Chapter 26
Chapter Twenty-Six
Arizona
“ H ey, Dad, this is a surprise.” I walked into Jameson’s kitchen, grateful I had put on actual clothes that morning—leggings and an old T-shirt of his—rather than walking around in my sleep shorts and tank top like the last few days.
“Good morning, sweetheart.” He wasted no time pulling me into his embrace. “Jameson invited me over for brunch.”
“I actually have to head out for a few hours to help my dad with something, so I thought I’d invite Dustin over, and you two could spend the day together.”
I turned my head over my dad’s shoulder and looked at Jameson, who was casually leaning against the counter wearing a pair of Timberlands, worn jeans that hugged his muscular thighs, a hunter green and black flannel over a white T-shirt, and my heart soared with gratitude as I mouthed, “Thank you.”
In reply, Jameson lifted his snowman Christmas mug with a supportive smile and a head nod before he sipped his coffee.
Seeing my dad was just what I needed.
“Can you believe Christmas is less than a week away?”
“No, it really snuck up on us this year. I also can’t believe how obsessed Jameson is with Christmas décor. I thought I’d seen everything in this town, but this . . .” He looked from the kitchen over the living room and back to Jameson’s amused expression. “This is something else entirely. You even have Christmas-themed plates and mugs.” He chuckled.
“Did you make all this?” I asked while gazing at the tantalizing spread on the kitchen table, which featured French toast dusted with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, crispy bacon, and fluffy eggs.
“I happen to know breakfast foods are your weakness,” Jameson replied, glancing at my dad, who attempted to conceal his smile, “and I wanted to do something nice for you both.”
“Thank you; I love it.” I walked across the kitchen to where he was leaning against the counter, exuding an air of restraint. Leaving no doubt in my mind that if my dad weren’t standing five feet away, Jameson would have had me up on the counter with his head between my thighs in two seconds flat having his own breakfast. “And I love you.”
He wrapped an arm around my back and met me halfway as I pressed my mouth to his and peppered his lips with kisses.
“I love you too, Red. Text me if you need anything. Otherwise, I’ll leave you two to catch up.”
“Say hi to your parents from me.”
“Me too,” I added after my dad.
“Will do.” Jameson hugged my dad and patted him on the back before grabbing his wallet and keys to head out.
My dad then pulled out a chair at the table for me. “You look good, sweetheart, relaxed and happy.” He said with a soft smile, his eyes never leaving mine.
“Thank you. I’m feeling better each day.” I sat and started plating my food.
“I know we’ve spoken on the phone, but it isn’t the same as seeing you in person.”
I handed him the tongs for the bacon.
“I haven’t hidden anything from you, Dad. I’m still avoiding the mirror.”
“Most of the bruising has subsided since the hospital; another day or two and no one will notice.” He reached over to gently place a hand on mine, a silent gesture of reassurance.
“Oh, before I forget, Brock and Camilla want us to join their family for dinner on Christmas day. What do you think?”
“Sounds splendid. I’ll call Camilla later and ask what I can bring. Jameson sure inherited his mom’s culinary skills; this French toast is delicious. You need to lock the man down, Ari.”
“Hey, I can cook just fine on my own,” I mumbled, covering my mouth as I chewed my food.
“I know. I’m just teasing you. So, I heard the first responder’s calendar was a huge success; they raised over a hundred thousand dollars for the children’s hospital; you should be really proud.”
“Oh, wow! That’s incredible news. Once I sent the edited files to Tara—things got a little chaotic, so I haven’t had a chance to follow up with her since.”
“You’re so talented, Arizona.”
“I just had the hardware and the skill set. She took care of everything else and ran the marketing promos.”
“Still can’t take a compliment, can you?” His eyebrows raised.
“No, I guess not. However, in all fairness, I had so many good subjects to work with.” I laughed as I finished my last bite.
“You rest, and I’ll clean up the dishes.” He walked over to the sink. “I brought some craft supplies with me, thinking we could make new ornaments, maybe even add some to Jameson’s tree. Include him in our traditions?”
“I think he’d like that. Thanks, Dad.”
“Anything for my sweet girl.”
“Jameson should be here any minute.” I placed my phone down on the table after getting his text message. “Camilla sent him home with chicken parm for dinner.”
“That’s my cue to head out then.” He pushed his chair back from the table.
“No, Dad, he said there’s enough for the three of us.”
“I don’t want to overstay my welcome,” he said, with warmth in his eyes that mirrored mine.
“Never. There he is now.” The lights from his truck beamed into the family room as he pulled into the driveway.
My dad walked over to the front door, and I felt a wave of joy seeing him move freely without the cane he had depended on since the fire. When Jameson entered the house, my dad took the casserole dish wrapped in a towel from him while I welcomed my man home with loving arms.
“Sorry, I was way longer than I expected. Did you have a nice day with your dad?”
“We did, but why do you smell like sawdust?” I ran my fingers through his hair as some flaked out on his flannel-covered shoulders.
“My dad’s working on a surprise for my mom in his workshop for Christmas, which is why he asked for my help.” I wasn’t entirely sure what to think as he averted my eyes, while a hint of guilt flanked his expression before he glanced over my shoulder to the giant mess my dad and I had created on his dining room table. “What’s all this?” he asked, moving past me to take a closer look.
“When my mom was alive, we had this tradition of making Christmas tree ornaments. As you probably noticed, at my dad’s place, everything on his tree is handmade. He brought over some supplies, and we’ve been crafting all afternoon because we wanted to include you in our special tradition.”
“You did?” He gazed at me with such warmth and affection that I could have melted into a puddle. He lifted one of the twine-wrapped wreaths decorated with a red bow that I had created. Little white beads and black lettering spelled our names in the center, reading ‘Arizona Jameson.’
“This one might just be my favorite.” His voice radiated with approval.
“There’s still tons of material left, so if you’d like, we can make some more later.”
“I would really love that.” He pressed a kiss to my lips. “Shall we hang it on the tree right now?”
“Now?” I practically squeaked in surprise.
“I don’t see why not.” He nodded with a confident smile spreading across his handsome face.
“All right, any others catch your eye?” I glanced down at the table and over the array of beaded wreaths.
“All of them, but this one, it’s special, and I don’t want to wait another minute.” He practically pulled me impatiently toward the Christmas tree.
“Where are you going to place it?” I asked, curious if he’d want to remove any since his tree was quite full.
“I’m thinking front and center.” He handed me the ornament. “You hang it though.”
I took the wreath and held it against the tree in a few places before settling where I thought it would fit best. “How about here?” I glanced over my shoulder.
“That’s perfect, absolutely perfect.”
I threaded the branch through the small twine loop and stepped back to appreciate the tree next to Jameson. However, he was no longer standing beside me; instead, he was down on one knee, gazing adoringly at me.
“Jameson.” I gasped and covered my mouth in shock.
Seeing him down on one knee, with an expression that blended excitement, nervousness, and overwhelming love in its most profound form, made me feel like I was soaring high above reality. It was a moment in time I never wanted to forget as my heart raced with anticipation.
“Arizona Grace Rhodes, you are an incredible woman. You have a heart that is larger than life, and I’ve been drawn to you from as far back as I can remember. I felt a connection on a molecular level. When we shared our first kiss, I instantly knew the feelings I’d long harbored weren’t just a product of my imagination; they marked the beginning of something real, something much deeper. My love for you, Ari, is like the ocean, vast, deep, and endless. You’re my soulmate, my other half. I’ve loved you from a distance, but loving you up close is by far my favorite. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
A wave of absolute giddiness drove my movement as I bounced on the spot before falling to my knees to kiss him silly. “Yes, Jameson, yes!”
With an ecstatic smile I couldn’t contain, I watched in sheer amazement as he slid a gold band featuring the most stunning, sparkling oval diamond I’d ever seen onto my ring finger.
“Jameson.” My eyes welled with glistening tears as my emotions overflowed in the best way possible. “I love you more than words can express.”
“I love you too,” he murmured against my lips. “My fiancée.”
“Ah, I love the sound of that, fiancé.”
“Sure has a nice ring to it.”
“That it does.” He held me tightly as my heart buzzed with exhilaration until the sound of the front door opening and closing caught my attention. “Did my dad just leave?”
“I’m guessing so.” He quickly looked around the living room before turning his attention back to me.
“Did he know?” I asked, tilting my head as I eyed him with curiosity. “Was he in on the surprise?”
“He knew my intentions, but no, he didn’t know I planned to propose tonight. I didn’t even know myself, and I had the ring in my pocket.” He chuckled. “When you showed me the ornament you made for us, I knew it was a sign and decided I couldn’t let the perfect opportunity slip away.”
“I feel like I’m dreaming.”
“That’s the best part: our love isn’t just a dream; it’s our reality.”