Hometown Love (Love on the North Shore #2)(76)
“I read online that since it’s so close to Christmas, they include Santa in the parade,” Jessie said.
From where he stood, he caught a glimpse of the parade coming their way. Hopefully, they’d snagged a great spot close to the park entrance near where the parade ended.
“I hope Santa got my letter with my new address,” Grace said. “I don’t want him to bring my toys to my old house.”
They’d had this conversation several times, and both he and Jessie had reassured her. “Don’t worry, that won’t happen,” he promised.
As the parade passed in front of them, he heard Jessie reassure her again, too. While his daughter and girlfriend watched the various floats and dancers pass by, he counted the minutes until the fireworks started and he could finally ask Jessie to marry him.
No sooner did Santa Claus pass by in a large sleigh than the first volley of fireworks exploded overhead. A wild mix of blue, purple, and red, the colors lit up the sky and captured everyone’s attention.
Everyone’s but his.
Between the third and fourth explosions, he squeezed Grace’s shoulder and slipped her the ring. Then he grabbed Jessie’s hand and turned her toward him.
“Is everything okay?” She looked down at Grace before glancing his way.
“Perfect,” he answered. “But Grace and I have something to ask you.”
The plan had been for him to ask her and for Grace to hold out the ring, but in true six-year-old fashion Grace changed things up.
“Will you marry us?” She held up the ring, gripping it as if her life depended on it while, overhead, the fireworks filled the sky with vibrant colors.
Despite the fireworks and various conversations, several people around them heard Grace’s question and turned their attention to them.
Jessie’s hands flew to her mouth, and she took half a step back. Then she knelt down and reached for Grace, pulling her close while tears streamed down her face. “Yes, I will marry you.”
Around them, applause broke out and Grace glanced up at him. “She said yes, Daddy.”
“I heard, buddy.”
When she heard his voice, she stood and hugged him. “I love you.” She kissed him, a soft brush of her lips against his. “And I love Grace, too.”
A grand finale of explosions went off in his chest. “I’m ready for that now.” He took the ring from Grace and slipped it onto Jessie’s finger. “I love you.”
“I love you, too,” Grace piped up, not about to be forgotten.
Mack let go of Jessie long enough to pick up his daughter so they could have a group hug. Around them, the cheers and applause grew louder, and Mack knew it wasn’t for the fireworks in the sky.
And he wholeheartedly agreed.