger. “Hey, what about me? Aren’t you happy I’m here?”

  She patted Alex’s arm. “Little brother, I love it that you’re here.” She wished their parents were alive, but it was too painful to even mention them. “Tyler, thanks for suggesting we come here to eat dinner. Their Mexican food is delicious and authentic.”

  Tyler laughed. “I didn’t have a choice. You threw out so many hints about where you wanted to go tonight.” He gave her an appreciative look. “I like your dress.”

  Annette nodded. “Purple is a great color for you.”

  “Thanks. When I bought it I thought I’d be wearing it for Brad, but that’s okay, he can see it later.”

  “Have you heard from Brad?” Tyler asked.

  She shrugged and dipped a chip into a bowl of salsa. “I got a text from him wishing me a happy birthday today. I was hoping he’d call but he’s probably busy.”

  “I bet he’ll still call,” Annette said. “And you did get roses from him.”

  “That was sweet of him to have flowers delivered to the office.” Although she loved getting roses and a text from Brad, a simple phone call would have made her just as happy. She needed to hear his voice, especially after Tyler’s kisses had invaded her thoughts.

  The server brought their orders of enchiladas, tacos and Mexican rice. As Jacqueline sipped her raspberry tea, she was pleased to hear Tyler ask Annette if she’d like to join them for a game of football on Thanksgiving Day.

  Annette looked up from her place of food. “I’m going to my parents, but I’d love to get some exercise after dinner.”

  “Are you any good?” Alex asked Annette.

  “Alex.” Her brother could be so rude at times. “She’s athletic and even if she wasn’t, we play for fun.”

  Alex rolled his eyes at her. “You and Tyler play to win each year. I want to be on your team this year. I’m tired of being on the losing team.”

  “Yeah,” Tyler said to Alex, “we definitely need a big guy like you. I bet my brother will try to get Brad on his team.”

  Annette wiped her mouth with a napkin. “I love it. You guys sound so competitive. I always play to win too.”

  “I’m glad Brad will be here for Thanksgiving.” Jacqueline glanced at Alex and saw a flash of sadness cross his face. She knew he was having the same thought she was… How different Thanksgiving would be this year without their parents. They’d always eaten a big turkey dinner at their
own house, then had gone to Jordans’ place for dessert.

  When they finished eating dinner, Alex said to her, “I baked a birthday cake for you. It’s back at the house.”

  Annette glanced at her phone. “I better get going. My sister texted me and wants to know where her babysitter is.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you had to babysit tonight.” She was disappointed that Annette had to leave, but at least she’d be seeing Tyler next week. Or maybe Tyler would give Annette a call and take her out sometime during the upcoming weekend. “I’ll bring a piece of cake to work tomorrow.”

  Annette handed her a gift bag. “Happy Birthday, Jacqueline. I hope you like what I got you.”

  She shoved her hand in the bag and lifted out an orange blouse with long sleeves. “I love the color. I’ll wear it to work tomorrow. Thank you, Annette.”

  Out in the parking lot, Annette thanked Tyler for paying for her dinner. After saying good-bye to Annette, Tyler said, “Okay, Andrews family hop in my car. I want to eat cake and give the beautiful birthday girl my gift.”

  * * *

  While Alex cut the cake, Jacqueline removed the wrapping paper from Tyler’s gift. “I can’t imagine what it is.”

  Tyler wished he could bring their parents back for Jacqueline and Alex. He’d comforted Jacqueline for months after their deaths. He’d given lots of thought for her birthday gift, and he felt she was ready to be reminded of the last happy time they’d been together as a family. But he worried about her reaction. What if he’d been wrong to have this memory put in a frame? He watched closely to see her response.

  She stared at the picture and her eyes filled with tears. “Alex, you have to see this picture of us.”

  Alex lifted the third piece of cake on a plate before walking by her side. “That was the last horse show you were in before…” his voice trailed off.

  “Before mom and dad were killed.” Jacqueline continued to gaze at the photo. “That was such a good day. I remember dad telling me how proud he was of me getting first. And Mom was so cute and kept bragging to everyone how I was her daughter.”

  “You were impressive on Gypsy. His jumps were perfect.” He sighed, remembering how much he’d adored watching Jacqueline ride and wanting to tell her then how he loved her. “You were so beautiful as you and Gypsy rode the course and jumped all the fences.”

  She put the picture on the kitchen table and walked to Tyler’s side. She hugged him and said, “Thank you so much for such a thoughtful gift. I’ll always treasure it.”

  Alex gave them their big pieces of cake. “I need to study. I have a couple of exams tomorrow.”

  “The cake looks yummy,” Jacqueline said.

  “It’s probably not as good as Mom’s but has something in it, you’ll like.” He brushed a kiss on her forehead. “Love you.” He grinned at Tyler. “Don’t keep my sister up too late. She has to go to work tomorrow.”

  Jacqueline’s cell phone rang and after glancing at it, she said, “It’s Brad.”

  Tyler ate his cake while Jacqueline sat beside him. She told Brad how they went out to dinner, and Alex baked her a cake. She took a bite of the cake while holding her phone next to her ear. “Oh my gosh, this cake is delicious. It tastes like he put chunks of candy in the batter.”

  He was glad Brad finally called Jacqueline on her birthday, Tyler thought. After the phone conversation ended, he said, “You didn’t talk long to Brad.”

  “He was still at the office and wanted to get back to his apartment. Oh yeah, he said to tell you hi and he’ll see you on Thanksgiving.”

  “I heard you ask him what time his flight arrives on Wednesday. You looked surprised. Did he change the day?”

  She shook her head. “He’s still coming here on Wednesday, but he’s driving here instead of flying.”

  “He must be going to Chicago first. Unless he’s driving a rental car from Philadelphia.” Brad’s latest hospital assignment was in Philadelphia, and he used the public transportation to go to the hospital. His own car was at his Chicago residence.

  She shrugged. “He’s going to Chicago to get his car apparently. He’s going to spend time with his family after Thanksgiving. He wants me to go with him.”

  Tyler poked his fork in the cake. “You’re right. Alex put pieces of Snickers in it.”

  “Pretty sweet he put my favorite candy in my birthday cake. Maybe I should have Alex bake this recipe to take to your parents’ house instead of my pumpkin bars.”

  “This cake’s good but I still like your bars the best. You better still make them.”

  She nodded. “To show my appreciation for the great birthday gift and for you treating everyone to dinner tonight, I’ll even make extra bars just for you to eat with lots of cream cheese frosting.”

  He put his fork on his empty plate. “You can show your appreciation in another way.”

  “Oh really, what way is that?”

  “A thank you kiss is definitely in order.”

  She shifted toward him and planted a sweet kiss on his lips. Even though, Jacqueline’s quickness in responding surprised him, he wanted more so reclaimed her lips. He loved feeling her quiver at the tenderness of his kiss. She definitely wasn’t just giving a chaste kiss to her best friend. I might be getting through to Jacqueline that we should be a couple. How would Brad take it if Jacqueline broke up with him? He did feel guilty about not speaking up in the beginning to Brad, but he couldn’t say anything when Jacqueline’s happiness was more important. He never expected their feelings for each other to escalate so fast.

  “You two need to get a room,” Alex said as he put his plate on the counter.

  Jacqueline blushed as she moved slightly to look at her brother. “I was just thanking Tyler for everything.”

  Alex chuckled. “ I don’t go around kissing people to say thank you.”

  “Hey, don’t tease your sister. It’s not everyday I get a kiss that tastes like candy.”

  “I heard your phone. Did Brad call?” Alex asked, leaning against the counter.

  She nodded. “It was good to hear his voice. I can’t wait to see him next week.”

  Alex looked amused. “The competition is on. Two guys in love with my sister. May the best man win.”

  Chapter Five

  Jacqueline slipped her purple dress over her head. It was nice to know she looked good in her new dress. Annette and Tyler thought so anyhow, so she hoped Brad would like her in it. She wanted to look perfect when he proposed to her. He made reservations for them to go to an Italian restaurant in Fort Wayne. She wondered if he’d propose right in the restaurant or somewhere else. Glancing in the mirror, she noticed her hair could use a quick brushing.

  Alex had gone to a movie with a few friends. He said they’d grab something to eat after the movie. I’m relieved he wanted to go out and do something. She’d been worried about him, because the last few days, Alex hadn’t been himself. He even admitted how he was dreading Thanksgiving. It’d be their first major holiday without their parents.

  It’d be sad not to be able to show her engagement ring to her parents, but it’d be fun to let Tyler’s family see it. She had to stay optimistic, or she’d lose it. Alex needed her to be strong. They both had grieved greatly for eight months, but now needed to move on with their lives. Their mom and dad would want that for them.

  After putting the brush on her dresser, she picked up a pair of earrings with pear-shaped crystal drops. She pushed each earring through her pierced ears, attaching the posts on the back. Next she decided to wear the matching necklace to the earrings.

  At the sound of the doorbell, she knew it had to be Brad. She took the stairs swiftly and opened the heavy front door.

  “Hi, baby doll,” Brad said as he stepped inside. “You look beautiful.”

  “I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve missed you.” She felt a bit overdressed though when she saw he wore jeans and a Notre Dame hoodie, but he probably had wanted to be comfortable driving here. He wore suits al
l week at work, so Brad never wore dress pants and shirts on the weekend.

  “Hey, woman, I need a kiss.” Leaning down, he smothered her lips with a demanding urgency.

  The tantalizing smell of his aftershave exuded maleness. Happiness filled her with his warm mouth on hers. She weaved her fingers in his black, thick hair.

  A few moments later, Brad stopped kissing her and raised his head. As he gazed into her eyes, he said, “I can’t wait to tell you my news. We have a little time before we need to leave for the restaurant.”

  The way he mentioned news definitely didn’t involve a proposal. Well, maybe he was working up to it. “Are you moving here?”

  He raised his eyebrows. “No, of course not.”

  This might take a while, she thought. Brad never told anything quickly. “Let’s sit down while you tell me your news.”

  Brad followed her to the sofa. “Remember the lot in that upscale subdivision we looked at a few months ago.”

  She nodded. “You said it was a nice building spot, but too much money.”

  “Some guy bought it, but he’s now relocating for his job, so sold it to me for a lot less.”

  “So you’ll investing in land now.”

  He laughed. “I’m going to build a house on it.”

  Brad couldn’t be serious. How could he buy it without even mentioning it to her? She’d been his girlfriend for almost a year, so the fact he didn’t even talk it over with her was hurtful. “When are you going to start building?”

  “Not right away because I want to pay the loan off first for the land.”

  Good. Maybe he’d want to live here after they got married to save money until he was ready to build. “Did you change your mind about the homeowner’s rules?” Brad had complained he couldn’t live there with all the restrictions of the subdivision. She was pretty sure a barn for Gypsy wouldn’t be approved by the subdivision people. She’d definitely have to find a place to board Gypsy.