Page 32 of Sugar and Spice (Glitter and Sparkle #3)
TWO YEARS LATER
“I can’t believe we’re here,” Riley says. Just like she’s said three or four times already.
I look out over the crowd at Radio City, remembering my first time here. I’ve seen so much since then, gone so many places.
Fell desperately in love.
Mason’s hosting the Christmas special tonight, and I’m thrilled to see him perform. I’m feeling delightfully nostalgic.
I will never grow tired of watching him sing, especially when it seems he just keeps getting better and better.
“Everything’s so beautiful!” Riley laughs, beyond gleeful. Apparently, we need to take her out more. “Linus, isn’t it gorgeous?”
Linus smiles indulgently and brushes a kiss over her knuckles. “Almost as gorgeous as you.”
Riley rolls her eyes and gives him a playful shove, but her cheeks turn pink at the compliment.
“Will you have time to see the tree with us after the show?” Riley asks.
“As long as we’re on the jet before midnight, we should be fine.”
Just like two years ago, Mason and I will be rushing back to Denver before the evening is over, but this time, the world expects us to be together. After publishing my first cookbook this summer, Tammy invited me back to HBN’s Christmas Cookie Bake-off. This year, I’m a judge.
Lauren and Harrison make their way down our aisle, followed by Brandon and Sadie.
Sadie smiles at me and sets a hand on her growing stomach. “This is so exciting, Harper. Thank you again for inviting us.”
She and Brandon got back together not long after I left with Mason on his first tour, and they were married last year. I was in New Zealand during the wedding, but Riley sent me hundreds of pictures and a video, so I almost feel like I was there.
The lights grow dim, and the audience quiets.
It’s a fantastic show, and the decor this year is exceptionally beautiful. Riley sits next to me, hands clasped to her chest, beside herself with joy.
Yes, I need to drag her along with us more often.
Now that Mason’s working on his next album, we’ll be in Montana, and it will be far easier for Riley and Linus to tag along.
We’re nearing the end of the performance, and I clap loudly as Mason takes the stage once more. He’s in another tux, something I don’t see him in nearly often enough.
“For this next song, I’ll need a little help,” Mason says.
I frown—this part is new. I don’t remember it from the rehearsal earlier.
“What do you think? Should I ask my pastry chef to join me?” he asks the audience.
The crowd laughs and cheers, but I’m so stunned, I don’t realize what he’s said until Riley jabs me in the ribs with her elbow.
“Harper! Get up there.”
Murmuring apologies, I work my way down the aisle, silently swearing I’m going to murder Mason later. I walk up the steps, feeling my blood pressure rising. There are over six thousand people in attendance tonight, and every eye is on me.
Don’t trip on the garland, Harper.
Mason takes my hand, offering me a mischievous smile, and presents me to the audience. “Isn’t she lovely?”
The crowd cheers, and my face flames. This sort of thing isn’t uncommon for the Christmas show, which focuses on family and loved ones. Brian Kellerton brought his three-year-old daughter on stage last year, and it was the sweetest thing ever. Still, a little warning would have been nice.
“For those of you who don’t know, this lovely woman is my girlfriend of two years.” Another cheer. “Do you mind if I sing to her tonight?”
Along with the applause, there are a few wolf whistles. I can almost guarantee one came from Riley.
As if on cue, a stagehand hurries out with an old-fashioned wooden chair upholstered in red velvet. If Santa had a chair, it would look like this.
“Have a seat,” Mason whispers, grinning.
I lean close. “You are in so much trouble.”
He laughs, and the orchestra begins. It’s a sweet, romantic Christmas song, something he probably wrote himself, and by the end, all that indignant, mild irritation has vanished.
Mason kneels in front of me as he sings the last note.
I begin to stand as applause fills the hall, but Mason holds me in place with a hand on my knee. He raises his microphone and says, “Two Christmases ago, you sat in the third row, right in the middle. Do you remember?”
I glance at the audience, nervous. “Yes…”
The orchestra begins to play quietly, and my heart starts to pound.
“I knew I was doomed that night. And I was right because I stand before you now, in love and desperately devoted.”
He meets my eyes, taking his time as he reaches into his pocket and produces a velvet box.
I suck in a surprised breath.
“I have a Christmas present for you, Harper.” He flicks open the box with his thumb and holds it up to me. “You just have to say yes.”
I blink at the diamond solitaire, trying very hard not to cry in front of all these people.
Mason lowers the mic so I’m the only one who can hear his next words. “Will you marry me, Harper?”
Slowly, still in shock, I nod. “Yes.”
Grinning, Mason opens his arms, and I fall into them. He holds me for several long moments, and then he turns to the audience, raises his hand in the air in victory, and cries into the microphone, “She said yes!”
Their deafening cheers fill the hall, and I laugh through my tears.
Mason turns back to me, his eyes bright and his cheeks flushed. “I guess I better finish the show.”
Riley clings to my arm as soon as I make my way back to my seat. “Harper! You’re going to marry Mason Knight!”
As Mason sings the final song, I find myself thinking of the chain of events that led to this point. I glance at Brandon. He watches Mason finish the show, his arm draped over Sadie’s seat. She has her head on his shoulder, and they look as content as a couple can be.
He looks over and grins, giving me a silent nod of congratulations.
I laugh under my breath and turn back to Mason. He finishes the song, and Yvonne—who’s now his manager—whisks us backstage. Riley and Lauren are already planning the wedding, and I laugh as I step into Mason’s arms. The two aren’t going to leave me alone for a minute.
“I was thinking a spring wedding,” he says, tugging me close. “What do you think of Hawaii?”
Grinning against the soft fabric of his tux, I answer, “Oh, I suppose that would be all right.”
He laughs and tilts my head up for a kiss.
My life didn’t turn out the way I planned, and thank goodness. It’s so much better than I could have ever dreamed.