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.