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  “I can see why you waited all that time for him.” Nichole smiled, then started picking up the mess of gingerbread and candy spread around the kitchen table.

  Judy helped her, then before long, she and Gary were saying their goodbyes.

  “Don’t forget to get copies of the pictures,” she reminded Nichole.

  “I won’t!” She waved.

  “Your friends are a lot of fun,” Gary said as he started the car.

  “They really are, and you really didn’t have to finish the cider.”

  “I was trying to acquire the taste. I’m not there yet.”

  They both laughed.

  Judy hesitated when Gary pulled into a parking spot in front of her apartment building.

  “Don’t want to go in?” He placed his hand on top of hers.

  “I don’t think my sister has ever been so mad at me.”

  “She’s had all day to cool down. I’ll bet she’s ready to talk.”

  Judy played with her zipper. “I’m not sure I am.”

  Gary kissed her cheek. “She’s your sister. You two will work it out.”

  She wished she could be so confident. She looked into his eyes and pushed all her worries from her mind. “So, should we hang out with your friends next time?”

  He smiled. “I’d love that, but actually, I have something else in store for our next date, if that’s okay with you.”

  Judy tilted her head. “Really? What?”

  “It’s a surprise, and it’ll be just the two of us.”

  “That sounds like fun! Do I get a hint?”

  “Wear something nice.”

  She frowned. “I can’t wear a dress. Not with my bruised legs.”

  He kissed the back of her hand and held her gaze. “I didn’t say you had to wear a dress. Just something nice.”

  Her cheeks warmed. “Okay. When is this date?”

  “Does tomorrow evening work?”

  “Of course.”

  “Great. I’ll call you with an exact time in the afternoon.”

  “Perfect.” She smiled, though she was burning with curiosity. What was he planning?

  Chapter 20

  Gary’s heart pounded like a jackhammer. He paced in front of Judy’s door and readjusted his tie. Again. His plan was crazy. He should go back on it and just have a normal date.

  But it was too late to turn around now.

  With a deep breath, he knocked on the door. Santa Claus is Coming to Town sounded from the other side of the door. Hopefully that meant Judy and Lynda were getting along again. He hated thinking he had any part in the sisters not getting along—no matter how small or unintentional his role had been.

  After a minute, he knocked louder. Maybe Judy hadn’t heard the first time.

  The door flung open, and Judy stood in front of him smiling. She wore black slacks, an emerald green silk shirt with lace trim, and matching dangly earrings. Her hair was swept back with silver clips.

  She took his breath away. It took him a moment to find his voice. “You look gorgeous.”

  “So do you. Nice suit.”

  “Thanks.” He remembered the red-and-green bouquet of flowers and handed it to her. “For you.”

  Judy beamed and smelled them. “They’re perfect. Come on in.”

  Gary followed her inside and looked around for Lynda. She wasn’t in sight. He didn’t want to ask, in case Judy’s sister was still a sore topic. Everything about tonight needed to be perfect.

  She turned down the music. “Let me put these in water, then we can go. Still won’t tell me where?”

  “That’s the point of a surprise.”

  “Okay.” Judy looked like she wanted to say more, but didn’t. She disappeared into the kitchen then returned with the flowers arranged in a crystal vase. After setting them in the middle of the dining room table, she smiled. “They really are beautiful.”

  “Yet they pale in comparison to you.” He cupped her chin and brushed his lips across hers, careful not to mess up her lipstick. “Are you ready?”

  “I’ve been ready since you told me about this last night.” She beamed, then turned off the music and grabbed a shiny black purse and a matching coat.

  They left the apartment. On the way to the car, his heart raced, and he nearly slid on a patch of ice.

  She reached out and steadied him. “Are you okay?”

  “Better than okay.” He grinned and unlocked her door.

  Judy turned to him. “A corsage and a bouquet?”

  Gary grabbed the white and blue corsage and slipped it onto her wrist. “Only the best for you.”

  Pink flooded her cheeks, overpowering the dusting of blush she wore. “You’re too kind.”

  He shook his head. “I’m speaking the truth, and if you don’t believe me, then I have more work to do.”

  “You don’t have to. Really.”

  Gary kissed her cheek. “Have a seat, my lady.”

  She gave him a shy smile and slid into the seat.

  Sweet, sweet Judy. She was clearly feeling bad about the drama her family was throwing at her. With any luck, tonight would be exactly what would get her mind off that so she could enjoy her favorite time of the year.

  He turned the radio station to one that played Christmas music all day, every day in December before hitting the road.

  Once they crossed the Enchantment Bay city limits, she turned to him. “Where are we going?”

  “It’s a surprise.” He suppressed a laugh.

  “Not even a hint?”

  “We’re having dinner outside of town.” The corners of his mouth twitched.

  She pouted. “I already figured out that much.”

  He stopped at a light and put his hand on top of hers. “Do you trust me?”

  “Of course.”

  “Then just enjoy the ride.”

  She let out a dramatic sigh. “If you insist.”

  “I do.”

  “You know what? I’m going to plan a date and keep the whole thing a secret from you.”

  He chuckled. “You do that.”

  “Then you’ll know my frustration.”

  Gary kissed her cheek just as the light turned green. He tapped the gas. “You’ll forget all about being curious when we get there.”

  “You’re not helping.” She folded her arms, but there was laughter in her tone.

  “Sorry.” He turned onto a residential road.

  “No, you’re not.”

  He snorted. “Guilty as charged. But you’ll forgive me.”

  “Why are we in a neighborhood?”

  “You’ll see in three… two… one…” Gary turned right.

  She gasped.

  He grinned, turned off the headlights, and turned on the parking lights. The entire road was lit up from millions of Christmas lights on all the houses. “I read about this street in the newspaper. This neighborhood has the biggest Christmas light display in the state.”

  Judy looked back and forth. “I believe it.”

  They followed a line of cars slowly through the streets, taking in the creative and elaborate displays.

  She squeezed his hand. “I’ve never seen anything like this.”

  “Neither have I, and I’m glad we can share it together.”

  Judy turned to him, her eyes wide with delight. “This is such a great idea!”

  He leaned over and gave her a quick kiss. “When I read about it, I knew I had to bring you. But this isn’t even the highlight of the date.”

  She scrunched her face. “There you go being a tease again.”

  “Sorry.”

  “No, you aren’t.”

  He laughed because he couldn’t deny it.

  They oohed and ahhed over the lights until they came to the end.

  “That was so fun,” Judy said. “I can’t believe how creative those people are. What do you have planned next?”

  “You’ll see,” he teased.

  She grumbled, but she was smiling. “Not even a little hint?”r />
  “I hope you’re hungry.”

  “That I am.”

  “Good.” He turned in the direction of the restaurant. “We aren’t far away.”

  When they entered the parking lot, Judy gasped and turned to him. “I’ve heard of this place! It’s so expensive. Are you sure?”

  “Definitely.” He pulled into a parking spot then reached into his pocket and wrapped his hand around the little square velvet box.

  This dinner would either be the best meal of his life or a royal disaster. But after how badly he’d messed things up with Judy before, he wasn’t about to make the same mistake again. As crazy and as fast as it pushed things, it was the right thing to do.

  He needed to show her how serious he was about their relationship.

  Chapter 21

  Judy played with the elastic on her corsage and stared around the fancy restaurant, hardly able to believe they were actually there. It was the kind of place the rich kids took their prom dates and everyone else just dreamed about.

  A harpist played a classical hymn behind a tall flowing fountain. Waiters bustled around in tuxes fancier than anything her dad had ever worn. The plates were lined with gold, and she wouldn’t have been surprised if it had been actual gold and not just paint.

  “Are you still mad at me for keeping this a secret?” Gary teased.

  “I was never mad at you.” She held his gaze. “But I was dying of curiosity.”

  “Was it worth it?”

  “Yes. I never thought I’d eat here.”

  He reached across the table and laced his fingers through hers. “We’ll do plenty of things you never thought you’d do.”

  She squeezed his hand. “Just being back together with you is more than I could ask for.”

  “It is?” He tilted his head and rubbed her wrist with his thumb.

  Judy nodded. “You’re impossible to get over. I couldn’t do it.”

  “Neither could I. Get over you, that is.” The corners of his mouth twitched.

  “I’d have to worry about you if you couldn’t get over yourself.”

  He laughed, and she got lost in the sound. She’d always loved hearing it.

  Their waiter came over and asked for their orders.

  Judy thought of the insanely high prices. “I’ll have the chicken salad.”

  Gary’s brows drew together. “What? No. Order something you actually want.”

  “I do want the chicken salad.”

  He tilted his head. “I don’t think so.”

  “What?” Judy exclaimed.

  Gary turned to the waiter. “Please bring us one plate of lobster and one filet mignon. We can work out who gets which one when they arrive.”

  The waiter made a note. “And you want me to bring the champagne with the meal?”

  “Yes, please.”

  He left, making more notes on his pad.

  Her mouth dropped open. “Lobster, filet mignon, and champagne?”

  “Only the best for you.”

  She didn’t know how to respond, but she didn’t have to because another waiter dropped off more appetizers.

  “Have you ever been to a performance of the Nutcracker?” Gary dipped a piece of bread into an oil with herbs.

  “Not since I was little and Lynda and I were obsessed with ballet.”

  He swallowed. “Would you like to? Wes has two tickets, but his date flaked out on him and now he doesn’t want to go. He said we could have them.”

  “Have them? Aren’t they expensive?”

  “You worry about money too much. But yes, I imagine they are. He said they’re in the front section near the middle.”

  Before she could object, the waiter brought their meals. Gary ended up taking the filet mignon and she the lobster, which melted in her mouth. She completely stuffed herself and then Gary insisted on dessert. They shared a red-and-green ice cream cake, but Judy took such small bites, he ended up eating most of it without realizing it.

  Once the meal was over, he helped her with her coat. His hands were shaking.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Sure. Why?”

  Judy pointed to his shaking hands.

  He chuckled nervously. “Oh that. Just so happy to be here with you.”

  She frowned. “We shouldn’t have spent so much money.”

  “Stop. I told you not to worry.” He took her hand in his and they walked outside, although instead of going to his car, he led her around the building.

  “Where are we going?”

  “You’ll see.” His hand shook against hers.

  Judy tilted her head but didn’t say anything. When they came to the other side of the restaurant, she gasped at the sight. In the middle of a snowy field was a gazebo lit up with white Christmas lights and decorated with ivy and wreaths. Red rose petals covered the floor and led out into the snow.

  She turned to him, confused. “Did you do all this?”

  “Come on.” He scooped her into his arms and leaped across the field, not setting her down until he reached the gazebo’s steps.

  They walked to the middle and stood under mistletoe.

  Gary cupped her face and planted a sweet kiss on her lips. He held her gaze, and now his hand shook even more. He swallowed. “You’ve made me the happiest man alive, Judy Rivera.”

  She started to speak, but he continued.

  “I was dumb as dirt to walk away like I did. You’re a true treasure, and I didn’t know what I had. I don’t deserve a second glance from you, much less a second chance at love.”

  “But—”

  He pressed his fingertip on her lips. “You’re everything I ever dreamed of and I want to spend the rest of my life making you feel as special as you are.”

  Judy’s heart raced. Was he going to…?

  Gary lowered himself down to one knee and pulled out a black velvet box from his jacket pocket.

  That answered her question. She covered her mouth and tears misted her eyes.

  He cleared his throat and opened the box, revealing an engagement ring with an enormous shiny diamond. “I know this seems crazy—we just got back together—but nothing else makes more sense. We’ve known each other for a long time and we love each other. Life without you is pure misery. I know what I want, so I see no reason to put off what I hope is the inevitable.” He drew in a deep breath and took her hand. “Will you marry me?”

  It took her a moment to find her voice, so she nodded vigorously. “Yes! Nothing would make me happier.”

  Gary took the ring out and slid it onto her finger. It was a perfect fit. Then he rose and gave her a kiss that made her knees go weak.

  They were engaged!

  Chapter 22

  Judy leaned against her deck railing and sighed, staring at the beautiful sunrise. She hadn’t been able to sleep, so she got up to watch. The sky was filled with orange and pink hues. She glanced down at her ring, still unable to believe Gary had proposed.

  They were actually going to get married. It was crazy, except it wasn’t. If they’d just met when she ran into him at the diner two weeks earlier, that would have definitely been rushed. But given their history, it was perfect. Just like the whole night had been.

  What a memory to hang onto. To tell their kids about someday.

  The sliding glass door slid open behind her.

  Her heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t seen Lynda since their argument. Relief washed through her at the fact that it was the day after getting engaged. Now if she and her sister ended up fighting, at least it wouldn’t spoil the perfect day.

  She took a deep breath, covered her ring, and spun around.

  Lynda stood on the line between being inside and outside, and she looked like she’d just rolled out of bed with her hair in curlers and her nightgown wrinkled.

  Neither spoke.

  Judy couldn’t tell if she was mad, and that made her heart beat a little faster. She cleared her throat. “Did I wake you?”

  Lynda just shook her head. Didn’t
budge from her spot.

  “Is everything okay?”

  “I don’t know. Is it?”

  Judy struggled to keep her tone soft. “That’s what I’m asking you.”

  “Mom was disappointed that you missed the performance at her church.”

  Guilt stung, but she tried to ignore it. “I’ll take her out for tea and we can talk about it. How are you doing?”

  Lynda crossed her arms. At least that was an indication of how she felt. “What are you doing for Christmas morning?”

  “You can’t answer a question with an unrelated question.”

  “I just did.”

  Judy took a deep breath and shivered. “Can you at least let me inside? It’s cold out here.”

  “Now look who’s answering a question with a question.” She stepped back into the living room.

  “Thanks.” Judy hurried into the warm apartment and headed for the kitchen. “Do you want some coffee?”

  “Sure. Do you want to tell me what’s going on?”

  Judy reached for the coffee grounds. “I’m making coffee.”

  “You know what I mean.” Lynda grabbed the coffee pot and rinsed it out in the sink.

  “Why I didn’t go to the performance?”

  “Exactly.”

  “We already talked about that the other night.”

  Lynda replace the pot. “You mean when you accused Dad and my fiancé of being jerks?”

  Judy took a deep breath and silently counted to ten. “When I was trying to talk to you about how they treated Gary.” She turned to face her sister. “You can’t deny how they acted.”

  Lynda squirmed. “Dad just wants to protect you.”

  “Am I a little girl that I need protecting? What he needs is to respect me. Giving me the letter would have been the right thing to do—not sending it back and never mentioning it. And certainly not for defending his actions instead of apologizing.”

  “You can’t blame him. Gary broke your heart.”

  Judy turned on the coffee maker. “I had my own part to play in that. It wasn’t all on him. And that doesn’t explain why Clyde was acting the way he was.”

  “Oh, you know Clyde.” Lynda gave her a slight eye roll. “He likes to one-up everyone. Wants to impress the world. He has a strong personality, that’s all.”