Love Online (Truly Yours Digital Editions) (20 page)

“Okay, let’s start with the ring. Who gave it to you?”

Jess glanced at the precious heirloom on her finger. “It was my grandmother’s. I–I just found it last night, though it was never lost.” Her voice came out a hoarse whisper.

“Your grandmother’s?”

“Yes. I discovered it, along with a letter from my father, in the wooden lockbox he used to keep in his room. He said after he was gone, I should open it when I was ready.”

Tom reached out, and suddenly she was in his arms, her face pressed against his solid chest. “I’m sorry, Jess. I guess it was better if I hadn’t asked at all. Because it doesn’t matter—”

“What?” Jess broke free of the short-lived respite of his embrace. She tugged at the waistline of her gown, shuddering, suddenly feeling exposed. “It doesn’t matter?”

“No. It doesn’t.” Tom took a step toward her.

Jess stepped back. “And—and Frank,
slobbering all over me
. . .”

Tom closed the small gap between them. “I guess I’ll have a talk with Frank about that later.”

“Oh, please, don’t bother. Frank only did it to make you jealous.” Seeing the amusement in Tom’s eyes, Jess gritted her teeth.

“I always knew that guy was a nut case.” Tom laughed.

Jess found herself with her back pressed against the cold railing and Tom gazing down into her face. He sobered, and his dark eyes held a secret expression. Over the pounding surf, music from the reception hall drifted to her ears like a taunt. “That Corinne is—is
ridiculous
.” She squeezed her eyes shut. His nearness was a much more dangerous taunt.

“Corinne? Why?”

“That
stupid
song.” Jess shook her head. If things had turned out differently, the song would’ve sounded beautiful in her ears. “I–I made her promise not to play it.”

“Hmm. There’s a rumor going around like that.” Tom frowned. “And I thought to myself, if Corinne was too intimidated to have the band play it, then I would.”

“Who—what—?” Staring into his handsome face, she bit her lip to stifle a gasp.

❧

“On my way in.” Tom wound his arms around her tiny waist, locking his hands behind her back. Her moonlit eyes widened. She opened her mouth as if to speak. “I spoke with Nick.”

“Nick?” Jess licked her lips. She didn’t blink.

“Nick’s the bandleader.” Tom bit back a grin. “And I said, ‘Nick, I’m so in love with that woman over there.’ I pointed to you. ‘You’ve got to play “Endless Love” for us, because there’s no chance we’ll get over each other this side of heaven.’ ” He felt Jess trembling, watched a shaky smile grace her gorgeous face.

“Tom. . .” Tears spilled down her cheeks.

Tom cleared his throat. “And Nick says—mind you—in the worst Brooklyn accent I’ve ever heard, ‘Hey, why doncha ask her ta marry ya?’ ”

Jess’s porcelain shoulders shook with quiet laughter. “And what did you say, Tom?”

“Well, you know me. Never have been a risk-taker.”

Smiling, Jess ran her fingers through his hair. “That isn’t true. You skated down that steep garage—”

“Ah, that was only to impress you.”

Resting both her hands on his shoulders, her blue gaze captured his. “Are you going to impress me again, Tom?”

He shrugged. “Only if asking you to marry me will impress you. Otherwise I—”

“But you’ve changed. You can’t care how I respond.”

“Hmm. You have me there.” Tom released his hold on her. He dropped down to one knee, looked up into her sparkling eyes, and pressed her delicate hands. “Jessica Stewart, I love you with all my heart. I always have, and I always will. I’m asking you to marry me. Please say yes, or you’ll be solely responsible for my never taking another risk.”

Tom stood and faced her, smiling.

Jess expelled a breath. “Oh, even if I weren’t madly in love with you, I would’ve had to say yes. Daddy enclosed this ring in his letter, with strict instructions to marry you.”

“What? And you made me get down on one knee?” Tom crushed her to himself and laughed. “Dean always could read me. Did he know I was in love with you?”

“Yes—madly.” Jess giggled.

Tom shook his head. “And since when was Dean ever wrong?”

“Never.” Jess tilted her chin.

Tom’s lips came down to meet hers. He kissed her with a passion borne of years of waiting. He pushed out of his mind the noises coming from behind them, until he could no longer ignore the fracas. Drawing back reluctantly, he looked into Jess’s face, watching her eyes widen.

Tom turned.

Frank, Corinne, Rick, Marilyn, and Keith stood side-by-side grinning and applauding.

Corinne planted a hand on her hip. “I knew you’d get all the attention on my day, Missy.”

“Does this mean I don’t get your office?” Frank scowled.

Tom turned to Jess. With her hand clamped over her mouth, her shoulders shook with laughter.

“Jess, if you’ll stop laughing for a minute. . .” Tom summoned his most serious tone. “Do you want to stay in New York or go to—”

“Go, go!” their friends shouted in unison.

Jess slipped her arm around his waist. “Wherever you go, I’ll go.”

A collective groan came from the peanut gallery. Tom waved them away. “Break it up, will you? The show is over.”

About the Author

KRISTIN BILLERBECK lives in California’s beautiful Gold Country with her husband and four small children. Besides writing, Kristin loves reading, outings with her family, and eating out! Visit her on the Web at www.kristinbillerbeck.com or e-mail her at [email protected].

NANCY TOBACK has been married to her evangelist husband Jack for eighteen years. She has two adult children and a twelve-year-old son. Nancy was born and raised in Manhattan and now resides in Long Beach, New York, about forty minutes from the Big Apple. When there’s spare time after being wife, mother, and writer, Nancy enjoys being watercolorist, charcoal artist, and cooking gourmet food.

Dedication

In loving memory of my dear, sweet sister Annette—my best friend. Thank you for your encouragement and prayers.

I’ll so miss your smile, though I know you are in a far better

place now, in the arms of our heavenly Father.

I love you.

Nancy

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