Page 88 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

“I need to know where I stand with you,” said Griff, giving her a penetrating look. “You promised to call me after you got home. At first, I thought you didn’t do it because you were busy. Then I realized that, like before, you just wanted to be friends.”

“Oh, but …” Lori began. “I’ve been waiting for you to call me,” she admitted sheepishly. “The longer I waited, the more certain I became that you wanted to end what we had and didn’t want to hurt my feelings.”

The grim look on Griff’s face transformed into a bright smile. He held out his arms. “Come here.” His brilliant blue eyes shone.

In response, she hurried into his embrace and nestled against him.

“God, I’ve missed you,” murmured Griff. “I know this may sound crazy after all that’s happened in such a short time, but seeing you again, I have no doubt. Lori, will you marry me?”

Lori stepped back and gazed at the hopeful expression on his face, then threw her arms around his neck. “Yes, Griff. Oh, yes! I’ll marry you.”

As Griff’s lips met hers, Lori had no doubt that this was right. She knew it heart and soul. They’d spent hours talking. She’d seen him with his family, seen him work hard. He was everything he represented.

When they pulled apart, Lori heard the sound of soft clapping and realized that Cara, Janie, and several toddlers were staring at them, heads turned at a sharp angle, from a window a short distance away.

“I guess others like our decision,” said Lori.

“None more than Sarita who told me we were meant to be together, that she saw it the first day you arrived at the winery,” said Griffin, wrapping his arm around her. “I’ll formally ask your father’s permission, and together we can pick out a ring. Is that okay?”

“It’s perfect. But I need to warn you that my parents don’t know much about our time together. I didn’t want to spoil it until I knew for sure that my feelings for you were reciprocated.”

“Life is full of surprises, as we both know. Let’s make this one the best of all,” said Griff.

Joy surged through her. They’d begun the New Year weekend at The Beach House Hotel. Now, they were beginning a new life together.

And she knew the perfect place for a wedding.

###

On such a momentous occasion, Janie readily agreed to give Lori the rest of the day off.

Lori told Griff to follow her in his car to her house. From there, they’d go together to her parents’ home. First, she couldn’t wait to get him alone.

He seemed as anxious as she was to be together as they traveled the few blocks to her house.

They pulled their cars into her driveway and got out.

“Want to come in before we go to visit my parents?” Lori asked him.

He grinned at her. “You know I do. It’s been way too long since we’ve been alone.”

At the sexy look he gave her, Lori put her arms around his neck, and they kissed once more. This time they had more privacy. But it still wasn’t enough.

When they broke apart, Lori went to the front door and unlocked it. She turned to him at her heels. “Come on in.”

Inside the front hallway, he lifted her into his arms and held her tight. “Let’s not waste a minute.”

Her body filled with anticipation, and she directed him to her bedroom.

There, they showed one another how much they wanted their union.

###

Satisfied by their lovemaking and brimming with joy, Lori called her mother.

“Mom, I have someone I want you and Dad to meet. May I bring him over?”

“Does this have anything to do with a handsome California winemaker?” asked her mother.