Page 68 of Fourth Heartwarmers Trilogy
“You two looked fantastic tonight. I knew your outfits would be something to see, but I couldn’t have envisioned this.” He took her hands and stepped back to look again.
Mia had made them matching dresses that were so popular, most of the women wanted selfies with the girls. She’d found a soft material that shimmered like pink wrapping paper, was embroidered with Christmas angels, and had tiny lights that lit up sewn onto their wings. The skirts were long and flowed beautifully as they walked.
His princesses had been the hit of the night. Even Angie had a matching dress from the same material but without the angels and lights.
“I’m exhausted and we still have to put Maisie’s dollhouse together.”
“Mark and I took it out of the box and set some of it up already, enough that she can tell what it is. I think she’d probably like to help us with the rest in the morning. Okay?”
“Very okay.” Yawning, Mia leaned into him.
His arms wrapped around her and his chin rested on her head. “You’re exhausted darlin’. Go to bed. Angie invited me and Mark to stay the night. I’ll be here in the morning to celebrate.”
“I wished you were coming to bed with me. I hate having to say goodnight.”
“Me too, baby. You have no idea…”
***
The next morning, the household woke to scurrying baby feet and a chatter that didn’t let up. “Mewwy Cwistmas, Jack. Mewwy Cwistmas, Mia. Wake up, Auntie. Mawk, awe you coming?”Doors were banged on and voices could be heard moaning and grumbling throughout the house.
Mia rolled over and tried to put the pillow over her head, but Maisie got to her first. “Mama Mia, Santa liked his cookies. They’we gone. Only cwumbs and half of his milk awe left.” She crawled close enough to lift the pillow and share her enthusiasm. “Awe you getting up?”
Mia rolled her eyes and then began tickling the little sleep-depriving monster. “Yes, oh my little mighty mouse. I’m coming. Go bug Jack and let me brush my teeth.”
“Okay. I bwushed mine alweady.”
“Are you sure?” Mia glared the question, knowing Maisie wouldn’t be able to keep her face innocent if she was fibbing.
“Yep! I’m suwe.”
“For how long?”
This time the little munchkin turned away and ran to the door.
“Maisie?”
“Lots. I bwushed lots. See you in the living woom.”
Angie had invited them all to spend Christmas Eve night at the big house because she wanted to have them close on Christmas morning. “This way you can relax and have fun at the party, and it’ll be the first time I’ve had a house full of family for Christmas morning. This’ll be my present.”
How could anyone refuse. Later in the day, Jack and Mia promised to fetch her parents who declined her invitation to be there Christmas morning because they had choir commitments at their home, but they’d be there Christmas night and Boxing Day.
Mia grabbed a quick shower and put on the Christmassy lounging clothes she’d chosen for the morning. Feeling better, though it was too early to be awake, she headed in the direction of where she heard everyone’s excited voices.
“She’s hewe. Can I open my pwesents now?”
And so the morning began with present after present being awed over and thanks given. Until finally, there were no more items under the tree. Leaning back in her place on the sofa next to Jack, she watched Maisie’s delight with her new doll house. Holding Jack’s hand, she gave thanks for her blessings, most of which meant her family and friends.
Suddenly, Jack coughed to get everyone’s attention. He dropped Mia’s hand and waved Maisie over to the couch. Picking her up for a quick hug and another thank you for his wonderful cookie he’d promised to eat after breakfast, he sat her next to Mia on the couch.
Lowering himself to one knee, his nervousness apparent to those who knew him well, he cleared his throat, took a small red velvet box from his pocket, opened it and held it toward Mia. Diamonds flared to life in the glow from the sunlight streaming through the window. Brilliant, the three large stones of the same exact size filled the golden band and were breathtaking.
“I’m so in love with you, Mia. I never want to spend another day of my life without you in it. Will you marry me?”
Mia squealed, but no louder than Maisie who’d flung herself at Mia. “It’s so pwetty, Momma Mia. Say yes, please.”
Mia leaned forward and gave Jack a long kiss that said it for her. But in case he needed the words, she whispered, “I’d be honored to be your wife, Jack.”
