He grinned. “Yeah, it would be.”
They talked about all the possibilities, albums and tours and music festivals. It would be crazy, but Vi knew they could handle it. Kade had managed to have it all—a home in Holiday Junction, his teaching career, and music. She was sure she could, too, as long as he was by her side.
They finished their ice cream and waved goodbye to Lena before walking outside. HJ was decorated for spring with pots of bright flowers everywhere and garlands of bright green leaves. They held hands as they walked toward the town square, enjoying the warmth of the bright, sunny day.
“So, I have something for you,” Kade said, lifting their joined hands to press a kiss to her fingertips.
“Oh yeah? You got me a present?”
“Yeah, uh . . .” He reached into his jacket pocket, not meeting her eyes. “I know this is early, but it's not what you think, so don't freak out or anything.”
Vi was offended. “I never freak out!”
Kade rolled his eyes. “Right.” He laughed and pulled out a small box, offering it to her.
Her heart thudded. Was this—Could it be—
She licked her lips and pulled loose the white ribbon, tucking it into her own pocket. She glanced up at him before opening the box, only to reveal a jeweler's box inside.
“Kade,” she whispered.
“Like I said, don't freak out.” He took the outer box and shook the jeweler's box free, handing it to her.
She opened it slowly, gasping at the ring nestled on the velvet inside. It wasn't huge, but it was beautiful, a round ruby in the center, flanked by three tiny diamonds on each side. It looked familiar.
“Is this—”
Kade nodded. “It was my mother's,” he said. “And like I said, it's not what you think. I mean, it's way too early for us to get engaged, right? But I thought. I mean, you and I, I think we're forever. And eventually we will get engaged. So this is for that. To be engaged to be engaged, or whatever.” He reddened, rubbing the back of his neck, and Vi found his nerves adorable.
Vi smiled. “We are,” she said. “Forever, I mean.”
“Right?” His shoulders relaxed a bit. “So I wanted to give you something that showed you I was thinking about it, but I know it's too soon, so—”
“It's not,” she said.
He blinked at her. “Not what?”
She tipped her head and picked a piece of invisible lint off his sleeve. “Too soon.”
Vi looked up at him, waiting patiently as the gears worked.
“So you think . . .” He swallowed.
“I do.” She giggled. “Get it?” She nudged him with her elbow.
He didn't laugh but studied her carefully. “You're sure?”
She popped up on her tip toes and kissed him softly, the box pressed between them. “I'm sure. So sure.” She hesitated, looking warily into his eyes. “If you are.”
“I am!” he exclaimed. “I so am.” He grabbed the box from her and plucked the ring out, pinching it between two fingers. “I have to do this right.” He dropped down onto one knee, and Vi's heart soared, tears of joy pricking at her eyes.
Kade cleared his throat and looked up at her, holding the ring before him. “Vi, I've loved you for as long as I can remember,” he said, “and I can't imagine my life without you.”
Vi clasped her hands together, trying to resist grabbing him and kissing him before he was finished.
His own eyes glimmered with unshed tears, but his voice was strong. “I want to build a life with you, raise a family with you, make music together, and even your ridiculous swing dances—”
“They're not ridiculous,” she protested.
“If you don't mind,” Kade said, holding up a finger. “Proposing here.”
Vi pressed her lips together. “Sorry. Please continue.” She waved a magnanimous hand.
Kade winked at her. “I already told you I'd love you forever, so I guess this just makes it official. You and me. All the marbles. In like Flynn. For better or for worse.”
Vi let out a joyous laugh, hearing her own words said back to her.
“So . . . I'm asking you, Violet Chalmers,” he said, offering the ring with a dazzling smile that definitely made her weak in the knees. “Will you marry me?”
And, of course, she could only say one thing. “Yes!”
He gave a loud whoop and jumped to his feet, then slid the ring onto her finger. She admired it for a moment, the way the stones glinted in the sunlight, then she threw herself into his arms. “I can't believe we're engaged!” she said, throwing her head back and laughing as he swung her around in a circle.
“Believe it,” he said, setting her back on her feet. “You're committed now. There's no going back.”
He kissed her, and in it she could feel everything between them—the friendship and love, the joy and hope for the future.
She looked up at him, her heart full, and said, “We should go tell my mom.”
He agreed, and they turned to head toward the bookstore.
“Can you believe she's taking credit for us getting together?” Vi asked. “She says it was part of her plan all along.”
Kade laughed. “Well, I guess it doesn't hurt to let her believe that.
And as the two of them made their way down Main Street, sharing kisses and plans for the life they'd create together, the three women dubbed the Matchmaking Mamas could check two more names off their list.
If you enjoyed Violet’s Valentine, don’t miss the next book in the Love in Holiday Junction series. Fall in love all over again with Lena’s Lucky Charm!
Get it today!
My editor, Kathie Spitz
My proofreader, Amy Gamache at Rose David Editing
My formatter, Tammy Clarke at Formatting by Tammy
The T.M. Franklin Book Club and T.M. Franklin ARC Team Jamie Onderisin, Toni Wall-Thrantham, and Kathie Spitz for naming our wonderful hero, Kade.
…and of course, to my amazing family for their never ending support.
Love in Holiday Junction
Violet’s Valentine
Lena’s Lucky Charm
A Fun and Quirky YA Romance
How to Get Ainsley Bishop to Fall in Love with You
A Magical Holiday Romance
Second Chances
Visions of Sugar Plums
Adventure and Romance on the High Seas
Cutlass
Short stories
A Piece of Cake
Fantasy Adventures, Written as T.M. Franklin
The MORE Trilogy
“Reminiscent of the Mortal Instruments series... only better!” – Penny Dreadful Reviews
MORE
The Guardians
TWELVE
The New Super Humans
Super Humans
Super Powers
Super Natural
Super Heroes
Short Stories
Unscheduled Departure
Tami Franklin writes clean and wholesome romance that will sweep you away. A former TV news producer and freelance writer, she now enjoys sharing stories about people destined to be together... they just might need a little help getting there.
Franklin lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family, and a crazy dog named Bond (James Bond.)
She also writes contemporary and YA fantasy under the penname T.M. Franklin.
Find out more at www.TMFranklin.com
And to be the first notified about upcoming releases, sales, and giveaways, subscribe to Tami Franklin’s mailing list especially for sweet romance at https://tmfranklin.com/SweetSubscriber. All new subscribers get a FREE copy of her lighthearted, opposites-attract romance, Drive Me Crazy!
his book with friends
Violet's Valentine: A Clean Friends to Lovers Romance (Love in Holiday Junction Book 1) Page 17
