His heart started to race.
“I’m in love with you, Adam Nelson. I have never felt this way about anyone before in my life, and I am so scared, but I know with you in my life, by my side, I can face everything. I’m in love with you, and I want everything with you.”
He watched as she put the painting down gently, resting it against the wall beside the tree.
Adam couldn’t believe it as she sank to one knee, and there in his living room, with the engagement ring in his pocket, Alora had a band of her own, which she offered to him.
“Will you marry me?” she asked.
“No,” he said.
“Oh?” She pulled her hand away, and he couldn’t believe what he’d said.
“Yes, I don’t mean no. Shit, when did this happen?” He stepped toward her and got to his knee, cupping her face and kissing her. “I love you, Alora, I want to marry you, but you’re not supposed to be the one asking me. It’s supposed to be the other way around. I’m supposed to ask you.” He let go of her long enough to pull the small box from his pocket. “Do you have any idea how many times I’ve wanted to ask you this?” he asked.
He opened the box so she could see the ring. “I love you, Alora. So damn much. I want to grow old with you. Have children with you. Share a life with you. I want it all with you. Every single moment with you. I don’t want to lose it. Not for a second. I will marry you. Will you marry me?”
“Yes,” she said.
Adam had no choice but to hold out his finger for her to slide the engagement ring on. Alora held hers out, and he noticed she shook.
“Don’t be scared,” he said.
“I’m not afraid. I was nervous. I can’t believe you said no.”
“Fuck, I … I wanted to ask you.”
Alora chuckled. “Well, I’m glad I can keep you on your toes.”
He pushed her hair out of her face and stared down into her beautiful blue eyes. “I don’t know what I did in life to get so lucky, but Alora Harris, you make me complete.”
She tilted her head toward his hand, and he would never forget the smile on her lips.
“Before we go any further, I think it’s only fair that I make you aware how many children I want,” he said.
Alora burst out laughing. “How many?”
“Ten,” he said. “I want a house filled with kids, full of laughter and happiness. I want us to have to set two tables, buy two of everything, and spend days planning the perfect feast. Does that scare you?” he asked.
“No, that sounds amazing.”
Chapter Eight
Alora turned off the lights so only the glow from the Christmas tree shone in the large room. Adam’s commissioned art was on the wall. It looked like it belonged there, a reflection of its owner. She’d put her heart and soul into the painting because she wanted him to know just how much she cared. This relationship meant the world to her.
“Our first Christmas together,” he said. The deep, calm baritone of his voice no longer echoed in the condo. Since she’d recently moved in, they’d furnished and decorated it. It felt like home now.
She chuckled softly, reminiscing as they sat next to each other on the comfy sectional. “I’m so used to my fantasies, conjuring up scenarios to keep me sane.”
“But this is real,” he said.
“I know. The reality is even better than my dreams.”
She was no longer the unwanted foster child, drifting aimlessly through life with nothing to ground her. Now Alora had found her place and she could finally relax and enjoy the present moment. Build real memories.
“I like our tree,” he said.
“Me too.” She rested her head on his shoulder, watching the flickering lights and feeling warm and at peace. This was the first Christmas she’d spent with a loved one. It made all the difference. “Are you ready to open presents?”
He shifted to the side slightly, raising an eyebrow. “I’m interested to see what you bought me.”
There were only two gifts under the tree. It was their rule for each other. They could go overboard once they had children. Apparently, they were on the same page for having a family. They planned to have a mix of biological and adopted children.
Alora slipped off the sofa and carefully picked up the two gifts, bringing them back to the sofa.
“You first,” he said.
“Okay.” She crossed her legs on the cushions and tugged off the red bow. Nothing could top the massive diamond engagement ring he’d recently given her. She glanced at it, still in awe at how much her life had changed since that Christmas party. It was as close to love at first sight as a real relationship could get. Everything had happened so fast, but she had no regrets.
She opened the box and unwrapped the tissue paper inside. There was a silver picture frame in the shape of two hearts. There was a baby picture on each side. She was confused, staring at the pictures but not able to make a connection.
“Who are these babies?”
“The first one’s me,” he said.
She smiled as she ran her finger over the glass. “You were adorable, Adam. Just perfect.”
“Alora, the other baby is you.”
Emotion immediately choked her up, her throat tight and eyes blurring. She shook her head. “It’s not possible.”
“I pulled some strings.”
She’d told him about the fact she didn’t have a single baby or childhood photo of herself. No one cared to create or save any memories for her. She was a commodity, not a real little girl with hopes and dreams. Her photo had never been on anyone’s fridge or dresser. It had bothered her all her life not knowing what she looked like as a baby.
The fact Adam remembered that conversation and went out of his way to fill that void in her meant more to her than the most expensive jewels.
“How?” She’d tried so many times over the years with no success.
“It wasn’t easy, but I vowed that if a picture existed, I’d find it.”
“We were adorable babies, weren’t we?” she asked. “How could nobody want us?”
He kissed her forehead as she looked at the pictures. “Everything we’ve been through made us stronger, made us who we are, and brought us together. I have no regrets, baby.”
“I love you,” she said. “I couldn’t ask for a better gift.” She set the picture on the coffee table, then handed him his gift. “Just be warned that this isn’t nearly as thoughtful.”
Adam patted the cushion next to him. “It’s from you, so I know I’ll like it.”
She sat down and watched him open the gift. Her heart began to race, and she wondered if she should have gone the sentimental route like Adam. Would he be insulted? Disappointed?
Alora bit her lower lip as he tore open the metallic wrapping paper and lifted the lid off the box.
He narrowed his eyes, sifting through the contents.
She’d been holding her breath, wondering what was going on in his head.
“Pandora’s box? I wasn’t expecting something like this from you,” he said. “But I can’t say I’m disappointed. You definitely take the prize for best gift.”