Not trusting his voice, Mitch nodded. He had another gift for Lizzy—part of his misguided plan. He wasn’t sure if he should give it to her.
Dare’s text came to mind.
Don’t make that choice for Lizzy. Let her decide.
Would Mitch be able to live with himself if he didn’t do that? Even if giving Lizzy what she deserved might ruin the rest of their Christmas and the chance of them remaining friends?
He wished he knew the answer.
* * *
Spending the day watching holiday movies and snacking reminded Lizzy of Christmases past, but the long walk on the beach set this holiday apart. The tension between her and Mitch had disappeared. More than once, she’d had to stop herself from holding his hand or touching him. She chalked that up to old times’ sake.
This vacation had served not only as a needed getaway, but also as a bridge for their relationship and friendship in the future. That was bittersweet because being with Mitch in Indigo Bay showed her what could have been and the kind of marriage she wanted.
As he peered into the oven, she set the table. He’d taken on the task of heating the complete meal they’d ordered. No other cooking for either one of them.
“Should only be another half-hour.” He pulled her toward the couch. “That gives me plenty of time to give you your other gift.”
“I only got you one present.”
“A perfect one.” Mitch handed her a small white box with a tiny red bow stuck on the top. “I should have given you this a long time ago.”
Lizzy had no idea what he meant. She removed the lid and saw a black velvet ring box inside.
Her heart slammed against her rib cage. “Mitch—”
“Open it.”
She did. A dazzling diamond solitaire was set on a gold ring that matched their wedding bands. She forced herself to breathe. “It’s gorgeous, but why are you giving me this?”
“I’d meant to get you an engagement ring before.”
“We had other expenses.”
“Yes, but…” He took a breath. “This ring was part of my plan to get you back.”
She gazed into his eyes. “A pretty good plan.”
“For me. Not for you.” He dragged his teeth over his lower lip. “You’re the only person who has ever loved me and been there for me one hundred percent, but I took you for granted. I’m embarrassed by the list of would’ve, should’ve, and could’ve where you and our marriage are concerned. If I could make it up to you, I would. I never meant to hurt you or make you question yourself, our marriage, or me. I’m sorry.”
“I appreciate you saying that. I’m sorry, too.” Her heart pounded. “I was also at fault. I made so many mistakes and waited too long to tell you how I was feeling. I blamed you because I felt as if I was the only one working on the marriage. I accepted the role of martyr. That colored my attitude and played a big part in my unhappiness. I appreciate you wanting to give me something so special, but I don’t need or deserve this ring.”
He wrapped her hands over the ring box. “Yes, you do.”
A lump burned at the back of her throat.
His gaze softened. “I wanted this ring to show you how committed I was to getting us back to the way things were before.”
She nearly squealed with happiness. Maybe they could make this work after all.
Last night, fear had kept Lizzy from risking her heart, but today, after truly seeing Mitch’s efforts during this trip, she was ready. She didn’t want to live with the regret of giving up on the man she loved and their marriage without at least trying.
He let go of her hands. “But I don’t want to go back to that.”
The air rushed out of her lungs. Her heart shattered.
She didn’t blame Mitch for feeling that way. She had been the one to ask for a divorce.
Lizzy stared at their linked hands. “I understand.”
But she didn’t want to lose it in front of Mitch. She concentrated on her breathing. In—out. In—out. Tears stung her eyes. She blinked. Once, twice.
“I don’t think you do, babe.” He raised her chin with two fingertips, so he was gazing into her eyes. “I don’t want to go back because that wasn’t good for you. We both were responsible for our marriage not being what it should be. I want a second chance for us to start over. Make the most of a new beginning where we don’t rush, and we both do our parts, so we get it right this time.”
Her heart rate quadruped. Her hands trembled. She nearly dropped the ring box. “I… That sounds… Yes. Please.”
Mitch lowered his mouth and kissed her—a kiss full of longing and love. A kiss that spoke of a future together and dreams coming true.
He touched his forehead to hers. “Will you go out on a date with me when we get back?”
Her body tingled with anticipation. “Only if you go on a date with me.”
“As many as you want.” Mitch wrapped his arms around her. “Looks like my Christmas wish came true.”
She rested her head against his shoulder. “That means mine did, too.”
He drew back to look at her. “What do you mean?”
“My Christmas wish was for yours to come true.”
“Why doesn’t that surprise me?” He brushed his lips over her hair. “Guess we’ll be coming back to Indigo Bay next Christmas.”
Their time here had reminded them of why they’d fallen in love three years ago and the good times they’d shared. Indigo Bay was special. “Why wait an entire year?”
“Good point. This place would be nice any time of year.” He kissed her on the lips. “I love you, Lizzy Hamilton.”
Joy flowed through her at getting a second chance to make things right with her husband. “I love you, too.”
He pulled out his cell phone from his pocket and held it out in front of them. “Better get used to smiling for the camera, babe. I’m going to need photos to fill our new memory book.”
She couldn’t wait to see how it all turned out.
THE END
I hope you enjoyed Sweet Holiday Wishes. Mitch Hamilton was briefly mentioned in my novella Jenny available HERE. If you'd like to read more Christmas stories set in Indigo Bay, check out:
Sweet Holiday Memories by Kay Correll
Sweet Holiday Surprise by Jean Oram
Sweet Holiday Traditions by Danielle Stewart
Sweet Holiday Wishes by Melissa McClone
You can find out more info about the short stories and other books in the Indigo Bay Sweet Romance Series HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
USA Today bestselling author Melissa McClone has written over forty sweet contemporary romance novels and been nominated for Romance Writers of America’s RITA® Award. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, three children, two spoiled Norwegian Elkhounds, and cats who think they rule the house. If you’d like to learn more about Melissa, please visit her website at www.melissamcclone.com, Facebook page at www.facebook.com/melissamcclonebooks or on Twitter at twitter.com/melissamcclone.
OTHER BOOKS BY MELISSA MCCLONE
Fiancé for the Night
Jenny
Ever After Series
The Honeymoon Prize
The Cinderella Princess
Christmas in the Castle
Love at the Chocolate Shop Series
A Thankful Heart
The Valentine Quest
The Chocolate Touch
The Bar V5 Ranch Series
Home for Christmas
Mistletoe Magic
Kiss Me, Cowboy
Mistletoe Wedding
A Christmas Homecoming
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