Page 83 of 27 Kisses

“We can help each other. If Garrett is happy at home, he’ll be happier at work.”

“Very true.” She snaps her gum. “Okay, let’s talk. But first, do you have any coffee?”

Once we’re settled in the dining area, Ramon brings us coffee and sits with us. I want to signal him to go, but I’m afraid Nat would leave with him.

She nods for me to go on.

“I don’t know what’s wrong. He’s been on edge, but we both have. Then, we were opening presents…and he loved the present I got him—or he said he did.” I glance at her. “Maybe, I’m going too fast?” I guess. But it’s just that. A guess.

“First of all, it’s impossible for you to go too fast. And it’s not like he shares much with me, but it’s enough to know that he’s been waiting for the green light from you for a long time. A long time.”

“I get it.”

“Do you? A looooong time, Christy.”

“Christ, woman, I get it.” I think she likes annoying people.

She grins, confirming my theory. “Good.” Then she taps her chin. “You gave him a Christmas present?”

“It’s Christmas. What do you think?”

“I think you need to lose the attitude.”

I glance at Ramon, and he nods his head.

Jesus. But this is what I have to do, so I give her a quick nod.

“Good. Let me guess. He didn’t have a present for you.”

It bothers me that she assumes that. Although she’s not entirely wrong. “He said he had one, but he couldn’t give it to me.”

“Huh.” She taps her fingers again as she thinks. It only takes about ten seconds, and she smiles. “Okay.”

“Okay? Okay, what?”

“This is really good coffee, Ramon. Do you put cinnamon in it?”

“Yes. And nutmeg.”

She gives him an impressed look. “Okay. I love that.”

I don’t yell. I suspect that’s what she wants. “Can you help me at all?”

“Absolutely.” She takes another sip of coffee, and I resist the urge to yank it out of her hands. “You proposed to your wife on Christmas, right?”

“What does— Wait.” My heart gallops. “He wants to propose?”

“I assume so. He’s been carrying a ring around in his pocket for the last five or six months.”

I stare at her. “I— He wants to marry me?” All this time I thought he wasn’t ready…no, he wasn’t ready. I’m sure of that.

Nat pats my arm. “So many snarky remarks I could make, but it’s too easy. And you look like you’re going to pass out. Christy?”

“Hmm?” I glance at her.

“Do you want to marry Garrett? Because if you don’t, you need to—I don’t even know.”

“I do. I mean, I—yes.” I nod again, like an idiot.