Page 125 of Rawley
“Just you wait for tonight,” Skylar whispered, her breath warm against his ear, and Rawley groaned.
“Come on, everyone. Let’s eat,” Darla announced.
J.B. stood at his seat at the head of the long, cream-linen–draped table and clapped his hands once. “All right, folks, dig in. I know someone’s hungry.”
“You know it, Dad,” Rawley said.
When they gathered around the feast’s center, Rawley’s stomach growled in concert with the rest of the family’s laughter. Before him, the turkey’s skin gleamed golden-brown, its juices pooling on the platter. Beside it lay slices of honey-glazed ham, their caramelized edges catching the candlelight. Pillowy mounds of mashed potatoes dusted with parsley sat next to bowls of candied yams, corn kernels, and sage-and-onion stuffing dotted with flecks of rosemary. Steam curled up from every dish, filling the air with warmth and promise.
“I wish Betsy and Dane could have made it,” Darla said softly.
“The weather was too bad, hon,” J.B. murmured, touching her hand.
“I know, J.B., but I miss her.”
“I do too,” he said, voice low. “But she’ll be here for New Year’s, we hope.”
Rawley set down his napkin and drew a slow, steady breath, then rose, heart thundering, and turned to face Skylar’s parents. “Jane, Ed,” he began, voice tight with emotion, “I would like your blessing to ask Skylar to marry me.”
A stunned silence fell. Silver candleholders flickered, casting quivering light on every upturned face. Rawley glanced at Skylar, her hand flew to her mouth, eyes shimmering with tears.
“That is, if she’ll have me.”
His words, simple and sincere, filled the hush. Rawley felt every heartbeat echoing in his chest.
“Rawley…” Skylar’s voice cracked as tears slipped down her cheeks.
He stepped closer, taking her hand. “I love you more than I ever thought possible. I want you in my life for as long as you’llhave me. The only way I’ll ever leave is if you ask me to.” He turned to her parents. “May I have your blessing?”
Jane sprang from her chair and swept him into a fierce hug. “You have it, Rawley. I’m so happy for you both.” Ed rose then, gripping Rawley’s shoulder with a proud smile. “From both of us, absolutely.”
Rawley returned to Skylar’s side, his knees suddenly weak. He drew a small, black velvet box from his pocket and knelt before her. When he lifted the lid, every eye followed the two-carat diamond ring set in white gold. It caught the candlelight and fractured it into rainbows dancing on the walls. His pulse pounded as he thought maybe this wasn’t what she wanted.
Skylar cupped his face, her fingers warm and trembling. “You are the only man I want in my life. Of course, I’ll marry you.”
Her words were the only answer he needed. He lifted her hand, slid the ring onto her left ring finger, and pressed a gentle kiss on her knuckles. Then he pulled her close again and sealed the moment with a tender kiss.
Applause and cheers erupted around them. Darla hurried forward to envelop them both in her arms. “Oh, Rawley, your father and I are so happy for you both. Welcome to the family, Skylar.”
“Thank you, Darla,” Skylar whispered, voice quavering with joy.
Rawley grinned as he looked at Skylar, her eyes bright, her smile radiant, and knew he’d never been more certain of anything. She was his world, and together, he was sure they could weather any storm the future might bring.
* * * The End * * *
