She nodded. “The Hummingbird and Nectars deserve the success.”
Ryan opened the door and held it open as Megan walked through. She greeted the hostess as they passed by and headed for the kitchen. Servers took care of their full tables and the restaurant was filled with the clinking of silverware and conversation.
When they reached the kitchen, Megan spotted her mother moving through the place, keeping an eye on everything. Margaret was as hands-on as an owner could get, and still dove in wherever needed.
“Mom.” Megan caught Margaret’s attention.
Margaret smiled and dried her hands on a dishtowel as she walked across the kitchen to where Megan was standing, Ryan at her side.
“How are you doing, Margaret?” Ryan asked when she reached them.
“A little worn out, but otherwise just fine.” She tucked the dishtowel into a pocket of her apron. “What are you two doing tonight?”
Megan raised her hand and showed her mother the sparkling diamond on her finger.
Delight lit up Margaret’s face. “That’s wonderful!” She hugged Megan then held her by her shoulders and said, “You couldn’t have found a better man.”
Megan looked up at Ryan. “I know.”
“I couldn’t have found a better woman.” Ryan hugged Margaret. “She means everything to me.”
Margaret and Ryan parted, her mother still smiling as she looked from Ryan to Megan. “I wish your father was here to see you both. I think once he got to know you, he would have welcomed you into the family just as much as I do.”
“I would have liked getting to know him,” Ryan said and rested his arm around Megan’s shoulders.
“Are you going anywhere to celebrate?” Margaret asked, her hands clasped in front of her.
“We thought we’d celebrate right here.” Megan gave a nod to the dining room before turning back to her mother. “We couldn’t think of a better place to be.”
“Wonderful.” Margaret looked away from them. “Tess,” she called out.
Tess came out of the back office and grinned as she came toward them. “I see you’ve got a little sparkle there.”
“Good job keeping a secret.” Megan raised her hand so that Tess could get a good look at the ring.
“It’s gorgeous.” Tess hugged Megan then Ryan.
“They’re celebrating here,” Margaret said with pride.
Tess gave a broad smile. “Then you shall have the best seat in the house and the best champagne we have.”
Even though Megan knew every seat in the place, she and Ryan followed Tess to a corner table and Tess gestured to it. “Order anything you like and the chef will make it for you.”
Megan laughed as Ryan seated her. “You might regret that offer.”
“Never,” Tess said before she smiled and left.
When Ryan had taken his seat beside her, he grasped her hand in his and looked at the ring before meeting her gaze. “I love seeing my ring on you. It can’t begin to say how much I love you.”
She squeezed his hand and smiled. She wanted to get up and dance and dance. She felt like a million stars were inside her, glittering through her whole being. She wouldn’t be surprised if she glowed with it.
She leaned forward and kissed him, letting him feel her glow in the magic that seemed to surround them.
When they drew back but a breath, she smiled against his lips. “I love you,” she whispered and kissed him again.
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