Glimmering rays of light sent a kaleidoscope of color through the room. She squinted and climbed out of bed naked, moseying toward the hues of color twinkling in the window.
JC stood immobile at the window.
Molten heat climbed up her neck with each heartbeat slamming against her chest. Her lip shivered and tears welled in her eyes.
She lifted her palm to a diamond ring suspended in the center of the window by a clear string. Breathless, she gazed at the gorgeous ring resting in her hand.
Sensing Reed’s presence, she gasped slightly when he lowered his lips to the sensitive curve on her neck. Goosebumps skittered across her skin.
“Mornin’,” he whispered, standing naked beside her.
The sweet scent of coffee drifted through the hair falling around her shoulders. He held out a steaming cup of hazelnut coffee and she accepted it in her left hand. She stared at him through repeated blinks while he gazed coolly out the window, taking in the peaceful sunrise.
“What’s this?” she asked through a teary smile.
“Your favorite cup of joe,” he replied in a voice so delicious it sent ripples of desire through her spine.
This provoked a small giggle. “This.” She stretched out her other hand with the diamond ring.
He turned slowly and cradled her hand in his. “This is my way of asking you to marry me, JC Mathews.”
“It is?” Her chin quivered in confusion.
“It is.” He took the cup from her hand and placed it on the windowsill.
“But, you’ve been so quiet. I thought you were gonna break up with me.”
“I tried to do this the traditional way at dinner the other night and…well that didn’t work out so well for me.” He caressed her hand. “I’ve been anxiously waiting for the sun to shine.”
“The sun to shine?”
“Ummhmm. You love the sunrise. It’s your favorite time of day.” He folded her fingers, bringing them to his lips. “JC, darlin’, will you marry me?”
“I...” This was the happiest moment of her life, but JC’s voice suffocated, strangled in her speculation Reed might not be able to love her as much as Annie. “I want to say yes.”
“But?” Reed’s eyes floated shut with utter disappointment and his chin fell to his chest. “It’s okay if you’re not ready. I just thought—”
“That’s not it, Reed.” JC dropped his hand and bolted to the closet.
Reed followed right on her heels.
She flung through clothes frantically, finding a pair of jeans and pulling a t-shirt over her head. “I need to ask my Momma something before I give you an answer.”
He grabbed her by the arm, commanding her attention. “I’ve already talked to Tom.”
JC stopped and threw her arms around his neck, hugging him as if she’d drown if she let go. “You did? Oh, my God, you asked Tom for my hand in marriage?”
“Of course I did.” He followed right behind her as she rushed through the house slipping on her flip-flops and searching through her purse.
“When? When did you ask him?” She stopped scrambling and beamed up at him.
“I asked him the first morning we met.” Whatever Reed saw in her eyes calmed him. “He said yes…after he laughed and wished me luck. When he realized I was serious, he gave me his blessing and said he had a good feeling about me.”
“I won’t be gone long.” She placed a peck on his cheek.
Reed grabbed her by the waist, pulling her in close. “Where are you going?”
“Bora Bora.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
It wasn’t fair to leave Reed hanging, but if she answered Yes without talking to her mom first, JC knew for certain she’d mind-fuck herself into a nervous breakdown.
Standing in the doorway Reed frowned and scowled in complete confusion, asking if her answer was no.
Shaking her head vehemently, JC assured, “I’m so in love with you, Reed. Of course I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
He gave a slight nod before engulfing her in a kiss. Moments of passionate ravaging passed before he tore his lips away from hers. “It’s okay. I understand.” Reed squeezed her tight. “Honestly, I don’t understand at all, but I trust you. Go do what you have to do.”
Seven hours and several drinks later, JC landed on the tarmac in paradise. As the plane circled the long narrow landing strip bordered by the dark blue pacific ocean on one side and the pristine turquois lagoon on the other, she wished she’d drank whiskey instead of wine.
Walking from the airplane to the open aired thatch roofed airport, JC grasped how this magical island cast on spell on lovers lucky enough to visit. Breathing in the moist air saturated with the sweet floral aroma, she admired the raw natural beauty.