When they left, Misty said, “They’re a cute couple.”
Leon agreed. “They said the same thing about us.”
When the guests began to disperse an hour later, Misty said, “I need to help the staff clean up.”
“Do you want an extra set of hands?”
“No, we can take care of it.”
“Any plans for later?” Leon asked. “I’d like to come by your place. There’s something I want to discuss with you.”
She smiled. “Meet me there in about an hour.”
“See you then.”
Misty rushed home to change clothes. She chose a comfortable loose maxi dress with spaghetti straps to wear. She heard a car pull up into the driveway and broke into a smile. He’s here.
She opened the door to let him enter.
When Leon embraced her, Misty swore she could feel the heat of his light touch clear down to her toes.
He looked her in her eyes. “I love you, and I know that you love me, too. We are so much a part of one another that separate we’re nothing. You’re the other half of my soul and I need you in my life, Misty.”
It was true. She loved him with her whole heart.
Misty felt the sting of tears.
Still holding her hands within his own, Leon placed them against his broad chest. “I want you to marry me.”
Looking up into his handsome face, Misty couldn’t speak for a few seconds. She thought she was dreaming, but as his words began to permeate every portion of her mind and soul, she took a step back from him. “Leon, do you really want to get married?”
He smiled, then held up a ring box. “I can’t live without you. Please say that you’ll be my wife.” Leon opened it to reveal a stunning sapphire engagement ring. He knew it was her favorite gemstone.
Misty’s heart swelled with happiness and she covered his face with kisses. “Yes, Leon. Yes, I’ll marry you.”
Leon’s arms encircled her, one hand in the small of her back. She buried her face against his throat.
Misty relaxed, sinking into his cushioning embrace.
They reluctantly stepped apart.
“It’s a nice evening,” Leon said. “How about a moonlight stroll on the beach?”
“Let me grab a shawl,” Misty responded.
They took a walk on the shoreline to the sounds of powerful waves crashing in the ocean.
Misty snuggled into Leon’s shoulder as they walked and admired the moon reflecting on the water and the backdrop of stars sprinkled against the sky. The moonlit view was spectacular but so was the view of Leon’s physique every time she stole glances at him. It was nice to be with someone who respected her choices and loved her for who she was. Leon made her feel appreciated.
Stifling a yawn, Misty reached over and took his hand in her own. “Why don’t we head back to the condo,” she suggested.
“You’re tired,” Leon said. “I know it’s been a long day for you.”
When they got back to her place, he suggested, “Why don’t you go soak in a nice hot bath.”
“You’re not leaving yet?” she asked.
“I’ll be here when you come out.”
Leon sat down on the sofa to watch television while Misty went to her bedroom.
While the water was running, she undressed.
Humming softly, she sank down in a tub of bubbly water, scented with lavender bath salts. It had been a long day and she was exhausted. Misty trailed her fingers in the hot liquid, playing with the bubbles. Picking up the bar of soap that sat in a dish beside the tub, she bathed.
Misty got out and dried her body with a soft fluffy towel. She picked up a bottle of scented body lotion and slathered it on her skin. She slipped on a pair of lightweight sweatpants and a tank top. She pulled her hair into a high ponytail, then went to join Leon.
“You look relaxed.” His gaze roved to the creamy expanse of her neck and traveled downward, then back to her face. “Did you enjoy your bath?”
Smiling, Misty nodded. “I did.” She walked up to him. “I love you.”
“I love you, too. More than you could possibly know.”
* * *
THE NEXT MORNING, Misty woke up to the sound of clanging coming from the kitchen. She got out of bed, then padded barefoot in the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth.
She strolled into her kitchen to find Leon staring at the carton of eggs, sliced mushrooms and spinach. Misty burst into laughter at the expression on his face.
“I love you but I’m the better cook in this relationship, so you sit down and relax. I’ll make us some breakfast.” She kissed his cheek. “I do appreciate the thought, though.”
“Okay, I’ll stay in my lane.”
Misty quickly and adeptly prepared spinach and mushroom omelets and home fries and even had time to slice up some fresh fruit.
“What time are we picking up Talei?” Leon asked, accepting the plate of food she handed him.
“I told my mom that we’d be there at two o’clock.”
“You’re going to have to teach me how to make an omelet.”
Misty opened a cabinet door and pulled out a black pan. “This is an omelet maker. Use this and it’s super easy.”
“We need one of these at the firehouse. Somebody’s always trying to make an omelet, but it ends up just being a scrambled mess.”
They laughed.
“I know we just got engaged,” Leon began, “but any thoughts on when you’d like to get married.”
“I know that I don’t want a long engagement,” Misty responded. “And I don’t want a huge wedding.”
He released an audible sigh of relief, prompting laughter from her. “I can’t tell you how happy I am to hear you say this.”
“Tomorrow is the first of November, so when would you like to get married?”
“In the summer,” Leon said. “I’ve always wanted a beach wedding at sunset. Vera and I had a church ceremony. It’s what her parents wanted.”
“John and I got married in a church, too. I’d prefer to do something different this time around. The beach is the perfect location.”
“I can hardly wait to start my life with you.”
“We can always go the same route as Miss Eleanor and Rusty,” Misty suggested. “We can just have an intimate ceremony and not worry about a big fancy wedding.”
“The idea is tempting,” Leon said. “But I really want to say our vows at sunset against the backdrop of the ocean.” He paused a moment, then asked, “How do you think Talei will take the news of us getting married?”
“She loves you, Leon. Everything will be fine.”
“How do you think Elroy and Clara are going to react?” he inquired.
Misty shrugged. “Clara might eventually be okay with it, but Elroy... It’s hard to call. The thing is that it really doesn’t matter. This isn’t about them. This is my life and I intend to live it my way.”
“What do you think about hosting a huge Thanksgiving dinner?” Leon asked. “We can bring our families together and make the announcement then.”
“I like that idea,” Misty said with a grin. “Although it means I won’t be able to wear my beautiful ring just yet.”
“We don’t have to wait.”
“No, I really like making the announcement on Thanksgiving.”
Leon pulled Misty into his embrace. “I can’t wait to make you my wife.”
* * *
THE MID-NOVEMBER weather was nice. The temperature was still warm and the day nice and clear. The leaves were dressed in red, yellow and burgundy hues.
“Rusty, what do you think?” Leon asked, pointing to the turkey.
“Looks good to me. I don’t know if you remember, but your daddy was a beast when it comes to roasting a turkey.”
“That’s what everybo
dy tells me. I wanted to make some barbecue chicken, but I’m still trying to get my barbecue sauce to taste like his. Aunt Eleanor said he guarded that recipe like it was gold.”
Rusty laughed. “He added honey.”
“Really? How do you know?”
“He told me,” Rusty responded, slipping him a piece of paper. “He swore me to secrecy, but you’re his son—this recipe belongs in your family.”
Leon smiled. “Thank you.”
Eleanor stepped out onto the patio. “What are you two whispering about?” She set a bowl of corn on the cob on the counter.
“Just two men bonding, Ladybug.”
“Uh-huh...” Eleanor uttered. “I better check on the potatoes. I can’t mess up Leon’s potato salad.”
“That’s right, Auntie.”
Leon heard the sound of tiny footsteps.
“Oseeyo, Eon... Oseeyo, Mr. Russy,” Talei greeted from behind them. “You have hot dawg, pleeze?”
“It’s almost ready, little one.” Leon glanced over his shoulder just as Talei sat down at a nearby table.
“She sure does love herself some hot dogs,” Rusty said, keeping his voice low. “I tried to give her some pizza the last time she was at the house—she wanted nothing to do with it. She just wanted a hot dog and French fries.”
Leon chuckled. “One smile from her brightens my entire day. I think she stole my heart the day I took her out of that car. I love Talei as if she were my own blood.”
Misty walked to the door. “Are you ready to slice the ham?”
Leon took the platter from her.
“I hungry,” Talei said. “I want hot dawg and fench fries.”
“The hot dog should be ready,” he said. “It’s in that pot over there. The fries are in the air fryer.”
Misty winked at Leon before saying, “Go wash your hands, sweetie, while I fix your plate.”
“Oh, yeah... I know that look very well,” Rusty said. “You got that big-dog love going on. Ain’t no puppy love here.”
Leon shrugged. “Guilty.”
He watched Misty brush a curly strand of dark hair back from the soft curve of her cheek. She was intelligent, beautiful and exquisite, Leon acknowledged.
Misty caught him staring at her. Grinning, she gave him a tiny wave.
Leon found himself looking forward to spending time with her when the dinner was long over. In truth, he was excited about sharing the rest of his life with Misty. There was nothing he wanted more than to be her husband and a father to Talei.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
MISTY BURST INTO the kitchen. “Mama, he’s here,” she announced. “My dad and his family just arrived.”
Oma wiped her hands on her apron. “Don’t worry. I’m fine.”
“I just don’t want this to be awkward between y’all.”
“Everything is going to work out. Now go out there and greet your guests.”
“Mike, thank you for coming.” Misty gave him a tentative hug.
“Thank you for inviting us,” he responded.
She embraced her grandmother, Jennifer and her siblings, then led them around the room as she made the introductions.
Misty held her breath when Oma walked out of the kitchen to greet Mike and his family. Her father looked uncomfortable initially, but as they talked, he visibly relaxed.
She bit back a smile. Her mother had boldly and graciously confronted the man who’d tormented her for years—a man who promised to love and cherish her. Oma was able to forgive and truly move on with no regrets. It was a beautiful scene to witness.
Leon was polite and chatted briefly with her father before moving around to greet their other guests.
Misty smiled when Jadin Trent arrived with her parents and her sister. She hadn’t realized that Jadin and Jordin were twins—this was her first time seeing them together.
“Wow, you two are identical.”
Jadin smiled and made the introductions. “Jordin, this is Leon’s girlfriend, Misty.”
“It’s very nice to meet you, and congratulations. Miss Eleanor mentioned you’d had your baby three weeks ago. I have to say you look great.”
“I like her,” Jordin said with a smile. “Thank you, Misty. I still have some baby weight to lose. This is my third and last one, so I’m trying to get this body back in shape.”
“Don’t let her fool you,” Jadin stated. “Her husband owns a chain of gyms. Trust me... My sister will have no problem getting her body back to pre-pregnancy size.”
“She looks great for three pregnancies.”
“Two,” Jadin corrected. “She has a set of twins.”
“I hear you have the most adorable little girl and that she has Leon wrapped around her little finger. I can’t wait to meet her.”
Misty smiled. “Jordin, she can be sweet and then there are those days when she’s just intent on having her own way.” She glanced over her shoulder. “I’m pretty sure you’ll find Talei somewhere near Leon.”
The three women were talking about motherhood when another woman joined them.
“This is Garland. She’s married to our cousin Ryker.”
Misty embraced her.
“It’s nice to meet you. I’ve heard great things about you, Misty. Eleanor raves about your baking skills. She also says you’re a great cook, but that baking is your gift.”
“You’re the chair for the Children’s Festival in Charleston. I remember Brittany mentioning your name. I was on the planning committee for the one we had here in August.”
“I’ve worked with Brittany—lovely girl. I read that the festival was very successful.”
“It was,” Misty responded. “I really enjoyed being a part of the event.”
Jadin introduced Misty to her parents.
Misty enjoyed meeting members of Leon’s extended family. She was curious how Leon felt about meeting her father. She was working toward forgiving Mike and hoped that he and Leon would be able to forge some type of relationship.
She shook off all negative thoughts. She and Leon would soon start a new life together—everything was going to work out.
When Leon gestured for her to join him, Misty slipped on her engagement ring.
“Misty and I love family and we wanted to bring all of you together,” he said after everyone had gotten their plates and had settled down to eat.
He pulled Misty into his embrace, and then continued. “We wanted to share the news that we’re getting married.”
Everyone around them cheered and applauded.
Eleanor hugged Leon, then Misty. “I’m so happy for you both. This is what I’ve been praying for—that you both would find real love—one that would last a lifetime.”
Talei ran up to them. “I getting married, too.”
Leon bent down to her level. “Who are you marrying?”
“You.”
He kissed her cheek, picked her up and said, “I have been doubly blessed. This little lady just agreed to marry me, as well.”
Jordin walked over to where they were standing. “Talei, you’re absolutely adorable.”
“I’m so happy you, Jadin and your parents were all able to come,” Misty said. “We appreciate it.”
Leon agreed.
Jadin joined them. “I spoke with my parents and they agreed to renovating the house and making it a summer retreat once again. Looks like you’ll be seeing us more, especially me and Jordin. We love the beach. I’ve been spending time on Jekyll, but this is a family home.”
“And we have so many wonderful memories on this island,” Jordin interjected.
“That’s great news.” Leon glanced across the room. “You have to tell Aunt Eleanor. She’s going to be ecstatic.”
“She told me about her diagnosis. My mom took it pretty bad.”
“Her mother was
named after my aunt,” Leon explained to Misty. “So, they’re pretty close.”
“Today was a great day,” Misty said after everyone left and they were cleaning up. The last person had gone home an hour ago.
“It really was,” Leon agreed.
“I noticed that you were a bit distant with my dad.”
He looked at her. “After hearing how badly he treated you, Misty, it’s going to take some time for me to warm up to him. I enjoyed your grandmother, though. She doesn’t bite her tongue at all.”
“No, she doesn’t,” Misty said. “As for my dad, we’ll both take it one day at a time.”
Leon kissed her cheek. “I’m willing to give him a chance. I believe everyone deserves a second chance, but I don’t like the way he treated you and your mother.”
“That’s one of the reasons I love you so much.”
EPILOGUE
Eighteen months later
LEON STARED IN awe at the two-day-old infant in his arms.
“He’s beautiful, isn’t he?” Misty touched her husband’s arm.
He was speechless, too overcome with emotion to offer a response.
“Leon...” she prompted.
“We have a son. A very healthy little boy.”
Smiling, she responded, “Yes, we do.”
“I never thought I’d have another child,” Leon said, fighting back tears. “I love Talei like my own—you know that. When Selena died... I just didn’t think I’d ever have a family. I couldn’t see it at the time. This is the one thing I’ve always wanted—a wife and children.”
Oma entered the room with Talei. “She wanted to visit with Leo.”
Leon waited until the little girl was seated in the armchair before placing the baby in her arms.
“He’s so cute,” Talei murmured. “I love him.” She scrunched up her face, then grinned. “I love you, Dad.”
Leon’s heart warmed at her declaration. “I love you, too.”
He enjoyed watching Talei with her baby brother. His heart was full beyond measure.
“I’m going to finish preparing dinner,” Oma stated.
“Thank you,” Leon said.
Harlequin Heartwarming June 2021 Box Set Page 71
