“This isn’t for a customer.” He grinned. “It was going to be a surprise for you, but now you’ve busted me.”
“For me?” She stepped closer, confused.
Hank stepped aside and gestured toward the desk. “I figured you could use a desk now that you’re pursuing a marketing degree.”
“I love it!” Cat ran her hand along the top, then frowned. “Did I just ruin my Christmas gift?”
He reached for her and pulled her in for a kiss. “Not entirely. You’ll have to be patient for the rest, though.”
“Not my strong suit,” she admitted. She glanced over his shoulder at the desk again and noticed two shallow drawers. Easing out of his arms, she started to open one, but he batted her hand. “Oooh, now I’m really curious.”
“Don’t!” he said, too late.
Unfortunately, she’d already managed to duck beneath his arm and open the drawer. Inside sat a ring box. “Oh!”
Hank rested his hands on his hips and shook his head. “Now you’ve ruined your Christmas, and all my plans.”
Cat should have felt sorry and apologized and maybe even been a little sad, but all she could do was smile and bounce on her toes. At least her response made Hank grin—a good thing under the circumstances.
“Guess there’s no reason to make you wait another five days, is there?”
Cat shook her head, which elicited a chuckle from him.
Hank withdrew the little velvet box from the drawer, his grip so tight with anxiety his knuckles were white. “I had an elaborate, romantic scavenger hunt planned, but maybe it’s better that I do this here in the dusty garage where you first opened up to me about who you really are and what you need.
“We’ve certainly had our ups and downs since we first met, but even in our worst moments, you captivated me. I can barely remember my life before you blew into it like some crazy monsoon, turning everything inside out and upside down—in the very best way. I can’t imagine life without you, and I don’t want to have to try. So I hope you’ll agree to continue down this road we’re on. Together I know we’ll build an amazing business, family, and life if you’ll agree to marry me.”
He’d barely finished his sentence when she jumped into his arms and kissed him.
“Don’t you even want to see the ring?” He laughed.
“Of course I do!”
He opened the box and withdrew an emerald-cut diamond set in a band of pavé diamonds. Classic, elegant, perfect. As he slid it on her finger, he whispered, “Merry Christmas, Catalina. I love you.”
“I love you, too, and I can’t wait to be your wife.”
Hank ran his hands along her thighs, grabbed her butt, and kissed her. “Jenny’s not home. Wanna go inside?”
“You know it.” She kissed his neck.
He lifted her up and spun her around in his arms, sending a flurry of sawdust into the air around them, which caused Cat to sneeze.
“Bless you.” Hank set her down. He regarded her with reverence as he trailed his finger along her jaw. “Bless you, Catalina,” he said before kissing her.
She wrapped her arms around his neck. Bless us.