Chapter 15
EMMA
Wait until we’ve been together for six months.
Dylan’s words echo in my ears. He didn’t say if. He was very clear.
My head is spinning.
The wild, hopeful energy carries me through the endless whirlwind of introductions, right up to the moment when Miriam drags me away for potato salad while “the menfolk” have their drink.
We sit at a table in the corner, Miriam sipping her white wine while I dig into a small bowl of the chunky potato mixture.
The minute it hits my tongue my eyes unfocus and I stare at the floor in front of me, unseeing.
The flavor is so huge and perfectly balanced that I never want to swallow it.
I just want it to stay on my taste buds forever.
Miriam laughs, gesturing with her wine glass. "Amazing, right?"
I very reluctantly swallow my mouthful, then shake my head. "There aren't any words."
“Good. I'll tell Mrs. McKenzie, that will make her happy."
I continue eating, glad that it's just a small bowl. I could easily devour an entire bucket of it.
"So," Miriam's eyes sparkle. "I guess you and Dylan will be dancing soon?"
"That's the plan, I think." I swallow the last bite, then set the bowl aside. "Everyone dances at this thing, right?"
She positively beams, leaning close. "Of course. It's a fun party. But there's also…you know…the legend."
"The what?"
She looks up and waves to a few friends across the room, then leans close to me again. "Some people think it's just an old wives’ tale. But when a new couple is falling in love, if they dance together at the Christmas Eve Eve Ball, they are together forever.”
"Oh."
I'm not sure what to say to that. Miriam is flat-out serious.
"So – tell me about Dylan's house," Miriam continues brightly. "He’s sent me photos, but I haven't been out to see it in person yet. Hopefully in the spring."
"It's…nice."
Before I can think of something more to say, Dylan appears beside me. "The house definitely needs a woman's touch. But we might get something bigger soon anyway. That's up to Emma." He holds out his hand. "May I have this dance, baby?"
"Excuse me," I say to Miriam with a smile, quickly getting to my feet and following Dylan to the middle of the dance floor.
We're surrounded by twirling couples, yet it feels like nobody is looking at us. Everyone is lost in their own world, on their own date. Suddenly I realize this might be the most important evening of my life.
"I've been meaning to talk to you about something," Dylan says softly, running his palm down the center of my back.
"Is it by chance about the legend surrounding dancing at this ball?"
He smiles widely. "Mom told you?"
"Yes." I hesitate for a second. "You said to be honest, right?"
"Yes, for sure. What’s on your mind, baby?"
"Do you really think it's a good idea for us to be doing this? You don't even know me."
He pulls me tighter against him, and I'm enveloped in his arms. Surrounded by him.
"Emma, you're my dream girl. Plain and simple.
The second I saw you at Ray's, I had to get to know you.
Every single thing I discover about you is exactly what I want or need.
It's you. Your light or soul or vibe." There's a slight catch in his voice.
"I don't know how to explain it. I don't know how to tell you.
But I love every single thing about you.
I can't imagine a day in my life now when I didn't want to hold you, care for you, and listen to every single word you have to say. "
I stumble slightly, but Dylan holds me securely. "Easy, sweetheart. I'm sorry. Did I freak you out?"
"Um…kind of." I look up at him, feeling hollow and electrified at the same time. "So… You’re saying you think we should carry on with these ridiculous lies we've spun?"
"Exactly. But they won't be lies anymore."
"It's one thing to keep on dating. But that fake proposal—"
"Won't be fake if we design a ring for you.
" He tips up my chin with one finger, gazing into my eyes with an intensity that sends shivers through me.
"Emma, I love you. I want to date you, then get engaged to you, then marry you.
Have you move in with me. All of the above, in whatever order you like. "
He loves me.
The lights around us spin and twinkle as the last piece of the puzzle clicks into place in my heart, making me let go of my doubts, realizing this is right.
My hands move of their own accord, stroking his handsome, clean-shaven face. "I love you, too," I breathe. "I was just scared to think it, never mind say it out loud."
"I know. I'm sorry this has happened so fast. I realize that makes you nervous." The pressure of his fingers is warm, even through my dress. "Just trust me. I'm going to make you so happy, baby."
The crowd shifts around us, as the song changes and people leave or enter the dance floor.
"You know, I don't really trust that story on its own," Dylan says with a saucy grin and a wink. "Would I be a jerk if I proposed to you again right now, to ensure the continuation of the legend?"
I can't pull in enough air. When he smiles like that, he’s so gorgeous that it scrambles my mind. Yet a flash of realization flows through me. His parents would be delighted, and the entire town would be as well. Not to mention, we’d be upholding a possible town legend.
There are so many signs that I would be a fool to ignore them. But the most important sign is what my gut says. It's screaming that Dylan and I belong together.
Not because I’ve been alone for so long, and I’m longing to have someone care for me. Because it feels deeply right. He is definitely the one. Even if I’m a bit prickly about being the center of attention, I get the sense that will only be temporary.
Stretching up, I give him a soft, gentle kiss before stepping back and dramatically arching an eyebrow. "Only one way to find out, isn’t there?"
I stare into Dylan’s deep, moss-green eyes, at his handsome, grinning face. His hand presses firmly in mine as he drops to one knee, making me melt.
A gasp runs through the crowd, from one person to the next. Everyone around us steps back several paces as Dylan kisses the back of my hand.
"Emma," he whispers so only I can hear, "I love you. I want to create a wonderful life with you. Will you do me the incredible honor of becoming my wife and allowing me to do my very best to make you happy and comfortable"…his left eyebrow twitches…"and satisfied…every single day of our lives?"
I'm already nodding, blinking back tears of joy. "Yes. I love you, too. Yes."
Dylan leaps to his feet, scooping his arms around me and spinning several times. "She said yes!" he bellows to the ceiling, as the room erupts in deafening applause.
The next hour is a complete blur as countless people hug me, begging me to have the wedding here in Holly Valley, preferably at Christmas. Miriam and Mark are beside themselves as they press a glass of champagne into my hand, as are Josh and Sadie.
Nobody seems to care that my eyes are glassy with tears, or that my fingers are still twitching.
My head spins. I suddenly have a gorgeous man in my life who has gone from being a fake date to a real fiancé in less than a week. Plus, a brand-new family and circle of friends who already seem determined to do most of the wedding planning for us.
We dance for several more songs, then Dylan wraps his arms around me, kissing me in a way that is completely inappropriate in a room that contains his relatives.
"Easy," I whisper. "Manners, buddy.”
His lips drop to my ear. "I've been polite all night, with you gliding around in that beautiful dress,” he breathes. “All I can think about is hitching it up and taking you against a wall right now." He clutches me as a deep shudder runs down my spine. "Sorry, baby. Too much?"
I'm already grinning. "Not at all. But I think we should change venue."
He grabs my hand and heads for the coat room. I swear I hear him mutter, “Look out, everyone. I need to go claim my princess."