27
Tessa
My heart nearly jumpsout of my chest hearing him say those four words. Sure, it’s not like we’ve been together very long, but we love each other, and I couldn’t imagine my life without him in it. How did I end up so lucky?
I’m entangled in his arms as he dips me and then plants a kiss.
“See, Mama. I knew you would marry Damon.” Emily smiles. “Now, we never have to leave.”
The last few months have been a whirlwind since he came into my life, and I couldn’t ask for a better man to have by my side or for Emily to look up to. He is going to be an amazing stepdad and husband.
The entire ride back over to our old house, all I can do is stare at the ring; it’s gorgeous and fits perfectly. A flawless diamond with a solitaire silhouette and an eternity band. Nothing over the top, but simple and elegant.
I snap a quick picture and send it over to Harper. We haven’t spoken since the start of Christmas break, but I know she will be happy for me.
“I can’t wait to tell my mom and show it off.”
He looks over and smiles at me. “Your mom knows. I had to ask someone for their permission.”
That makes sense now why she has been rushing off the phone with me since she came on Thanksgiving. My mom’s never been good at keeping a secret.
Once we get back, it’s already after one and his brothers will be here in a bit for an early dinner and we haven’t even started cooking. They will understand once they find out about the engagement. I’m freaking engaged! It’s crazy to say that, because for a long while I thought I didn’t deserve someone, and then Damon walked into my life like a knight in shining armor.
The ham is already in the oven, since we put it in before we left, but nothing else is ready. We better get to work. Emily and I prepare the sides, like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and stuffing. This Christmas dinner might be smaller than usual, but next year we will do a big spread at the new house.
Speaking of that, Damon really outdid himself. Emily is going to have her own bedroom down the hall, and there is an extra bedroom between us, which means we will have all the privacy we need to make use of that extra bedroom and big backyard. And let’s talk about the kitchen. It’s like my dream setup with double ovens and a granite island with bar stools. Hosting dinner parties is going to be so much fun once we move in, with plenty of room to entertain the guests while preparing the meal and even being able to see out to the backyard to watch the kids. Perfect.
“What are you thinking about?” Damon asks, coming up behind me and placing a kiss on my head. “You sure do have a big smile on that beautiful face.”
“Just how lucky we are to have found you. Who knows where we would be. Wanna hear something funny?”
“Hit me.”
“I actually noticed you before the fire. The grocery store I used to work at.”
“Damn it. Oh well, fate brought us together.”
I punch his shoulder and laugh. Crazy how things work out sometimes, without you even realizing it. We both just needed that extra push and that’s what we got.
The doorbell rings, and I wipe my hands off with a washcloth and stop Damon. “No, let me answer it,” I say, flashing my ring. “I want to tell them.”
The door opens, and Liam and Aiden are standing outside with a box of store-bought rolls. “You know we don’t cook, so here’s our offering to the cause. Merry Christmas.”
I go to grab the box and let my ring catch their eye.
“Wait, is that what I think it is?” Aiden asks, shoving Liam aside.
“Just happened this morning. You’re looking at your new sister-in-law.”
Aiden comes in for a hug. “That’s great. So glad he’s finally found happiness again.”
Liam comes in for a hug afterward. “Me too. You guys are perfect for each other and we are excited to have a niece to spoil.”
Emily runs into the living room and practically pushes Liam over to hug him. “I got my own room.”
Liam looks at me. “Something else you want to share?”
Damon walks in and tells them about the house he purchased just a couple blocks over from Liam’s house and that we will be moving in tomorrow.