15

Darla couldn’t stop stealing glances at her left hand. The sparkle was irresistible. And the weight of the ring Bobby had slipped onto her finger several hours ago felt oddly comforting.

“Admiring your bling?” Bobby teased

“Do you blame me?” She stretched out her arm and waggled her hand. The emerald-cut solitaire diamond resting between two delicate bands was perfect. “This is the ultimate in sparkle. You really went all out, huh?”

He flashed her a smile. “You think?” He grabbed her hand and brought it to his mouth, brushing his lips across the back. “An extraordinary woman deserves a little extra.” He lowered their joined hands to his thigh.

She smirked. “Extra? Babe, I’m all about bling. But I gotta say, you did good... for a knight in dusty armor.”

Bobby chuckled. The sounds warmed her heart and made her stomach flutter. Pity they had a luncheon to attend. She’d have preferred to return to the snug bed they had vacated not so long ago.

“A man’s gotta keep up with his woman’s standards.”

“Your woman?”

“Darling, that rock shouts that you’re mine.”

“Rather smug, are we?”

Turning into the parking lot adjacent to the town hall, he replied, “Not smug, love. Happy. Very happy.”

She was happy, too. Unbelievably so. And to think that mere months ago she’d been ready to settle for … not this. “Thank you,” she whispered.

“For?”

“Knocking on my door all those months ago. Making the effort to win my heart back.”

Bobby found a parking spot, cut the engine, and turned in his seat to face her. “Darla, loving you, being loved by you, is a privilege.” He took hold of her hands. “By accepting my ring” — he placed his lips on the knuckle above the ring — “you have gifted me with your trust. And I swear, here, now, to never give you any reason to regret that. Whereas I cannot promise you a trouble-free future, I can promise to be by your side through the curveballs life throws our way.” He swallowed, his throat bobbing. “Thank you for giving me a second chance.”

Tears prickled her eyes. “You’re very welcome, Robert,” she whispered as his mouth took hers in a deep kiss.

Holding hands, they made their way through the town hall foyer and handed in their jackets. The hall was ablaze with festivities and the scent of roast turkey and cinnamon filled the air. Locals chatted in groups, clinking glasses, and exchanging joyous greetings. Piped Christmas music played over the speakers, and a Christmas tree, festooned with colorful lights and glittery ornaments, stood tall and proud in one corner. Holiday wreaths and garlands hung from exposed rafters with a large Merry Christmas banner above the doors leading to the main hall where the luncheon, arranged by the Town Council in aid of those folk directly affected by the tornado, was due to start in a few minutes.

“Good, you’re finally here,” her mother called, rushing closer.

“Think she’ll approve of the diamond?” Bobby whispered, snuggling in behind her, his hands resting on her hips.

She couldn’t help but chuckle while looking down and flexing her hand. Diamond and platinum winked back under the glittering lights. “It’s certainly visible,” she said, leaning back into his strength, waiting for the onslaught of Momma Miller.

When her mother arrived, her eyes focused on the ring. “Lemme see,” she demanded.

Darla dutifully lifted her arm. “Hmm,” the woman said, turning Darla’s hand every which way, drawing amused scrutiny from nearby people.

“Momma,” Darla hissed, trying to pull her hand back.

Turning her attention to Bobby, her mother said, “You did good, Robert.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” he deadpanned.

“Two carats?”

Darla jerked her hand away. “Momma!”

“Two-and-a-half,” Bobby replied, amusement lacing his voice.

“Welcome to the family, son,” her father said, joining his wife.

Bobby grasped his outstretched hand. “Thank you, sir.”

Darla’s gaze shifted between her parents. “You knew?”

Her mother blinked. “Knew what, Darla?”

True to form, her daddy didn’t pretend innocence. “Like any well-brought-up man, Robert asked for your hand last night.”

Darla gave Bobby a hard look. “So that’s where you two disappeared to after dessert.” She narrowed her eyes. “Cognac, my foot. Should’ve known something was afoot. You don’t even like cognac.”

Placing his arm around her shoulder, he pulled her in and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Cognac was involved. After I asked your dad.”

Humph! Scowling, she shot him a withering glance, stepping from his embrace.

“Now don’t you get upset with Robert. He did good. The question is — are you happy, baby girl?” her mother asked, drawing Darla’s attention.

Bobby’s furtiveness aside — Girl, are you really upset he asked your daddy like a well brought up man? — Darla couldn’t lie to her mother. “Yes, Momma, I am.”

And with those words, her pique with Bobby evaporated.

Her mother nodded. “That’s all a mother asks for.” She leaned in and kissed Darla’s cheek and gave her a quick hug. Straightening, she added in a louder tone, “And he’d better take good care of my baby girl. Else he’ll discover the wrath of Pastor Miller and her” — she lifted her eyes heavenward — “Boss.”

“I’ll treasure your daughter.”

“Now,” her mother said, grabbing Bobby’s arm. “Let’s talk grandbabies.”

Darla rolled her eyes, asking that same Boss for strength dealing with the woman. Bobby’s gaze met her over the top her mother’s coiffed hair, and she shook her head. They had agreed not to announce the pregnancy until she reached the twelve-week mark.

“Norma,” her father reprimanded. “Let’s get the couple hitched first. Look” — he grabbed her arm, tugging her — “I think the mayor is calling you.”

Her eyes darted to the direction her husband pointed, but before leaving, she added, “Don’t dally about fulfilling this grandmother’s desire, Robert.”

“Momma!”

“Yes, ma’am,” Bobby said, shaking with mirth. “It’ll be my pleasure to take care of that task. “

Her mother sniffed. “No need to be cheeky, Robert,” she muttered, striding off.

Darla huffed. Bobby grinned at her. “I think your mum’s warming up to me.”

Gah! “Warming up?” But before she could continue lamenting her mother, a gong sounded.

“Ho, ho, ho. Let’s eat and be merry!” Santa Claus called out, moving through the crowd, ringing his bell.

*

Bobby surveyed the spectacular scene of the main hall. It was even more festive than the foyer. Long tables covered in white linens, trimmed with holly and tinsel, filled the room. Decorations hung in clusters from the ceiling, and garlands connected them in a cheery web. One corner showcased a second taller Christmas tree, and "Little Drummer Boy" played softly in the background. Along the walls, food stations awaited guests, and the tempting aroma of the spread was even more pronounced here.

Darla’s stomach rumbled.

Bobby chuckled. “Hungry?”

“Starved.”

He suddenly stopped and pulled her against him. “Look up,” he whispered.

She did. Mistletoe dangled above them.

“Can’t miss an opportunity to kiss my woman,” he said a beat before his mouth claimed hers. Ah, kissing Darla was one of his favorite pastimes, but feeling her melt into his arms without reservation, knowing she was his for the rest of their lives … sheer bliss.

“Mister Bobby!”

With reluctance, he lifted his head and looked to the side. A young girl stood a short distance away. It was Mia, the child whose knitted toy he had found after the tornado.

“Hello, Mia,” Bobby said, crouching to accept her hug.

“You’re sitting with me. Mommy said so.”

“Well, isn’t that just grand, Mia.” He stood and ruffled her hair. “Now you can show us the way. Do you remember Nurse Darla?”

With a shy smile and a quick nod, Mia looked at Darla.

“Hi, Mia.” Darla gave a little wave with her fingers.

“I saw you kissing,” she said, cocking her head. “Are you Mister Bobby’s girlfriend?”

“Even better,” Bobby replied. “Nurse Darla is going to be my wife.”

A man stepped up behind Mia and placed his hands on her shoulders. Smiling warmly at the two of them, he said, “Congratulations. You’ve have been the talk of the town. I am Seth, by the way. Mia’s father.”

“What do you mean, ‘talk of the town’?” Darla asked, taking the words right from Bobby’s mouth.

Seth cocked his head. “You don’t know?”

“Know what?” they cried in unison.

The man grinned. “There’s been a betting pool about when Bobby will pop the question.”

Darla gaped at Seth. “Seriously?”

“Bollocks,” Bobby whispered beneath his breath. Love it, hate it, that’s small-town life for you.

They reached their table, and judging from the sly grins on everyone’s face, they were the topic of conversation. “They’re engaged!” Seth announced.

The table erupted in whoops and congratulations, and they accepted the well-wishes with hugs and kisses and good-natured backslapping. Bobby pulled out a chair for Darla, and as she brushed past him, he breathed in the alluring scent of vanilla and flowers that clung to her, and a sense of peacefulness settled over him.

But it was more than peace.

Something magical was taking place.

Maybe it was because it was Christmas.

Or maybe it was because the woman he loved beyond measure sat beside him wearing his ring on her finger and growing their child in her belly.

Or maybe it was because a little girl sought him out, remembering a simple deed he had done months ago.

Or because a town came together, ensuring that those still without a home enjoyed a day filled with fellowship and fun.

Or because that same town took time to celebrate rekindled love.

The bustling of chatter and clinking of silverware faded into the background, and in that quiet moment of self-reflection, Bobby understood exactly what it was — the power of forgiveness and healing and second chances.

It was the power of love.