Page 29 of Softest Touch
He slides the ring onto my finger and kisses me, making me momentarily forget our surroundings. The pouring rain soon interrupts us, and I smile. “Could you make it stop?”
Derek removes his jacket and drapes it over us. “Unfortunately, I can't control the weather, love.”
“I was afraid you'd say that.” I pout, inhaling his comforting cologne.
We walk toward the car, and I nearly slip, but Derek catches me just in time. “Yes, I know, I could have asked you at home, but admit it – this was nice.”
“And wet.” I grin at him, our shared understanding hanging in the air like a secret.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
DEREK
During dinner, I can't take my eyes off my fiancée. I can't believe Melinda managed to beat me at my own game but hearing her say yes was like receiving a jolt of life.
“Now that you're engaged, you have to wait until I get fit to get married. I don't want to look like a hippo!” Sienna playfully warns us.
“Unless we get married right away.” I wink at Mel, making her blush.
“Vegas, baby!” James raises his glass for a toast.
“Hey, don't tempt them!” Sienna elbows him.
“What do you say?” I ask Melinda.
“Come on, guys, you can't go to Vegas!” Sienna complains.
“It wouldn't be a bad idea,” Melinda replies, and I can't tell if she's teasing Sienna or being serious. She glances at the clock and smiles. “It's almost midnight! Make a wish!”
“I have everything I need, love!” I gaze at her beauty and find myself wondering how quickly I could make her slip out of that dress. She walks past me and disappears behind the kitchen doors with James.
The lights go out, and Melinda and Sienna start singing Happy Birthday as James brings in a cake adorned with numerous candles.
“Gifts!” Sienna exclaims after I blow out the candles.
My only rule is no presents for any holiday or birthday. I enjoy celebrating with my family, and their happiness is the best gift I could ask for. “You shouldn't have,” I shake my head, ignoring her rolling eyes.
“You're my brother-in-law, the only one I have, and I can spoil you a little.”
“Melinda does that enough.” I chuckle while releasing her from the bear hug.
“And you haven't seen anything yet,” James grins as if he knows something I don't.
“Now it's my turn.” Melinda claps her hands, “Do you want present number one or two?”
“Hmmm, two!”
Melinda hands me a lightweight package. I examine it, curiosity taking over as I shake it. “It's a pretty unusual shape.” Undoing the bow, I notice the WCP written all over it. Inside the package is a tiny bottle with some engravings. I sniff it as my eyes dart toward Melinda. We've talked many times about opening JBL, but she kept saying it's not what she wants.
The initials of Wilson Creations are engraved on the glass and the cap too. The realization comes right away. “Babe, when did you...”
“You still have something else,” she says, batting her lashes to hold back tears. I pull her closer as I take out the box containing the certificate of quality for the new limited-edition collection of Wilson Creations Perfume. Melinda has created and branded her perfume. I'm ecstatic and moved, even though I would have liked to take that step together. Lately, I've seen her lost in thought and emotional, and now I know why.
“I'm speechless. When did you find the time to do it?”
“Magic,” she replies, waving her hands in front of my eyes before stealing a kiss.
“Thank you so much, babe.”