Chapter 20 Chanel #3
He flexed his muscles. “I’m a guy, and I’m used to eating like this when we get together.” Leaning closer, he said seductively,
“As far as you not being able to move, I’ll be more than happy to carry you. You in my arms . . . perfect.”
She sat straight up and fanned herself. Why is it so warm in here?
“I promise not to drop you.”
The thought of him carrying her and holding her close had Chanel’s heart thumping in her chest. The man gave new meaning to
being smooth. She briefly wondered if it was genetic, because from what she could tell, all the brothers seemed to be pretty
romantic. She recalled the way Austin kept touching or kissing Taylor while they were on video last night, and finding Tariq
and Kamryn stealing kisses outside on the deck earlier today. Chanel glanced across the room to where Shawn and Giselle sat.
They seemed to be the only couple not really enjoying themselves, and she wondered if Giselle was still upset about the cooking
incident.
“Okay, everybody. It’s time to open gifts,” Mama Yvonne said, going over to the elegantly decorated tree on the far side of
the room.
Papa Aaron handed her a Santa hat, then donned his own.
Chanel whispered to Vincent, “Your parents are so cute.”
“They’re the best, and they’ve been doing this since we were kids.”
She could hear the deep affection he had for his parents and felt a pang of envy.
She had only a handful of happy holiday memories where her mother had made the day special for her and Jada, most of them before the age of ten.
They’d gotten dolls, art sets, and books, and they had been so excited.
Just as quickly, the bad memories flooded her mind—her parents screaming and arguing, no presents, and meals that Chanel had to scrounge up.
“Hey. Where did you go for a minute?” Vincent’s voice cut into her thoughts.
“Just thinking about how nice this day has been.” She didn’t want to bring up the negative things in her past.
He hugged her close. “I’m glad.”
Chanel glanced over to where her sister was laughing and talking to Kamryn, Tariq, and Shawn, and she smiled. Yeah, this night
would go at the top of her list of best holiday memories.
Mama Yvonne and Papa Aaron placed several groups of gifts on the floor, then Papa Aaron said, “Come on over and find your
name.” He picked up a large bag. “Whose is this?”
Chanel raised her hand. “That’s from Jada and me. The names are on each box.”
“Baby, we didn’t expect you to get anything,” Mama Yvonne said.
“I could say the same thing.” There were three for her and Jada. The gift opening turned out to be just as fun as the rest
of the evening. The appreciation and words of gratitude for the gift cards, throw blankets, and other presents flowed through
the room.
“Oh, this is such a great idea, Chanel,” Shawn said. “A picnic backpack. Thank you. We’re looking forward to using it.”
Kamryn nodded. “We’ll be using ours as soon as it gets a little warmer.”
The elder Bradleys agreed, and Mama Yvonne had already decided that the first use would be on their upcoming weekend getaway at the beginning of the year.
Chanel handed Vincent a box. “Merry Christmas, love.”
“I like the sound of that.” He carefully tore away the paper and opened it. “This is perfect.”
“You mentioned a couple of times that your iPad keyboard didn’t work well for you and I know you tend to do some of your classwork
during lunch, so I thought a wireless keyboard might help.”
“It’ll help a lot.” Vincent placed a soft kiss on her lips. “Thanks for this, sweetheart.” He put it aside and stood. “I need
to get yours.” He walked over to the tree, grabbed a small square box from the back that she hadn’t seen, came back, and gave
it to her.
As she opened it, Chanel noticed everyone had stopped what they were doing and was watching her. She opened it, retrieved
a small velvet box, then flipped the lid. A soft gasp escaped. Nestled inside sat a beautiful necklace with a diamond heart.
“This is so amazing. I love it, and I love you.” She wrapped her arms around Vincent and kissed him.
“I’m giving my heart to you for safekeeping.”
A chorus of “Aw, that’s so sweet” echoed through the room.
Smiling, she removed it from the box. “Can you please put it on? I promise to take good care of your heart.” After he draped
it around her neck, Chanel couldn’t stop touching it. The fact that he trusted her with his heart moved her like nothing ever
had. She planned to take care of his the same way he’d been doing for hers since their first date. Everyone came over to admire
it, and she smiled so hard her cheeks hurt.
Shortly after, everyone started saying their goodbyes. She thanked the elder Bradleys for the invitation and gave hugs to everyone before she, Jada, and Vincent drove back to her place.
Inside, Jada gave Vincent a sisterly hug, then went to her room.
Chanel took Vincent’s hand and led him to the sofa. They sat and she laid her head against his shoulder. “I can’t remember
when I’ve had such a fabulous day, and I absolutely love your family.”
“I’m really glad you feel that way.” Vincent produced another black velvet box and slid off the sofa and onto a knee in one
fluid movement.
I know this isn’t what I think it is.
He flipped up the top and the diamonds immediately caught fire under the lights.
“I think I’m going to faint.”
He grasped Chanel’s trembling hand. “Chanel, with you I’ve found the love I’ve always hoped to have. My love for you is a
journey that starts at forever and ends at never. I want to be your safe haven, your shelter from the storm, and your partner
in everything. My heart is and always will be yours. Will you marry me?”
Chanel couldn’t speak, couldn’t move, and her heart felt as if it would burst from her chest. She finally found her voice.
“Yes,” she answered through her tears. “A thousand times, yes.” He slid the pear-shaped solitaire onto her finger, and she
started crying in earnest. She launched herself at him, knocking him over. “I love you so much.”
“I love you too.”
Chanel thought nothing could top being there with his family, but this . . . She stared down at the beautiful ring on her
finger. Nothing had ever felt so right.
It had taken several weeks, but Chanel had finally gotten up the courage to tell her mother about her engagement and planned to drop by after leaving work that afternoon.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to go with you?” Vincent asked as he parked in the imaging center’s lot after returning from
lunch.
“I have no idea what state my mother will be in, and I don’t want you to be subjected to whatever comes out of her mouth.
But I hope she’ll be happy for me, because I do want her to meet you.” She just prayed her mom would be sober this time.
“Any luck on getting her to change her mind about rehab?”
“Nope.” He got out and came around to open her door. “I’ve talked with someone from one of the places and she told me that
until my mom is ready, there’s not a lot I can do.” And that made her sad.