When the luncheon wrapped up, the whole family pitched in to help shift the tables and finish setting up for the reception, including bringing out additional decorations. Because of Uncle James' and Aunt Hope's influential positions as a doctor and the high school principal, pretty much the whole town had been invited to the reception
Paige grabbed Damon's arm as he got to his feet. "I desperately need to go to the bathroom, and I need Grace's help with my dress. Will you walk Marisol over to the ranch house to rest for an hour until the reception? Emily said she can rest in the guest bedroom."
"Sure." He stepped behind Marisol's chair. "Can I escort you to the ranch house?"
"I told Paige not to worry about me." She waved a hand in dismissal.
"We want you to be able to enjoy the rest of the evening." He crouched beside her chair to look her in the eye. "Taking a break now will help ensure that."
Marisol let out a heavy sigh. "Fine, help me up."
They slowly made their way through the bustle and out of the rec center. Evening sunlight and fresh air mixed with thescent of animals and fresh-cut alfalfa hit them the moment they stepped outside.
"What a lovely day." Marisol raised her face to the sky. "This is such a beautiful ranch. I'm so glad Gabe has married into this family." She stopped walking and looked up at him. "Dare I hope Grace will get the same privilege?"
Damon grinned. "I hope so." Then he let out a sigh of his own. "But I haven't been able to convince her to take a chance on me."
"She will, don't worry." She gave him a knowing smile as she started walking again.
"I'm running out of time, Marisol." The desperation that had been building in him over the last few days tightened his chest. "I leave the day after tomorrow."
"She'll come around soon."
"How do you know?"
She patted his arm. "I've seen the way she looks at you."
Damon thought about the soft and playful look she gave him after the ceremony.
"But you need to let her know how you feel."
"I plan to. Tonight."
"Good."
They reached the house, and Damon helped Marisol settle into a recliner with a throw blanket over her lap. She refused to rest in bed because she didn't want her dress wrinkled and her hair messed up.
Once she was comfortable, he crouched down near the recliner and cleared his throat. "This may not be the best time to ask this, but I'm not sure I'll get another chance."
Marisol's brows furrowed. "Ask me what?"
"For your permission to propose to Grace." Then he rushed on. "Next Spring of course, after I come home from deployment."
"You have it, my boy." Tears filled Marisol's eyes as she patted his cheek. "Promise me you'll take good care of my Gracie."
"I promise." It was Damon's turn to blink back the tears. He leaned forward and pressed his lips to Marisol's temple. "Thank you."
When he returned to the rec center that buzzed with activity, his gaze sought out Grace like a homing beacon. She locked eyes with him for a long moment. He gave her his most charming grin and winked.
She smiled back, setting his heart to racing.
Maybe Marisol is right.
The desperation that had been plaguing him all week slowly gave way to anticipation each time their eyes met. The glances grew more frequent and the smiles broader as the evening wore on, and Damon's uniform jacket grew hotter. The air in the big gym seemed to crackle with electricity whenever she was near.
Before long, Marisol had returned to the rec center, and the reception was in full swing.
Feeling impatient for the dancing to start, he made it a point to visit with and say goodbye to his cousins. Even then, his eyes sought out Grace often. She spent most of the evening by her mother's side as many residents came and introduced themselves.
