Chapter 16
As Christmas neared, things got crazy at work. Suddenly, Stacy was a highly wanted accountant. Her business was booming and she hardly had time to breath. She’d finished her shopping online because of the attention she drew when she went out.
Slade was getting very mysterious as Christmas neared. She’d picked him out a blue cable knit sweater and a pair of pajamas which was a joke gift. She grinned as she wrapped them thinking about his black silk sleep pants. She grabbed him a watch too. It was hard to shop for someone like him that could buy anything he wanted.
She packed for the trip the night before. Randi came over and helped. They exchanged gifts. Stacy had purchased her the charm bracelet she had slobbered over at the mall and Randi got her a beautiful gold snowflake necklace and matching earrings. Randi wished her luck before she left.
The next morning her parents came by to pick her up. Since she lived closer to the airport it was easier for them to come get her. When they arrived at the airport they were surprised when they were escorted to a private area of the airport. Slade had arranged for his jet to pick them up. Her parents were very impressed. Her father went from one end of the jet to the other whistling.
“Honey, you’ve hit the mother lode.” He winked at her and her mother hugged her.
“This is special. I can’t believe we’re on a private jet on the way to spend Christmas in Colorado. I feel like a celebrity.”
“It’s a funny feeling all of this.”
They were met at the airport by Andrew. He explained that Slade was at the penthouse with his parents. Andrew hugged Stacy and shook her parent’s hands.
When they arrived at the hotel it was massive. She almost tripped walking across the lobby. The lobby was something out of a magazine. She’d never thought she would ever stay somewhere like this. They got on a private elevator and as it started up she took a deep breath.
As soon as the elevator opened they were in the penthouse. When she walked off the elevator she was immediately enveloped in muscular arms. She wrapped her arms around him and held on. They hugged for what seemed like forever. It felt good to be in his arms again. He pulled back and kissed her soundly on her lips. His eyes dancing with happiness. He laughed when she blushed to the roots of her blonde hair.
Her father cleared his throat. Slade looked up and reached out to shake his hand. “I’m sorry. Hey, I’m Slade Collins.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Frank Cauthen and this is my wife Sheila.” He turned and shook Stacy’s mother’s hand.
A couple walked up behind him. The woman had Slade’s eyes and the man walked like him.
“These are my parents, Dorothy and Wendell Collins.” As everyone shook hands and grinned, it was apparent that something was going on.
She looked at Slade with questioning eyes. He just shrugged his shoulders and winked. He leaned down and whispered in her ear. “It’s Christmas. Don’t ask questions.”
She grinned and looked up into his gorgeous eyes. She’d missed him so much. Her heart swelled as she looked at him.
“Well, since it’s Christmas Eve, we have to get to the Chalet and get this interview over with. I hate for us to have to leave you guys as soon as you get here, but I’ve arranged for you to attend a Christmas production going on in the theatre of the hotel.”
Slade’s mother put her arm through Stacy’s mothers arm and winked. “It’s supposed to be a marvelous production. I know you’ll love it.”
The fathers didn’t look as excited as the mothers. Stacy looked a little worried. Her father was the first to speak. “Don’t worry about us honey. You two go on and make the press happy.” He kissed her on the cheek and watched them get on the elevator.
As soon as the doors closed Slade pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately. The kiss did not end until the elevator operator cleared his throat to let them know they were at the lobby.
They grinned and walked out to the limo waiting on them. As they rode up to the Chalet they talked constantly. It was funny that Andrew was not with them. She just figured he was at the Chalet setting up everything.
When they arrived at the Chalet she grinned. He helped her out of the limo. “Where is everyone?” She looked at him and then back around at the snow covered drive with no cars but the limo.
“I guess we’re early. Let’s go in where it’s warm.” She looked up at him and he winked. She noticed smoke coming from the chimney.
As they walked in he covered her eyes. She laughed. “What are you doing?”
“Just a little surprise for you.”
When he uncovered her eyes she gasped. The entire living room was covered with lights and Christmas decorations. Candles were lit everywhere and in the corner was a Christmas tree that had to be 12 foot tall if not taller. In front of the fire was a table with candles and champagne chilling. She looked up at him.
“What kind of press conference is this?”
He grinned sheepishly. “It’s not actually a press conference.”
She looked up suddenly and her eyes got round as saucers. “What exactly is this?” Her heart was hammering in her chest.
Slade walked her over to the Christmas tree and stood holding both her hands.
“Stacy Cauthen, I want you to know that you have changed my life. You’ve made me feel like a whole man, no parts missing. I love you with everything I have. I know without a shadow of doubt that you’re my soul mate.”
Tears started streaming down her cheeks. She covered her mouth to hold back a sob. He reached into the tree and pulled out a little black velvet box.
He got down on one knee and when he looked up at her, she had no doubt that he loved her. His eyes were so full of love and desire. He opened the box and nestled inside the black velvet was the most gorgeous antique diamond ring.
“Stacy, will you do me the most wonderful honor of becoming my wife, my life and my soul mate?” He looked up at her with tears swimming in his eyes. Stacy stood there with her mouth open and tears streaming. His heart was pounding waiting for her response.
*************
Don’t miss the last book in this series, “Winner Takes All” to find out more about Slade and Stacy!
About the Author
Stephanie Payne Hurt has been writing stories since she was a teenager, but only started publishing her work in 2012, 30 years later. The romance genre drew her in at an early age. Since 2012 she's published over 15 Romance novels/novellas.
Stephanie is a busy lady. She's a Children's Minister, Accountant, wife and mother along with a blogger and writer, along with starting a publishing service called Horseshoe Publishing alongside her publisher. It's been an exciting ride and she looks forward to what the future holds for her writing.
Currently she writes romance ranging from Christian, Contemporary, Suspense and Cowboy. Her work is available at many online retailers, on her website and in a bookstore in Zebulon, Georgia near her home.
Come by and visit her at https://www.stephaniehurtauthor.com/ subscribe to get updates and release dates, also her monthly newsletter! Also join her Street Team!
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Twitter: @StephanieHurt4
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The Winner Is Love Page 16