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“You’ll find out,” he replied, kissing her quickly and picking up the luggage. “Come on, we have a flight to catch.”
“This is crazy,” she exclaimed, following him out the front door and down the path to the sidewalk.
“Crazy can be good for the soul!” he retorted as he handed the suitcase to the driver, then opening the back door, he ordered her into the car.
Though she did her best to get him to divulge the details, Nick didn’t waver. But when they arrived at LAX and the car drove to the private terminal, she began badgering him. It was only when they boarded a sleek private jet and were served a glass of champagne he offered her a tidbit of information.
“Okay, Bianca, your parents and mine joined forces and organized this Christmas holiday for us, though initially I turned them down.”
“Why?”
“You know I don’t like accepting favors, but you can thank Cindy. She reminded me sometimes it’s wise to say yes.”
“I love that woman. Do you know how lucky you are to have her?”
“Absolutely, she reminds me all the time,” he replied with a grin.
“But how did it come about? Did Dad just call you, or—?”
“No more information until we get where we’re going,” he said firmly, cutting her off.
“Which is where?”
“What did I just say?”
“You can’t blame a girl for trying,” she shot back with a giggle.
“Here’s to venturing into the unknown,” he declared, raising his glass and clinking hers. “Drink up and stop asking questions, or I’ll put you over my knee and spank you in front of the flight attendant.”
Several hours later, the plane began its descent. Watching Bianca stir from a deep nap and look out the window, he knew she’d realize they were flying into a tropical island paradise.
“Nick, are we in the Caribbean?”
“The Bahamas,” he replied. “We’re staying at—” but throwing her arms around him and smothering his face with kisses, he couldn’t finish. “The Four Seasons,” he finally added as she pulled away.
A limousine transported them to the five-star resort, and they were shown to a luxury suite overlooking the ocean. Though it was late and they were tired, they sat on the private balcony, held hands, and let the tropical air kiss their skin.
“Will you please give me more details before we go to bed?” she pleaded. “I won’t be able to sleep if you don’t.”
He turned and stared at her. “Yeah,” he murmured, thinking he couldn’t wait another moment, “but I have to fetch something first. I’ll only be a minute.”
Walking back into the suite, he picked up what he needed from his bag, took a deep breath, and returned to the patio.
“There’s quite a bit to tell you,” he began, settling back in the chair beside her. “You asked how this trip came about. It started with a call I made to your father.”
“About what?”
“I, uh, I needed to ask if he’d give me permission to marry his daughter. He said yes. Will you?” he asked, opening his hand and revealing a small black velvet box.
“Nick…” she whispered, happy tears unexpectedly springing from her eyes. “There’s not a single thing in the world that would make me happier.”
“You’ve always reminded me of one of those trendsetting, independent girls from the roaring twenties,” he said softly, lifting the lid and exposing an art deco, emerald and diamond ring. “This was made during that era.”
“Oh, my gosh, it’s absolutely gorgeous.”
Removing it from the box and sliding it on her finger, a wave of emotion rose up from his soul, and he had to swallow back the heat in his throat, but as she hugged him fervently, he lost the battle. For the first time in many years, a single droplet spilled from his right eye.
“I only have one request,” she stammered, pulling back and wiping her wet cheeks.
