AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You don’t have to sleep here, Zack. The bed is like a cot to you.” Blue was ever so aware of his six-foot-four frame.
“Baby, as long as we’re together, I don’t care where we sleep.” He nuzzled her on the forehead sending shivers of pleasure down her spine. Oh, she loved to feel Zack against her skin.
She really felt his magic, his warmth, his genuine affection and that was all she needed to get by in life. That was all she needed, period!
In the morning when she woke up, Zack was by her side. She kissed him on the lips as he lay in a dream-state sleep. She giggled at how wonderfully innocent he looked bundled close beside her on the bed. She managed to get off the bed without disturbing him and went into the bathroom. Her eyes widened in shock when she looked at her left hand. Oh. My. God!
How did that get there?
She looked over at Zack who was, probably, pretending to sleep. A grin curled his soft, sexy lips. She tilted her head back and laughed.
“Yes!”
He opened his eyes without effort. “I just wanted to surprised you, baby. I’m glad it fits. Do you know how hard it was to get your finger size without you knowing?” Zack cocked a brow.
On her ring finger, during her sleep, Zack probably took his time and placed a beautiful diamond engagement ring on her. The largest, sparkling one she’d ever seen.
“Will you marry, Blue?”
“Oh, my God, are you kidding?” Blue could hardly breathe. She was nodding and tears of delight gushed down her face. “Yes. Yes. Yes.” She reached over and grabbed Zack's neck and hugged him to her.
“Yes. I will marry you, Zack!”
EPILOGUE
“And this year’s honor for the National Wine Awards goes to…” the announcer at the gala event lifted the trophy in her hand. “Zack Romero, president and CEO of Romero Winery and Vineyard.”
A round of applause erupted from the packed-to-capacity auditorium at the Trade Center as hundreds of press cameras clicked away. All eyes were fixed on the stage.
Zack was reluctant at first to go to the stage by himself. He said earlier it was a team effort and he wanted Blue by his side for capturing the greatness of the vineyard’s legend and the rest of his team for making it all work.
“Wow! Well, here’s the thing. I’m not a man who relishes in giving speeches. But today I will make the exception.”
Laughter rang from the audience.
“On a serious note, I would like to thank each and every one of you here for this. For making this happen. Just like growing grapes in a vineyard takes a nurturing hand and caring and passion, so does cultivating healthy relationships in our business and in…our lives. And it’s all about growth. It’s all about not just letting things sit. Everything takes time, care and tending to…” Zack’s eyes captured Blue’s in the audience. “And just like the time it takes to sow viable seeds that may one day blossom into delightful treasures, anything that you work long and hard for is well worth the wait and worth the effort.”
Zack went on to talk about the programs they have in the community to help support other companies. Saying was what set them apart from the others. Caring and sharing go hand in hand. That was how his grandfather raised them and that was what he shared with his team. “Because that, my friends, is true success, giving your best, being your best and sharing…only your best!”
A huge round of applause filled the room, once again, and this time the audience stood up in recognition of this year’s honorary winner of the National Winery Awards!
It was a truly blessed evening. While at the Romero Estate, prior to the awards, the Romeros, once again, celebrated Zack and Blue’s engagement. Carl, Troy, Dion, Alonso and Jules, of course, reiterating that they doubted very much they’d join Lucas, Antonio and Zack in holy matrimony. Toni teased them and said, “Don’t count on that, my boys. Don’t count on being a true bachelor for too long.” He winked knowingly.
Moments earlier they viewed the beautiful documentary of the Vineyard and Winery produced by Blue Monroe and her team. She’d won an award earlier for her work that caught her by surprise. She didn’t know it would also be featured in the awards section.
