Page 64 of Savoring Christmas
“Always does,” Harold said.
“So true,” Reese agreed.
Logan continued, eyes still on Mia. “Which is why I wasn’t able to call you back.”
“It’s fine,” Mia said, a flush creeping up her neck and into her cheeks. “No reason to discuss it here in front of everyone.”
“Oh, but I disagree,” Logan said. “I want witnesses. Mia Bianchi, I love you. The time we’ve spent together has been the most joyous of my life. I’ll move with you to New York—I can practice law there after I take the bar exam. Or I’ll stay here in Sugarville Grove. It doesn’t matter where we are, as long as we’re together. I want to support your career and build a life with you, if you’ll have me.”
“You’d leave Sugarville Grove? For me?” Mia shook her head, eyes filling with tears.
“Of course, I’d like to stay here where all my friends and family are, but I’m willing to go, as long as I can be with you. If you want New York, I’ll go. If you want Sugarville Grove, I’ll stay. And just so you know how serious I am, I have a question for you.”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out the ring box, heart thundering, then dropped to one knee.
Mia’s lips parted, her hand flying to her chest. “What is happening right now. Are you proposing?”
“Yes, I’m proposing.” He opened the lid of the box and held it out for her to see. “Will you marry me?”
Mia just stared at the ring, her cheeks drained of color. “You want to marry me?”
“More than anything I’ve ever wanted,” Logan said.
“Say yes,” Harold called out.
“He’s willing to give up everything for you,” Thelma said. “Isn’t it marvelous?”
“You’ll be another Mrs. Hayes,” Abby said, wiping the corners of her eyes.
“Ifshe says yes,” Logan said, starting to feel as if she might not want to marry him. Why else would she be stalling like this?
“Yes, I am saying yes. Logan Hayes, there’s nothing better in the world than being by your side. Yes, I will marry you—and build a life with you.” Mia peered at the ring shining from in its velvet box. “The ring’s so pretty.”
Logan rose to his feet to slip it on her finger, then held her hand, admiring how the diamond looked on her slender finger. “It suits you, don’t you think?”
Her right hand trembled as she brushed her knuckles against his cheekbone. “I’d wear a blade of grass, if it meant I’d be your wife.”
He drew her to him, pulling her tight against him and kissing her hard. Meanwhile, the room erupted in applause. Cannoli barked and ran toward them, thrusting herself against Logan’s leg. But not even Cannoli could stop this kiss—right there in the middle of flour-dusted counters, surrounded by their new friends.
When they finally pulled apart, Mia directed her attention toward the class. “Thanks to each of you in this room, I have some news for you. I called Carmichael, and he’s intrigued with the ideas we discussed at the dance hall.”
Turning back to Logan, with the confused look on his face, she took both his hands in hers. “Everyone here—except for you and Abby—knows about my exciting news, Logan. Carmichael has agreed to backing a restaurant right here in Sugarville Grove. One with the exact same concept, only in a different location.” She beamed, rocking back and forth on her heels.
“I knew it,” Abby said. “I knew he’d agree.”
“Yes, isn’t this wonderful?” Thelma said.
“A Christmas miracle,” Harold chimed in.
Mia laughed. “That’s what I thought too.”
“And most important of all, love wins this time,” Reese said. “I’m so delighted for you both.”
“It surely does,” Kris said. “You kids are going to be very happy together.”
Mia glanced in Reese’s direction. “And guess what else, Reese? Carmichael loved your idea of the old dance hall for our location. He already started making the arrangements to buy it.”
Logan’s head was spinning like an old-fashioned toy top. “Wait a minute. Am I understanding this right? You’re going to open the restaurant here?”
