His face softens, and he presses his lips to my forehead. “Nothing’s wrong, darlin’. I do have a question for you though.”
Well now, that’s got my attention. Turning fully so that I can face him, I say, “Shoot. What’s up?”
Deck’s shoulders shake as he laughs, and behind me Maestro chuckles.
Deck reaches into his pocket and takes something out, holding it in a closed fist.
“Emily, I know you’re wearing my cut and in my world that’s enough,” he starts. I nod because it is. “I never expected to get a second chance at this but many years ago I made a promise that if I ever got the chance at love again, I’d take it. And while you wearing my cut is more than enough, I’d love it if you would agree to be my wife.” He holds out his hand and flips open abox. Inside is the most perfect heart-shaped pink diamond in a platinum setting. It’s beautiful.
“Oh, Deck,” I gasp, raising my hand to my mouth in surprise. I’d never expected that he’d want to get married. Being his old lady was more than enough for me. But I should have known the man was as traditional as they come in some ways.
“What do you say, Ems? Want to tie yourself to me in all ways?”
Tears fill my eyes as I reply a little shakily, “Can’t think of anything better.”
“Good,” he grins, slipping the ring onto my finger and enfolding me in his arms. “You’ve got six weeks to get a dress. I’m sorting the wedding and it’s being held on Valentine’s Day right here in the clubhouse.”
“Well then,” I laugh. “I’d best get shopping.”
“Best you had,” he agrees before kissing me soundly to the rousing roar of cheers, hoots, and hollers from our loved ones. When he pulls his lips from mine, he doesn’t let go; instead, he wraps me in a warm embrace, hugging me tightly to him. “Thank you, Em. Love you darlin’.”
‘Gah, this man.’I blink the tears from my eyes.
“It’s me who should be thanking you.” I whisper back to him. “You’ve changed my life so much that I barely recognise it. This is more than I’d ever imagined my life to be. Love you from thedepths of my soul, Deck ‘Red’ Ivor. Thank you for being you and for loving me.”
“It’s not hard darlin’, you’re very easy to love.”
“You’re going to make me cry,” I mutter, burying my head into his neck.
Deck chuckles, “No crying, it's a good day and the girls are waiting to get a good look at your ring.”
“Okay,” I whisper, taking a step back. His arms loosen but don’t let me go as I wipe under my eyes, removing all traces of tears. “How do I look?” I ask, looking up at him.
“Beautiful, Em. As always.”
“Smooth talker,” I laugh, knowing that I don’t cry pretty. I know my nose is red and my cheeks are blotchy. “But thank you.” Rolling to my toes, I press a quick kiss to his lips and turn towards the Old Ladies who are patiently waiting for us.
“Let’s see,” Lizzie says, holding out her hand for mine. “Oh, Dad, you did good. It’s beautiful.” She nods her approval and then turns to me. “Let’s talk about dress shopping. We don’t have a lot of time.”
She was right; we didn’t, but I wasn’t one for fussy, so we made plans to make a trip into Sioux Falls to buy something. After much discussion, we decided to make it a girl’s weekend away.We were going to book a day at a spa and then a night out at a show. We’d check and see what musicals were on.
It would be good, and I was looking forward to spending some one-on-one time with these women who’d taken me in and made me feel welcome from the start.
CHAPTER 14
FEB 2016 VALENTINE’S DAY
RED
Running my hand over the bed next to me, I’m surprised to find it empty.
Opening my eyes, I look at the clock on Emily’s side of the bed and see that it’s seven in the morning. We’re getting married today, but she doesn’t have to do anything other than get ready. I’ve handled all aspects of the wedding for us.
Lizzie said it was a bit of a copout having it on Valentine’s Day, but I begged to differ. If we were going to be inundated with acommercial holiday, then I wanted to have a reason to celebrate the day. And having it as our anniversary meant we’d celebrate in style every year.
Tossing the bedding aside, I stand and shiver when the cold seeps in around my bare feet. We’d had a snow dump this week, and the temperatures had dropped drastically, but I guess that’s what having our club in South Dakota would do for you.
Hurrying to the bathroom, I wash and get dressed before making my way to the kitchen only to find it empty, although the coffee pot is warm.
