As Kelly began to back out of the garage, Houston’s car suddenly loomed in her rearview mirror. She quickly braked to a halt. Although she was happy to see him, she was sure he had a few choice words for her for not getting back to him. Unable to calm the nerves in her stomach, Kelly exited the car, but left the driver’s door open.
Houston was already heading toward Kelly. As soon as she was within reach, he put his arms around her shoulders. Once he closed her car door, he hurried her into the open garage. Taking the keys from her hand, he activated the alarm on her car and deactivated the one to the house.
Taking charge of the entire situation, Houston directed Kelly into the family room, where he sat down on the sofa and gently pulled her down next to him. “I love you, Kelly. I can stand here and say I’m sorry for walking out on another caustic situation, but I did what I thought was best for everyone. I’ve missed you so much. I’ve had a rough time of it, and I can see by your eyes that you haven’t had it any easier. I need to know something. Do you love me enough to work this out?”
Before Kelly could respond, the doorbell rang. Even though she hadn’t heard from Lynton since he’d called to say he was taking up practice with another orthopedic group, she feared he may be at the door and the madness would start all over again.
“May I get that?” Houston asked. “I’m expecting someone. Before I go will you please answer my question? Do you love me enough to work through this?”
A liar Kelly wasn’t, so she merely nodded her head.
Although Houston would’ve loved for Kelly to verbalize her response, it was what he saw in her glistening eyes that allowed him to move toward the door and get on with the business he’d gone there to handle.
This was either the first day of forever for them—or it was the last.
Closing her eyes, finally feeling the kind of peace that passed all understanding, Kelly waited for Houston to return. She was too exhausted to continue wondering who was at the door or even care anymore. Her man had seemingly come to make up with her, and she couldn’t deny him the opportunity. He’d been right when he’d said her eyes told him it hadn’t been easy for her, either. It had been harder than he could ever imagine.
Kelly looked up when Houston came back into the room, but it was the lady and man following behind him that highly aroused her curiosity. She watched in utter astonishment as the man worked the combination on the large briefcase he held. Kelly’s heart nearly stopped when the man handed Houston an oversize blue velvet case.
Houston slowly opened the lid on the case and sat it on Kelly’s lap. Surprising the daylights out of her were dozens of sparkling, near-blinding solitaire diamond rings and multidiamond wedding sets. Muffling her cries, Kelly held on tightly to the case as she tossed her head against Houston’s chest. “I’m so glad you’re here. I love you very much.”
Houston dropped down on one knee. “I always want to be where you are.” Looking up into her eyes, he appeared hopeful rather than self-assured. “I love you, Kelly, and I know it’s the forever kind of love. Marry me. Please say yes so I can make it official by slipping one of these sparkling gems onto your finger.”
Houston would later tell her how Max had arranged for him to get the jeweler to come to her home, after Houston told Max just how he desired to make it extremely special. Angelica had suggested a private viewing at a premier jeweler, but Houston couldn’t fully embrace it until he could make the idea uniquely his own. Max had also suggested a private viewing. As was arranged, the jeweler and his wife had slipped out quietly and unnoticed by the woman he hoped to marry.
Trying not to be the least bit presumptuous, Houston had asked his parents, Dallas and Lanier to come to Kelly’s home and bring bottles of champagne, but only after he called to say the proposal of marriage was sealed. If there was to be a celebratory fanfare, Austin, Ashleigh and baby Austin would join the celebration by speakerphone.
Kelly set the case aside and dropped down on her knees. As he eyes connected with her lover’s, she held out her left hand and extended her ring finger. “I love you, too, Houston. Yes, please make it official. Just the thought of being married to you is an awesome feeling. I want it to become a reality. I’d love for you to choose the ring.”
Houston had chosen a favorite, but he’d wanted Kelly to make her choice. As it stood now, she had made him an offer he didn’t want to refuse. After plucking his favorite ring from the case, Houston kissed his bride-to-be passionately, slipping the ring onto Kelly’s finger at the same time. “You have once again been kissed by the Carrington who will love, honor and cherish you forever.”
Tears fell from Kelly’s eyes. “I will love, honor and cherish you, too. I’ve just been kissed by my very favorite Carrington, my future husband.”
The happy couple kissed again and again, sealing their official engagement.
ISBN: 978-1-4268-5013-4
KISSED BY A CARRINGTON
Copyright © 2010 by Linda HudsonSmith
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