Love Confessed (19 page)

              After dinner I catch Leah in the bedroom changing into something more comfortable. Today has been perfect and I wanted to thank her for it. I can’t believe she invited my whole family. We all barely fit but I am so glad she did it. I want her to know how much I appreciate the thought and effort she put into making out first Christmas, hopefully the first of many, so special. I grab her in my arms and rest my brow against hers. “Thank you.” I whisper. I know I don’t need to say anything else.

              “You’re welcome.” She whispers back. We stand there for a few minutes just holding each other. I kiss her slowly and gently.

              I leave, letting her finish changing and I go to find Seth. I’m ready to do it. Tonight couldn’t be any better. She’s brought both of our families together and created the best Christmas I’ve had in a very long time. I’ve been carrying the ring around in my pocket since I changed clothes at lunchtime and I can’t wait any longer. But I’m nervous. I’m certain that Leah is who I want to spend the rest of my life with so I’m not really sure where this nervousness is coming from. I just need to talk to my brother and calm my nerves before I can do it.

              “Hey.” I walk up to him in the kitchen. “It’s time but I’m nervous as hell, man.”

              He chuckles. “You’re fine. She loves you, dude. We can all see it. Now get out there and ask her.” He tells me punching my arm.

“Thanks,” I tell him then I walk out to the living room where everyone is sitting and tap a fork against my glass to get their attention. With all their eyes on me I hesitate a moment, but I do my best to quickly regain my composure.

“I wasn’t expecting everyone to be here tonight.” I start then turn looking directly at Leah. “Thank you, babe, for making this happen.” She blushes and smiles a shy smile at me. “I love you. I want you to know how special you and Ethan are to me and Abby. Since you’ve come into our lives…” the doorbell rings and Ethan jumps up to go answer it.

“Ethan wait! You know you’re not suppose to answer the door by yourself.” Leah gets up. Then I her Ethan shout.

“Daddy!”