Twice the Trouble (24 page)
“I don’t know…” Lacey chewed her lower lip.
“Then let me tell you what I know. I know that you’re the most precious person in my life. I know you’d be a strong and loyal partner. I know you’re the mother of two kids who mean the world to me. And, I know I can’t live without you.”
“But Alex”
“I’m not finished. Lacey, you drive me crazy, you make me happy, and you accept me as I am. You chase my nightmares away and make me feel whole.”
“Oh, Alex…”
“Wait a minute. Lacey, I love you heart and soul. I’m begging you, please, marry me.”
Lacey let out a sob as she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him.
“Is this a yes?” he asked. “Have I convinced you?”
“Yes,” she said. “You’ve said enough. You found my
more
. I love you too.”
Hoots, whistles, and clapping came from the doorway where the others had been listening. Alex turned on them, frustrated. “I’m not finished yet!”
He dug into his pants pocket for a small velvet covered box. He opened it to reveal a three-carat blue diamond ring. “Would I be throwing my money around if I offered this to you?”
The family rushed in, no longer able to contain themselves.
“I’m glad you’re all here,” Alex told them. “I may need help getting up.”
****
Lacey watched from the window as Alex walked around the front lawn to stretch his leg, her grandfather beside him. They appeared to be in a serious discussion, man to man. It warmed her heart to see Alex place his hand on the other man’s shoulder and smile. Buck flanked his other side with tail wagging. She looked down at the ridiculously gorgeous ring on her finger. This day had turned out nearly perfect.
When she turned, she found Cheryl Benson watching her from the door. Lacey took a deep breath.
“I know I’m not what you had in mind for your son,” she stated.
“My son has exactly what I wanted for him,” Cheryl contradicted. “He has a home, a family, love, happiness. What more could a mother ask for.”
“Thank you,” Lacey said.
Now the day was perfect.
Epilogue
Lacey waved to her grandfather seated in a lawn chair in front of Westin’s Barber Shop. He’d become a regular guest at their table every Friday evening. The twins were fascinated by his boyhood stories and he seemed to enjoy telling them. She didn’t think the old man grieved as much anymore.
In a few more weeks, her grandfather would be walking her down the aisle of the church. She and Alex hadn’t missed a Sunday service since becoming engaged. The talk around town had turned to speculation about the wedding, instead of the fact that it had been a long time in the making. The other women gave her smiles now instead of sideways glances.
The twins were both looking forward to spending their Christmas break in Miami with the Bensons. Alex had adamantly shot down their suggestion of going along on the honeymoon. Jenna couldn’t wait to be a mentor to her two little cousins. Jerrod was looking forward to a deep-sea fishing trip with his Grandpa Benson and Uncle Travis. How spoiled would they be, by the end of two weeks?
Alex looked regal astride Mercury as they trotted alongside her and Stardust. The kids were riding closer to the curb, throwing candy to the children. The Double J Farm marked the end of the Heritage Day Parade.
“Daddy,” Jenna said as she rode closer, “can I spend the night at Vicky’s house? She has the whole Twilight collection on DVD. We’re going to watch them all back to back.”
“Aren’t you tired of those movies by now? Well, I guess its okay, as long as I don’t have to sit through them again.”
“Hey, Dad,” Jerrod grinned. “Did you see the way Alison Palmer was waving at me? She likes me, I can tell.”
“Way to go, Son,” Alex said in mid high-five.
Yes, her life had become so much richer.
A word about the author...
Sandra Dailey is an avid reader and lifelong storyteller. She caught the writing bug after winning a short story contest and has never looked back.
Sandra lives in North Florida with her husband.
You can contact her at:
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