Mia's Gift (Small-Town Christmas Wishes Series Book 1)
Page 12
Jesse glanced at it.
“It’s for Kristi. I want to apply to become her foster parent.”
Jesse froze.
“I meet all the requirements now,” said Mia, “and I’m willing to go through the process. And I have the money to pay the legal fees.” A lump formed in her throat. “A friend gave it to me. She asked me to do something special with it. I want to use it to do this.”
Jesse clutched his chest. “Mia,” he whispered.
“You and Kristi were my friends for so long, but now you feel like family.”
“You feel like family too.” He stepped closer and took her hands in his. “Mia, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking,” he said. “And a lot of praying. Are you and Diane still looking to hire someone at the shop?”
“Yes,” she said. “We’ve had help from the temp agency but haven’t hired anyone permanently.”
“I want to apply for the job.”
Mia’s eyes widened.
“I know it’s only part-time work and it won’t enable me to become Kristi’s legal guardian but taking the job would mean being closer to her than I am now. And it would mean being closer to you.”
Mia had to catch her breath. “Oh, Jesse.”
“And there’s something else I want to ask you.”
“What is it?”
He gathered his thoughts. “I want us to apply for co-guardianship of Kristi. I want us to take care of her together.”
Mia’s gaze searched his.
“I want you and I to be together as more than just friends.”
A slight gasp escaped her lips.
“I love you, Mia,” he said, “and I want to share my life with you.”
Mia blinked hard. Was she dreaming? Her heart soared. Her eyes filled with tears. This time, they were happy tears. “Yes,” she said. “Oh, yes. I want to spend my life with you, Jesse.”
A smile warmed his handsome face. He captured her in an embrace.
Standing there with the view of the snowy Rocky Mountains in the distance, they shared a kiss that was sweeter than all the cupcakes in the world.
Chapter 21
A Christmas wedding. Mia never imagined she would have one but here she was in the warmth and shelter of Snowflake Inn exchanging marriage vows with Jesse on the most special day of the year.
Only a few guests gathered with them—Kristi, Amy, Diane, Mia’s parents, Jesse’s mom, and a few close friends. And Cathy Callahan, along with Pastor Tom, who officiated the wedding.
The dress that Mia wore was a simple design, and that was all she needed. After the holidays, they would have a big reception and invite everyone they knew.
“Congratulations,” said Diane when she and Mia found a moment alone. She held up the bouquet that Mia gave her. “Does this mean I’m the next to get married?”
“I believe so.”
“If you’re right, then thanks,” said Diane.
“That’s what friends are for.” Mia winked.
“Seriously, Mia. I’ve never seen you look happier.”
“That’s because I’m happier than I’ve ever been. And having you here has made this day even more special.”
Diane’s face beamed. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
Footsteps filled the air. “Does this mean I can call you Aunt Mia now?” asked Kristi.
“I would be honored.” Mia took Kristi’s hands in hers. “I want you to know that I’ll always be here for you. And so will your Uncle Jesse. You’ll always have the both of us.”
Kristi’s eyes misted, but this time because of the joy.
Mia reached out and embraced her.
“Excuse me, Mrs. Quinn,” said Jesse. “Is there room for one more?”
Mia glanced up. Was Jesse really hers? Thank you she said silently to the God who answered her prayers.
“Mr. Quinn,” she said, “there will always be room in my arms for you.” She reached out and pulled him in the embrace.
She, Jesse and Kristi shared the warmest, most fulfilling group hug Mia had ever known.
THAT NIGHT, JESSE CARRIED Mia into the condo where they would both stay.
Tomorrow, they would see Jesse’s lawyer and sign the papers to have Kristi become theirs. With Mia at Jesse’s side, the judge would approve.
Soon they would all be living in Snowflake together—Mia, Jesse, Kristi—and Bella.
Charity would be so proud.
About the Author
Cindy Flores Martinez is a USA Today bestselling author. She writes Christian Romance. She has an MFA in Creative Writing with an emphasis in Screenwriting. Her debut novel, Mail-Order Groom, started as a screenplay and movie project, which she shopped around Hollywood, New York, and other parts of the world.
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