Maya's hand shook as she reached up and rang the doorbell at Xavier's home. She didn't think she would be coming back here after the last time she'd visited. But despite what had happened, she couldn't stop the small thrill of eagerness running up her spine.
Running into Xavier the night before, at the grocery store of all places, had been more of a pleasant surprise than Maya thought it would have been. She'd had to squash the urge to drop her basket and run into his arms, because seeing him stirred up all of the good memories they'd shared.
He looked damned good, but she could also see the misery in his eyes. It was the same pain she was feeling, not being with him over the last few days.
Seeing him again also confirmed that her feelings for him were still as strong as ever. She was still very much in love with Xavier. He'd always been caring and attentive to her, and he deserved the chance to give his side of the story.
She saw him through the door coming to answer and she quickly smoothed her dress down and ran her hands through her hair.
He opened the door and smiled at her. That smile always made her feel like it was just for her.
"Come in," he said, stepping to the side to allow her to enter.
They walked into the living room and sat on the sofa.
After several moments of awkward silence, Xavier asked, "How is your sister doing?"
"She's doing good, thanks for asking."
"I'm glad you decided to come by so we could talk."
"Things happened so quickly that night, after taking time to really think about what happened, and who it happened with, I figured there was more than met the eye."
"You have no idea," he said, shaking his head. He pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to her. "I wanted you to see this."
She unfolded it and began to read it.
"You got a restraining order against Darby?" Maya asked, looking up at Xavier.
"That night..." Xavier started, "when I got home, there was music playing and the lights were down low. I thought it was
you
in the house, since earlier that day I'd told you where my key was and to come by anytime."
She remembered how thoughtful he'd been, bringing Eva flowers and impressing her parents.
"I heard the shower running in the bedroom, so I decided to wait in the living room. When she came out, I instantly demanded she leave."
Listening to everything, it made much more sense.
"How did she get in the house?" Maya asked.
"My housekeeper let her in. She's been working for me since I bought the house, so of course she knows Darby. I should have let her know months ago that Darby and I were no longer together, but the very next day, I let her know and told her that under no circumstances was Darby allowed to come in here ever again. I also went and filed that," he said, nodding at the restraining order still in Maya's hand.
He took it from her and sat it down on the table in front of them, then moved closer to her.
"Maya, this time away from you has been absolute hell. I've missed you so much." He reached out and touched her cheek. "I've missed your laugh, your smile. Baby, I've just missed your presence. I haven't been able to stand you not being with me. You've become such an integral part of my life and it only took me a few weeks to know that what I have with you is better than anything I've had with anyone else. I've never loved anyone the way that I love you. You've made my life so much better and I need you."
If any trace of doubt had been left, hearing him profess his love for her wiped it out completely.
"I should have known better than to think you would ever really do something like that, especially with Darby of all people after everything she's done to you already," she finally said quietly. "You've done nothing but be wonderful to me and I'm sorry I avoided you for so long, because I've missed you too. And...I love you too."
"So does that mean we're good now?" he asked, sliding his hand to the back of her neck.
She shut her eyes and nodded. "I think we're better than good," she answered.
And then, while her eyes were still closed, she felt Xavier pull her mouth against his.
He couldn't believe how good it felt having her in his arms again. Even though it hadn't been that long since the last time they'd made love, it felt like a lifetime ago. Kissing her now, and knowing that she loved him as much as he loved her, sent his ache for her through the roof.
Maya's need for him seemed to be just as strong, if the way she was tugging at his shirt was any indication.
"Eager much?" he teased.
"I hear make up sex is some of the best sex," she said, before swirling her tongue underneath his ear.
He swiftly stood and nearly tossed her over his shoulder to get them to his bedroom.
Within minutes they were naked, and he was watching with astonishment as Maya sat up and rode him like a madwoman. He loved the way she always let go in the bedroom with him. His sweet Maya could be a total hellcat and it was just for him.
She caught his attention again when she moaned his name. He pulled her down and kissed her hard, then whispered in her ear, "I love you, don't ever doubt that."
"I won't," she swore. "Never again."
And then they came together.
Xavier felt Maya's body relax on top of him and within minutes she was asleep. As he stroked her smooth back, Xavier felt thankful that they'd worked things out and were together again. She belonged to him now, and there wasn't a damn thing that would keep them apart ever again.
Maya floated into Eva's kitchen the next morning feeling lighter than she'd been in weeks.
"Well, look who's just now getting in," Eva said, as she sat at the kitchen table drinking her herbal tea. "What's in the box?"
Maya tossed the pink box from Fuller's on to the table in front of Eva.
"A little something to go with your tea," Maya said.
She watched as Eva opened the box. Her eyes rounded and she snatched one of the buttery pastries out of the box and took a huge bite. Her eyes rolled and she shoved the rest in her mouth and grabbed two more.
"These have got to be the best croissants I've ever tasted."
"Hey!" Maya said, moving toward her. "Save me some."
Eva wrapped her arms around the box and held it to her chest.
"Where did you get these?" she asked Maya.
"Fuller's," Maya said.
"The place you were telling me about?" Eva asked. "The one Xavier's parents owned?"
"Yes. Now his uncle and aunt run the place." Maya reached for the box again. "Evie! Give me one."
Eva tightened her hold on the box. "You can go and get some more."
Maya put her hand on her hip and glared at her sister. "You are not seriously about to sit there and eat all of those croissants."
"I'm eating for two," Eva said, rubbing her stomach. "Besides, they're practically your in-laws now. You can get the family discount."
"They are not practically my in-laws, Evie."
"Whatever," Eva said, ignoring Maya's protest.
Maya was quick enough to swipe the box from Eva and she got a croissant for herself out of the box then stuck her tongue out at Eva.
"I take it, from the fact that you're bringing me food from his family's place, that things went well between the two of you yesterday."
"Evie, you were right about everything," Maya admitted, then went on to retell Xavier's side of what happened. She even told Eva about what happened when Lena ran into Darby after the incident.
"I'm glad he got a restraining order on her," Eva said, after Maya was done.
"Me too, I just wish I hadn't spent so much time not responding to him." She paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "He told me he loved me."
"I knew it!" Eva said triumphantly. "So...when's the wedding?"
Maya nearly choked on her croissant. "
Wedding
. What are you talking about? We just told each other 'I love you' last night."
"So? Look at Roger and I. We met, fell in love and got married within six months."
"Yeah, but–"
"Mom and Dad," Eva continued. "Met, fell in love and got married in three months. You and Xavier may have only been dating for a short time, but you've known each other for a few years now. Mark my words little sister: the women in this family fall in love hard and fast. And Xavier doesn't seem like the type of man who wastes time, just like Roger and Daddy. If he loves you as much as I think he does, he's not gonna wait too much longer before he proposes. And he's
not
going to want a long engagement. I wouldn't be surprised if you're married by the end of spring."
Maya grabbed another croissant. "Evie, those pregnancy hormones of yours have got you spitting all kinds of nonsense."
But her sister hadn't been wrong about anything where Maya and Xavier were concerned so far. If Xavier
did
propose so soon, would she be ready for something like that?
She hadn't realized she was beaming until Eva called her out.
"Look at you! You're already excited about it! Oh I've got to start picking up bridal magazines. We don't have much time to plan–"
"Evie...Evie! Slow down. We just made up. Let's just see where things go from here."
"I know exactly where things are going," Eva said, confidently. "Right down the wedding aisle."
"Xavier..."
He felt Maya's breath against his ear as she whispered his name and the lower half of his body woke up instantly. The top half on the other hand was still demanding sleep.
"Xavier," she said again, "We've got to get up."
"What time is it?" he grumbled.
"Almost seven," she giggled, running her hand up and down his arm. "We promised Uncle Bobby and Aunt Lee that we would pick up Lena and take her to Fuller's for a graduation breakfast."
He liked the way she referred to his family now, as if they were hers as well. If he had his way, they would officially be her family soon.
Things had been wonderful in the last couple of weeks since they'd made up. They couldn't seem to stay away from each other now. Usually one of them would end up making the hour drive to the other's home after work so they wouldn't have to sleep alone at night.
"Breakfast," Xavier murmured. "I don't think they're going to have what I want."
He finally opened his eyes and pinned Maya with a heated gaze.
"Oh no," Maya said, scrambling out of the bed. "We don't have time for that."
She rushed to the bathroom, and he heard the sound of the shower. He got out of bed and stood in the doorway of the bathroom, which was already quickly filling with steam. He saw her outline in the shower and his body became fully awake.
He made his way over to the shower and she turned when she heard him join her.
"Xavier," she said, putting up a flimsy attempt to ward him off. "We can't."
"I told you," he said, grinning. "They don't have what I want for breakfast on their menu."
He pressed her back against the shower wall and kissed her until a moan drifted out of her mouth and her nipples peaked against his chest. When he slid his fingers inside of her and felt her arousal, he could no longer resist. He craved her more than anything else in the world.
Xavier shifted their bodies and coaxed Maya to sit on the teakwood seat in the shower. Then he knelt down and spread her legs wide. He kissed her inner thighs, causing her legs to tremble. He knew how much it drove her crazy when he put his lips there, which was probably why it was his favorite spot on her body.
"Xay," she pleaded. He chuckled, scraping his morning stubble against her leg. After a few more minutes of sweet torture, he finally gave her what she wanted. He placed her legs over his shoulders, planted his hands on her hips and leaned in to taste her. Her body began to gyrate as he made love to her with his mouth and soon she had her hands on his head, keeping him right where she wanted him as she orgasmed. He continued to give her small kisses until he felt her body go limp.
Then he stood and pulled her up with him and he had his way with her up against the shower wall, before they finally washed each other, got dressed and rushed out of the house.
He knew his aunt would give him hell for being late, even if it was just a few minutes. But every time he glanced over at Maya, and remembered his early morning treat he thought it was well worth it.
"To Lena..."
Everyone held up their glasses of mimosas as Bobby began his toast. They were all sitting around a table at Fuller's, and had just finished a wonderful breakfast that Bobby and LeAnn had put together. Just as Xavier had predicted and Maya had warned him about, Aunt Lee was not pleased that they were late. When she asked what took so long, Maya blushed and Xavier cleared his throat, both of them avoided her eyes.
She then shook her head, and told them to go and help finish getting breakfast ready.
"Today, we will celebrate in a huge accomplishment for you, earning your Master's degree. You have worked hard over the last few years and we are so proud of you. I'm sure your parents are just as proud," Bobby said with a sad smile. "Here's to Lena and the bright future she has ahead."
"To Lena!" everyone shouted toasting their glasses.
Xavier watched as Lena gave a forced smile and took a sip of her drink. He'd noticed that she'd seemed unusually quiet and stoic. He figured today of all days she would have been perky and jubilant. His big brother protective instincts kicked in and he was determined to figure out what was bothering her. He leaned over and whispered in Maya's ear, "I'm going to go and talk to Lena."
Maya nodded. "You gonna go see what's going on with her?"
"You noticed?"
"How could I not? She hasn't been like her normal upbeat self this morning. Go," she pushed.
He kissed her on the cheek and got up.
Lena turned toward him when he reached her.
"Let's go for a walk," he suggested.
Lena swallowed the rest of her mimosa in one large gulp and stood.
He held the door open for her and when they were outside, he linked his arm with hers and they began to walk down the sidewalk.
Once they were a couple of blocks away from the bistro, they found a bench and sat down.
"What's wrong?" he asked point blank.
Lena was quiet for so long that for awhile Xavier thought she wouldn't answer.
"I was offered a job after I graduate," she said quietly.
Xavier perked up. "That's great! I didn't even know you'd applied to any jobs."
"Yeah..."
"Why don't you seem very excited?"
"It's a very great opportunity, but...it's in New York."
"New York?" he asked surprised.
Lena nodded and leaned back against the seat.
"I don't know what to do Xay. On one hand I can't imagine passing up such an amazing job. I mean this is what I've been working in school for over half a decade for. But then on the other hand, I've never been anywhere outside of California. I feel like it would be a complete culture shock. And plus I wouldn't get to see you or Uncle Bobby or Aunt Lee all of the time anymore."
Xavier rested his elbows on his thighs and clasped his hands together, trying to figure out something encouraging to say to his baby sister.
"You know Lena, I wish I had the right words to calm all of your fears, but I don't. But what I do know is like you said, you've worked your ass off to get here. All I can say is you have to follow your heart. You'll figure out what the right decision for yourself is. And if that decision takes you away from California, then we all will support you and rack up a lot of frequent flyer miles."
Lena laughed and lifted her head to the sky and Xavier watched as a tear crawled down her cheek. "I wish Mom and Dad were here."
Xavier swallowed the large lump in his throat and sat up so he could wrap his arm around Lena's shoulder. "Me too, sis. Me too."
They sat in silence for a long time, then Lena sighed and said, "We've got to get out of here so I can get to the auditorium for the ceremony."
"Are you okay?" he asked, as he stood as well.
"Not really," she admitted. "I'm still scared as hell, but like you said, I'll figure it out, and that's good enough for now."
They started walking back to the bistro.
"If I do move, at least you'll have Maya here to take care of you," Lena teased.
Xavier threw his head back and laughed. "Yeah, at least there's that."
Lena stopped and grabbed his arm. "Seriously though, Xay. I'm glad the two of you were able to work things out."
Xavier couldn't help but smile at the thought of Maya. "So am I. I can't imagine life without her."
Lena's eyebrows came together as she looked at her older brother. "You've got something up your sleeve."
He pinched her nose the way he used to when they were little and started walking again.
"Xay!" Lena called out. "What have you got planned?"
"Nothing for you to worry about at the moment. Today is all about you and your graduation."
"Xavier!"
"You'll find out soon enough, let's get back to the bistro," he said, ignoring his nosy little sister.
When Lena's name was called and she walked across the stage to receive her degree, Maya stood with Xavier and his uncle and aunt and cheered along with them at the top of her lungs. She watched Xavier out of the corner of her eye and remembered their conversation a couple of months ago when she'd mentioned how proud he must be of his little sister and her upcoming graduation. Now the moment had arrived and she got to see that pride on his face up close and personal.
She imagined that he would be just as proud, if not prouder when their own children graduated.
Wait a minute!
Maya thought suddenly.
Our kids? Where did
that
thought come from?
She shook her head and cursed Eva in her mind. It was all her fault for planting thoughts of marriage and the future in her head. She thought of their conversation they'd had about Xavier proposing and them getting married much sooner rather than later. Then she thought about how Eva had been right about every other prediction about Xavier.
Sure Eva had been on target with everything else, but a proposal? So soon?
"Maya?"
She blinked and realized that Xavier was staring at her with concern filling his eyes. "You okay?" He ran his hand up and down her arms and her body relaxed instantly.
No one could soothe her soul the way Xavier could.
"I'm fine," she replied.
He smiled and as always she was lost.
"I'm going to go and get Lena so we can take some pictures," Xavier said. After he kissed her quickly, he began to wade through the crowd to find his sister.
As she watched him walk away, she realized there was no other man for her. She loved him with every part of herself, and she had no doubt about his love for her.
So it didn't matter when he proposed; it could be five days or five months. Whenever he finally asked her to be his wife, she wouldn't hesitate to say yes.
Xavier smiled thinking about the last time he put up the sign that said "Closed for a Private Event". It was when Maya came to Wined & Dined for the first time. He was amazed at how that had felt like a lifetime ago, but at the same time only felt like yesterday. Love had a way of throwing paradoxes like that around.
He turned and watched as Maya stood with his sister talking and laughing. He switched his focus over to Lena and sighed. He couldn't believe that she may be moving to New York. As much as he hated the thought of not seeing her meddling self every day, he'd meant what he said during their talk that morning about her following her heart.
Xavier looked at Maya again and when she turned, locked eyes with him and smiled, he decided it was time for him to listen to his own advice and follow his heart as well.
"Today was so great," Maya sighed, as she followed Xavier into his house.
"Yeah," he agreed. "It was." He watched her as she kicked her shoes off at the door, a habit of hers that she did whenever she first came in.
"I can't believe Lena may be moving. How do you feel about that?"
Xavier ran his hand across his head and leaned back to stare at the ceiling.
"I'll miss her. But she's got to do what's best for her. Honestly, I think it will be good for her."
"Really?"
Xavier nodded. "Sometimes change is good. Shaking things up, do something out of the ordinary, it keeps life interesting."
"I suppose you're right."
"I'm glad you feel that way," he murmured, "because I was thinking...maybe we could shake things up a bit too."
"What do you have in mind?" Maya's eyes danced at his proposition.
He walked over to the wall and moved a picture to reveal a safe. He opened it and pulled out what appeared to be an old jewelry box.
He walked back toward her and guided her to the sofa. Once they sat down he took a deep breath.
He opened the box and Maya felt the air leave her lungs when he pulled out a ring and held it up.
"My father gave this to my mother. When they passed away I found that they'd left this ring in this box and in my father's will he'd instructed me to give this ring to the woman that I knew, without a doubt, was my soulmate. This is the first time I've taken it out since I discovered it."
Her heart began to pound as his words registered in her mind. He'd never shown the ring to anyone, not even Darby.
"My parents were one of the happiest couples I ever knew. I told you it was love at first sight for them."
"I remember," Maya's voice quivered, and she felt her eyes tear up.
"The moment I laid eyes on you Maya, I felt a connection with you that I've never felt with anyone else. And I know I'll never find it with anyone else.
You
are my soul mate. Will you accept this ring? Will you become my wife?"
She couldn't believe it! He was proposing. And his words were the most beautiful, soul-stirring words he'd ever heard.
Xavier must have thought her shocked expression was hesitation, because he continued on with, "I know we've only been dating for a short time, and it's probably insane for me to already be proposing, but you're it for me baby and–"
"Yes."
He stopped his spiel and looked at her.
"Yes?" he said.
"I'll marry you," Maya said. "You're it for me. And I want to be with you, forever."
He pulled her to him and kissed her deeply then slid the ring on her finger. It was a perfect fit.
"It's so beautiful, Xavier," she exclaimed holding her hand up to get a better look at the ring.
"It looks good on you," he said, then he kissed the top of her hand.
Maya was engaged! She couldn't believe it. Eva had been right all along.
"When do you want to get married?" Maya blurted out.
Xavier stared at her for a moment then said, "Whenever you want, baby. I know how weddings are a big deal so if you need time to plan that's fine with me."
"But you don't really want a long engagement do you?"
"What makes you say that?"
"Just a hunch," she grinned.
He smiled as well as he said, "Well, to be completely honest, if it were left to me, we'd be getting married in front of a judge tomorrow. I don't want to waste a single day, I want you to be mine completely as soon as possible."
"June twentieth," Maya decided.
"That's around a month and half from now," Xavier thought. "I can deal with that."
"So..." Maya said, moving into his arms, "a month and a half from now, we'll be husband and wife."
"June twentieth can't get here fast enough."
It was the last day of Spring and the weather was perfect. Maya felt like the perfect June bride as she peeked out of one of the balconies and watched as guest filled the seats down below in the field overlooking the vineyard at Russell Oaks. When Maya went to her boss and told him she was getting married and wanted to have the ceremony at the winery, he said yes without hesitation. Both Maya and Xavier had agreed that it was the perfect venue to declare their eternal love for each other in front of all of their family and friends.
Her father walked her down the aisle and her sister was her matron-of-honor.
As they recited their vows for one another they felt the love in each word.
When the pastor pronounced them as husband and wife, Xavier pulled Maya into his arms and gave her a kiss that she felt all the way to her soul.
After the beautiful ceremony, they took their wedding photos in the vineyards, and celebrated their reception in the wine caves.
It felt like they'd come full circle since their first encounter together. They still agreed to disagree on whether or not the wine caves counted as their first date, and they probably would for the rest of their lives. But it didn't matter, that day set them on the path that would lead them back here toasting to their union as one.
Later that night, they checked into the hotel they were spending the night in before flying out the next morning for their honeymoon. They were spending a couple of nights in Miami before sailing out on a two week cruise.
They sat on the bed facing each other holding gifts in their hands.
"Open yours first," Xavier urged.
Maya smiled and tore the pretty white wrapping paper off to reveal a sterling silver keepsake box.
"Xavier," she revered, gently brushing her fingers across the top.
"Look inside."
She lifted the top and inside were the tickets from their date on the wine train.
"Memory from our second date."
"First," she said, wiping a tear away.
The was also a flower inside. "It's from the magnolia tree," Xavier explained, "the one that was in your hair. I pressed it in a book and saved it."
"This is perfect." She knew eventually as the years went on, the box would become full of memories of their love for each other.
"Your turn," Maya said, eagerly. She couldn't wait for him to finally open his gift.
He unwrapped it and then opened the oblong shaped box. He sat there, awestruck.
"Where in the world did you find this?" he asked, pulling the '98 Chateaux DuBois out of it's box."
"It wasn't easy." Or cheap, but she didn't bring that up. The look on his face had made it worth every penny. "Now all three will be together."
"But you have the other one," Xavier said.