Page 79 of Sizzling Nights

"Theresa." She turned to look into his eyes. "I love you."

She smiled and chuckled. "I love you too."

He nodded and swallowed. "Will you marry me?"

Her eyes rounded and as she stared into his eyes, hers watered and a tear slid down her cheek. "Yes."

It was simple and perfect. His fingers shook as he opened the tissue paper to reveal a perfect one-carat round diamond on a gold band. Theresa sniffed as he held her left hand and slipped the ring on her finger. She stared at her hand adorned with the beautiful ring on it. He'd known from the beginning he'd put on her finger. It seemed to fit her, as she seldom wore jewelry. This one sparkled and didn't compete with anything else.

She stood and he did the same. They met in front of the table and wrapped their arms around each other. He kissed her lips and held her close. He could feel her body shaking. "I'm so happy, Marco."

"I am too, Baby."

He looked up to see Margo, Jace, and Gavin watching them. He grinned. "She said yes."

They clapped and Margo rushed forward to hug Theresa. After the congratulations were exchanged, they resumed their seats at the table and Theresa shook her head. "Why here?"

"It's where we met. It's where I watched you from afar wishing we were together. It's where you first agreed to let me help you and our lives together began."

She nodded and tears slipped down her cheeks. "You're amazing."

He grinned. He'd spend his life being amazing for her.

Epilogue

Epilogue - Theresa

Theresa took a deep breath as Margo zipped up her wedding dress. Margo stood behind her and looked over her shoulder into the mirror. "You're beautiful, Theresa."

"Do I look fat? Marco feeds me far too well. I've been doing yoga, but he's an excellent chef."

Margo chuckled. "No, you don't look fat. You're incredibly beautiful."

Theresa smiled. "Thank you."

She took a deep breath and turned to Margo. "I never thought this would happen for me."

"He's a lucky man to have you, Theresa. Just as lucky as you are to have him."

"Thank you."

The door burst open and Effie Karason, Marco’s sister and the youngest in the Karason clan popped into the room with the enthusiasm of a toddler with a new balloon.

"He's ready. Good Lord Almighty, we never thought the man would settle down. Our mamma and papa are smiling down from above on this day."

Effie stopped as her eyes landed on Theresa. "Oh my goodness, you're beautiful!"

Theresa and Margo both laughed. She'd met Effie earlier this week when Marco's family came into town, and she was a burst of energy.

Theresa held her hands out to Effie with a smile. "Thank you."

"Oh damn, Marco's gonna bust when he sees you."

Margo laughed and so did Theresa. "I'd prefer he didn't bust, but thank you very much."

Someone knocked on the door and Effie turned in a swirl of light blue as her dress flowed around her and opened the door.

"Hi, my name is Izzy Payton from Petal Pushers."

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