The Throwbacks (48 page)
Authors: Stephanie Queen
Tags: #romantic mystery, #romantic suspense, #mysteries and humor, #romantic comedy
He held a small black square box between them and popped open the lid for her to see.
“Oh!” She looked from the most exquisite diamond ring she could imagine then up to his dear face and back again. The tears fell streaming down her cheeks even as she laughed with her giddiness. She threw herself into his arms and wanted to stay there forever. “Yes, yes, yes, yes…” she murmured as she kissed his face and his lips and his chin and everywhere. He squeezed her close.
“Does this mean that you’ve accepted my offer of partnership in crime-fighting? And decorating?”
She laughed at his teasing and pulled back. He slid the ring on her finger and wiped the remaining stray tears from her face.
“Does this mean you’re not worried about being an old man with young children?” she teased him back, and he surprised her with a serious look.
“Children are a serious matter.” He quirked a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’d prefer if I were ten years younger, but conditions look favorable.”
She sensed he wanted to be okay with having children and she knew he wasn’t all the way there yet. There was no question that she would take the chance. She’d already made up her mind.
“Does this mean we should plan a wedding?” she asked with a hint of disbelief in her voice. He simply nodded and smiled, and this time it was a completely happy smile with no doubts.
Mabel appeared in the doorway, and when Grace would have pulled out of their embrace, David held her tight.
“I couldn’t help overhearing—there’s going to be a wedding?” she said with her brilliant nonchalance.
Grace laughed at her soon-to-be-real aunt. The thought sent a rush through her. The rest of their friends streamed into the kitchen.
“How soon are you getting married?” Dan asked as he slapped David on the back and Esther took her in a hug.
“At my age, I’m wondering if she’ll mind tomorrow,” David said. He gave her a look that said he was half kidding—about the age part—but serious about the getting married tomorrow part. A pool of warmth spread all over her insides in wonderful waves.
“Lucky day eleven of your whirlwind romance,” Pixie said with her arms folded and a tenuous smile on her face. Grace grabbed her by the hands and pulled her friend into a hug. She wouldn’t have cried if Pixie hadn’t started first.
After all the congratulating, she went back to the circle of David’s arms and felt his hand on the small of her back where it belonged.
“I’d love getting married tomorrow—as long as we have a long honeymoon.” She looked up into his smiling eyes.
“I’m sure that could be arranged. I’ll talk to the Yard and Dan will stave off the need for my immediate services.”
They both looked at Dan. He gave them a wink.
“What about the next candidate for the Scotland Yard Exchange Program?” Pixie asked, to Grace’s surprise.
“As soon as I have a candidate, you’ll be the first to know, Pixie dearest.” David chuckled and tousled her hair while she scowled with skepticism.
“Then it’s decided? We marry tomorrow?” Grace wondered aloud.
David nodded his head. And that’s what they did.
Stephanie Queen lives in bucolic New Hampshire where writing happy, snappy stories takes most of her time. Right now, she’s busy working on a secret new exciting mystery-thriller series. To find out about new releases
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Between a Rock and a Mad Woman – Prequel Scotland Yard Exchange series
The Beachcombers – Book 4 Scotland Yard Exchange series