Page 17 of Our Promise
She and Jo held down the middle row since their luggage was taking up all the back. Benny and Gavin sat in front of them. Gavin was his typical self, being funny, making everyone laugh. Even Jo was in better spirits laughing at her brothers’ antics.
Benny kept stealing glances at her, making her blush each time. She was too grown to be this gone over any man.
“Look, guys, we’re here!” Their mother, who Lorielle liked to call Mrs. J, was pointing out the window.
The whole ride up to the resort had been beautiful. But at the destination there was a scenic view of everything, from the mountains to the valley and river. All of it was breathtaking. It was like something out of the movies.
“Baby girl, you want to text Trey?” Mr. B, their father, asked Jo. “You can let him know you made it and check on the time he should be arriving.”
“Fuck, Trey,” she mumbled.
Lorielle chuckled. One, because she thought it was funny, and two, her friend was about to be looking crazy when she made it out back.
They climbed out of the Sprinter, walking around. She was happy to stretch her legs.
“There’s supposed to be someone here to greet us and tell us where to go,” Mrs. J said as she looked around.
There were five other large cabins outside of the one that was supposed to be theirs. Then there was a small cabin that was the main central that also had rental spaces and an area out back looking over the river and out at wonderful mountains.
“This looks like the main cabin. Should we check inside?” Lorielle asked, knowing the response she would get.
“You and Jo check. The guys will start unpacking the Sprinter.”
She and Jo made it into the main cabin, but there was no one working the front.
“Wow, this is beautiful.” Jo spun around as she walked, paying attention to how the place was decorated. “Daddy went all out this year. I can’t wait to see what our cabin looks like.”
Lorielle had moved ahead of her to make sure Trey was in place. When she saw he was, she called her over. “Jo, come here. Come look out back. You’re going to love this view.”
Jo moved to her side. It took one look out the glass of the door for her to look back at Lorielle with wild eyes. “What is Trey doing here?”
The attendant opened the door. Jo walked down the stairs onto the path that led to her future husband. Rose petals led her all the way to him, where he was standing in front of the majestic fountain.
Everyone else joined Lorielle, walking quietly behind Jo. Benny rested his hand at the small of her back as she walked. It was a light touch that she found comfort in.
“You like it, baby?” Trey asked as he held out his hand for her to join him on the gold fabric under his feet. “I’ve been planning this whole thing for weeks.”
Lorielle didn’t realize she was crying until she felt a tear roll down her neck. She was thankful one of the staff members washandling the recording from the stairs, because she wasn’t sure if she was going to be able to keep it together.
“Trey…” Jo could barely stand. Trey had to hold her up. “I’ve been so angry at you. I don’t deserve this.”
“You do, baby. I know you were only upset because you care, and I want to show you how much I care for you.” Trey made sure she was good standing before he kneeled to the ground. He removed the Lorielle approved ring from his pocket.
“Joann Denise Collins, simply, you’re the love of my life, but if we want to go into detail, you warm each day no matter how cold you are to me.” Everyone laughed. “I can always count on you whether I have one dollar or a million. You’re strong, but you allow, or should I say trust, me to lead us down a righteous path filled with love, laughter, and longevity. I love you and I pray you accept my proposal and vow to be my partner for life.”
“Yes! Yes, Trey, I’ll be your wife!” Jo squealed.
They all clapped and screamed as Trey pulled the ring out of the box and placed it on Jo’s finger.
Trey stood to his feet, taking his fiancée’s lips in a passionate kiss.
Lorielle looked at Benny. “We did it.”
“Yeah, we did.” He was looking at her longingly. His head seemed to descend. She kept her eyes on his, hypnotized by his stare.
“All right. Save some for later,” Mrs. J said. That caused Lorielle to turn her head. Though she was looking forward to Benny’s kiss, now was not the time. She knew that they had gotten caught up in the moment, but their time would come when they could be alone.
“Yeah, we have to get a move on,” Mr. B added.
