From This Moment

chapter 21
~~ Rona ~~
On the way back to the house, I can’t stop looking at my beautiful engagement ring. It’s platinum with an interwoven design, displaying a large diamond in the centre and has lots of small diamonds within its curved lines. It’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen.
Glancing at Cade, I notice he hasn’t stopped grinning since he got down on one knee to propose to me. I have to stop myself from asking him to pinch me. I’ve no idea how I got so lucky.
Arriving back at the stables, Cade introduces me to Diego and Matt who work for them part time. Cade, sensing my excitement, and looking a bit excited himself, asks them if they can look after Bonnie, Clyde and the sleigh for us, because he needs to get me back to the house. They’re probably using their imagination on that one.
Walking through the back door I find Jake grinning behind his cup of coffee. Scanning the room I can’t see Elise. “She’s gone over to Anna’s. She shouldn’t be too long,” Jake tells me.
He walks towards me grinning; I can’t help myself and run to him, throwing myself into his arms for a really tight hug. “Thank you Jake, for everything.”“You’re welcome.... Mom!”
I swat him on the shoulder, “Don’t sweat it, you’ll make a cool mom. You can practice on me!”“Do I kill you now or later?”“Preferably not at all,” Elise responds joining, us in the kitchen.
Screaming, I run to Elise, hugging her. “Congratulations.” She manages to get out as we hug each other.“Oh Elise, I’m so excited.... we need to do something.”
Laughing, “I think you need to do something with Cade, not me.”
Looking at Cade, I run back over to him and throw my arms around his neck. His hands land on my butt. I wrap a leg around one of his, drawing closer, I slowly lick along his lower lip, moving to his upper lip. Dipping into his mouth to touch the tip of his tongue, I forget everything as he opens his mouth and plunders mine in a toe curling kiss.
I pull away slightly, “I think I’ve forgotten my name,” I say, as Cade places small kisses all over my face.
He smiles at me, “We lost Jake and Elise.”
With a look of horror on my face, “Oh god, as soon as I touched you I forgot anyone else was here.... I like winding Jake up, but not this much.”“Don’t worry, if my guess is right, he’s gone doing the same to Elise and a lot more.”
Still wrapped around him, I place kisses on his eyes, nose and finally his mouth. Climbing out of his arms, I can’t help but feel his erection behind the zipper. Feeling wicked; I put my hand to him and rub up and down a few times, dragging a groan out of him as he removes my hand, “Behave.”“Only until tonight, because I’m going to seduce your socks off!” I threaten.“What happened to the ‘no sex’ until vacation?”“Our vacation starts tonight when I put my red dress on.”“Hell, woman.”“I think we need some lunch. I’ll make a salad, so Jake and Elise don’t have anything to really do when they come up for air.”
Looking across to Cade I find him breathing hard, “Honey, you okay?”“Give me a minute.”
Deciding it might be best to ignore Cade for a short time; I get the salad vegetables out of the refrigerator and start chopping. Within ten minutes I have a rather large salad mixed. I retrieve some chicken and Caesar dressing – lunch is made.
I text Jake to let him know lunch is ready and in the refrigerator.
Finally looking at Cade, “Are you okay now?”
With a small grin he replies, “For now I am.... let’s go eat this delicious salad you’ve made then I think you need to pack. We’ll need to make sure all our things are together and ready for later.”
I grin at him, “When are you going to tell me?” I’m desperate to know where we’re going.“I’ll tell you after lunch, but I’ll tell you now that we need to be ready to leave around eleven tonight for our flight to Denver.”“Oh, I can’t wait.... can we walk around naked and make out anywhere without being walked in on?”“I wish you would stop talking about being naked, and inside the accommodation we can wear whatever we want, including our birthday suits. I’m also pretty sure we’ll be able to find somewhere outside to make out in private too,” he finishes, laughing when he sees the excitement on my face.“Lots of possibilities then!”
Groaning, he leans towards me, “Eat, your mouth needs filling.” Seeing me about to retort, “Don’t say a word.”
Sitting down at the table, we start to eat in silence. In fact, I’m partly afraid to open my mouth in case he drags me over the table and has his wicked way with me. Not that I’d have complained, but I’m not an exhibitionist and the thought of Jake and Elise walking in on us kind of puts a dampener to those thoughts.
We’ve just finished loading the dishwasher and tidying around when we hear the door bell. I look at Cade, “I think it may be Anna and Beth, they did say they would come over in the afternoon to see us, before we left.”
I follow behind Cade; he gets to the door and as soon as it’s opened both Anna and Beth practically attack him, hugging him and congratulating us both. They both come over, giving me a hug, dragging my left hand up to look at my ring.“Wow. That is some ring.”“Beth..... that’s because it’s the only engagement ring, I ever intend to buy.”“Congratulations Rona.... and thank you for making our Dad so happy.” Anna gives me a hug.
I can feel myself starting to get emotional. Although Cade has told me that they accept me as the woman he wants to marry, actually hearing it from Anna makes me all choked. Deep down I still have the worry that because of our age difference they might not be as agreeable as they make out. But this seems real.“Welcome to the family Rona.... I hope you aren’t angry at Dad for asking our permission. The fact is we can see how good you are for him so saying no wasn’t an option. In fact, I think if we had said no, he would have married you anyway, and just so you don’t misunderstand what I’m saying, I’m saying that I really am glad you are marrying our Dad. He’s probably the happiest guy alive right now.... well except maybe for Mack,” Beth adds.“Damn it, Beth.”
With us all laughing now, except Cade who looks a bit pale, I go over and put my arm around him; he pulls me in close.“Dad get real, I have two kids. How do you think I got them?” Beth smirks.“A stork delivered them!”
Taking Cade by the hand, I lead him towards the lounge, “I think you need to sit down honey before you start with anymore fairy tales.” Looking towards his daughters, I ask, “Does anyone want some coffee?”“Please Rona,” they both say in tandem.“Where’s Jake? His truck is still outside.”“Beth, I think he’s getting as ‘happy’ as Mack!” I say stunning everyone into silence for a split second.~~ Cade ~~
After Beth and Anna leave, Rona heads upstairs to pack. That was an hour ago. Deciding to go see what she’s up to, I head up to our room expecting to find clothes everywhere. Our room, I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of thinking that.
Pushing the door open I’m surprised to find Rona’s suitcase, obviously packed, open on the floor with the top part resting against the wall. Her purse is on the dresser with her passport on top and she’s curled up on the bed asleep, facing towards the window.
Going over to the opposite side of the bed, I lie down next to her gently so as not to wake her. Lying on my side, I just look at her. She is the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen and soon she will be mine forever. Taking her hand, I can’t help but stroke her finger where my ring sits. It’s perfect. I have bought her the matching wedding band as well. I hadn’t even given thought to a wedding band for myself, but I will rectify that in Dubai, during our overnight stay.
Noticing Rona waking up, I lean closer and kiss her on the lips, “Hi, Sleeping Beauty.”
With a sleepy smile, “Hi, Prince Charming.”“You look as though you’re all packed.”“I am. Just a few things to go in later.”
I pull her more into my arms with her head resting against my chest, “Do you remember when you first arrived here, how you said you wanted to go to the Maldives?”
Rona goes very still; she lifts her eyes to look at me and nods. I smile down at her, “Well, I’ve booked us into a Grand Water Villa for two weeks.”
She starts to cry placing her lips to mine for a tender kiss, “Thank you, I love you so much. I’m not sure I can take any more surprises. I’m ready to burst.” She just about manages to say, before I pull her back against me, running my hand up and down her back to sooth her.“Love, there is just one more surprise.”
Taking hold of her head, I smooth my thumbs under her eyes to catch her tears, “I would be honored if you would marry me while we’re in the Maldives?”
Really crying now, she just buries her face into my chest, shaking with tears.
Coming up for air, I mop her face up with tissues. “Here, I wasn’t expecting all the tears,” I say, rather shakily.“Yes, yes I will marry you in the Maldives.” Her face is filled with a mixture of tears and laughter. “I’m sorry.... just being with you makes me so happy, but everything you have done for me is so perfect. I feel overwhelmed. I’m afraid you might have to put up with me crying all over you a few more times yet.”“Cry on me anytime you want love. I’ll always hold you and mop up afterwards.” I hope to get a smile out of her – which I do.