Page 25 of Sweet Yuletide (Indigo Bay Christmas Romances #4)

Summer …

At his parents’ house in Charleston, Michael changed his shirt for the third time.

A good thing he’d brought his largest suitcase.

Tomorrow, he and Sheridan would be off on another adventure after spending a month in South Carolina to attend Hope and Josh’s wedding and then Marley and Von’s a few weeks later.

This trip, they were flying to Japan. She wanted to see an exhibit at the art museum in Yokohama.

He would enjoy the sushi and other Japanese cuisine.

As he did the buttons, his fingers trembled.

No reason to be nervous.

Except that his future happiness depended upon what happened this afternoon.

He blew out a breath.

Even now that he could afford top-of-the-line clothes, he still preferred comfort to style.

But he wanted to look his best for Sheridan today.

Despite the air-conditioning, he sweated.

Typical for the humid summers around here, but this had more to do with his nerves than the hot temperatures outside.

It won’t be long .

A knock sounded at his door. “Are you ready, Mikey?”

He adjusted his collar. “Almost.”

“We need to leave in five minutes.”

“Okay.” His voice came across stronger than he felt. “Be right there.”

The amount of money he’d won shocked his family.

They’d been upset about him keeping it a secret until he told them about his team and how he’d done this to make their lives easier and keep everyone, especially Monroe and any future kiddos, safe.

His family met with the lawyers and financial advisors to understand how the trust worked and the need to keep this quiet.

No one, not in-laws or friends, could know, or all the steps Michael had taken would be for nothing.

Mortgages and bills had been paid off, but no one had made any lifestyle changes, much to his surprise.

Marley and Von had even decided to go forward with their small wedding at home.

But then again, this was why Michael loved his family.

As he brushed his hand through his still-damp hair, he glanced around the bedroom full of trophies, ribbons, and awards he’d won growing up.

The posters of his favorite athletes and bands—pretty much everything in here—represented a different time in his life, but he’d wanted to sleep here last night because after so many changes this year, he would make another—the best and the biggest one—today.

As long as she says yes .

She would say yes.

If she didn’t, it would totally ruin the trip to Japan.

Stop thinking and finish getting dressed .

Michael checked his pocket to make sure he had what he needed before walking to the living room. Only his parents were there. His muscles bunched.

Uh-oh . His siblings and their spouses were part of this. His gut twisted. “Where is everyone else?”

“They’re on their way or in Indigo Bay.” His mom smiled. “No one wants Sheridan to think something’s going on.”

“Oh, okay.” But that didn’t ease the flutters in his stomach.

His father touched his shoulder. “Everything’s going according to plan.”

Michael nodded. “I want everything to be perfect.”

His mom laughed. “Oh, sweetie. It’s been perfect since the two of you decided to be boyfriend and girlfriend. This is the cherry on top. No matter what you do or say, Sheridan will be thrilled. You didn’t have to go to so much trouble.”

“Yes, I did, because she deserves it.”

“She does, son.” His dad’s keys jingled. “Let’s go.”

Michael counted down the miles until they reached Indigo Bay. He blew out a breath. Now, the hard part began. He wiped his hands on his pants. “You know what to do.”

His dad double-parked in front of the High Tide Gallery. “Yes.”

“Everyone will be in place,” his mom added. “You’d better hurry so you’re not late.”

With a nod, Michael patted his pocket to make sure he had everything he needed. “Wish me luck.”

His mom shook her head. “Good luck, but you don’t need it.”

With that, Michael exited the car and hurried into the gallery. All he had to do was wait for Sheridan to arrive.

* * *

Sheridan walked with Hope toward the High Tide Gallery. “I don’t know where Michael is, but I’m sure he’ll be here when he can.”

“His parents might be running behind.”

They were usually prompt, but it had been a wild time with Marley and Von’s wedding last week. They held the intimate ceremony and reception at the beach cottage. Simple, but it had been as beautiful as Hope and Josh’s wedding at the Indigo Bay Cottages’ Resort.

“So, where are you off to next?” Hope asked.

“Japan.” Sheridan half laughed. “This past month is the longest we’ve stayed in one place since December. It’s been nice, but a little weird not living out of a suitcase.”

“Do you enjoy the travel?”

“I love it. Michael and I have been all over Europe and had so much fun.”

Hope smiled. “I wish you could have been in Berry Lake for my gallery showing.”

“My mom said you sold out. And that’s where Josh proposed, right?”

“Next to the Sasquatch statue.”

“That’s perfect, and now you’ll be part of Berry Lake Bigfoot lore.”

Hope stumbled. She stuck out her arms. “A good thing I didn’t fall.”

“Let’s slow down. We can’t have the star of the exhibit bruised and scraped.”

They reached the High Tide Gallery a few minutes later. A Private Event placard hung on the door.

Sheridan got chills. “Thanks for inviting us to see the show before the public arrives. One thing I miss about working at a gallery is the sneak preview.”

She hadn’t returned to Berry Lake. Her mom understood Sheridan needing a break and her desire to travel. Sal had never tried to contact her again. It no longer hurt as much, and the next trip after Asia would be to her hometown in September to introduce Michael to her mom.

“Are you ready?” Hope asked.

“I should ask you. ” Sheridan pulled open the door, eager to see Hope’s newest works. “After you.”

When Sheridan entered, she didn’t see Melanie, but the dim lighting gave the interior a more intimate atmosphere. Bottles of champagne sat in a large bucket of ice. Nearby, flutes awaited the bubbly. “Fancy.”

“Only the best for tonight.”

“With that attitude, you’ll for sure sell out.” Sheridan glanced around. “Where should I start?”

“The wall over here,” Hope said. “The first painting in the collection is closest to us.”

Sheridan headed toward the series of works displayed together. Halfway there, she stopped.

“Oh, it’s Indigo Bay. How perfect.” This was where she’d met Michael, and she would always carry a piece of this town in her heart.

He’d mentioned buying a place here if they didn’t buy a house in Charleston.

He would probably want this series. They’d been collecting art wherever they traveled.

She claimed Michael spoiled her, but he said she did the same to him, so they were even.

In a storage facility in Charleston, all their purchases were waiting for them when they decided not to travel as much.

She moved closer to the first one. “It’s your cottage with Christmas lights on it.”

The next painting showed a couple decorating a tree. She laughed. “This is what Michael and I did in December. The detail is amazing.”

“You like them?” Hope asked.

“Love them. Some of your best work.”

Hope beamed. “That makes me so happy to hear.”

“But I thought you spent your first Christmas with Josh in Berry Lake.”

“We did.”

Sheridan studied the painting. “This isn’t the two of you?”

“No, another couple head over heels in love.”

The next work showed a proposal. The love in each stroke took Sheridan’s breath away. “You nailed the detail,” She squinted. Funny, but the couple kind of resembled her and Michael. She shook the thought from her head. “They’re stunning. I love each one.”

“And I love you, Sheridan DeMarco,” Michael said from behind her.

She glanced over her shoulder.

Michael was on his knee and held a ring box out to her. Behind him, his family and hers, including Max and his daughters, stood in a half circle.

Sheridan’s heart slammed against her rib cage. She faced him and everyone else. “My family is here.”

“I flew them in.” They’d told people he’d made his money thanks to a smart investment. No one would ever find out it was a two-dollar lottery ticket.

“But—”

“Let him talk, Sheridan,” her mother urged.

In a state of shock, Sheridan nodded. “Go on.”

Michael laughed. “Ever since I met you, Sheridan DeMarco, I haven’t stopped thinking about you, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

You’re everything I didn’t know I needed.

I’m so glad you didn’t write me off as an overgrown frat guy, because our time together has been the best adventure, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next. Will you marry me?”

Her hand covered her pounding heart, and she struggled to breathe.

“Yes.” She blinked, but happy tears still fell. Joy overflowed. “I want nothing more than to marry you. I love you.”

Michael stood and placed the ring on her finger—a perfect fit. “I love you.”

He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her.

People clapped.

“I forgot we had an audience,” she whispered.

“Ignore them.” He kissed her again. “Do you like the paintings?”

As she glanced at the collection on the wall, she wiped the tears off her face. “I love them.”

“They’re yours. Ours.”

She gasped. “What?”

“Mikey commissioned them,” Hope said.

“Michael,” he corrected. “That’ll look better on the wedding invitations.”

“Wedding,” Sheridan repeated. “We have to plan a wedding.”

He ran his finger along her jawline. “I want to get married in Berry Lake.”

“But your entire family is here.” Besides, with the money he’d won, the wedding could be anywhere in the world.

“Your family and friends are there, and so are all the animals your mom cares for. This will be easier on her.” He leaned his forehead against Sheridan’s. “And getting married in your hometown will give you wonderful memories to replace any bad ones.”

Her heart swelled with love for this man. “I love you.”

And no matter where they said “I do” to each other, she knew in her heart of hearts they would live happily ever after.

* * * * *

Thanks for reading Sweet Yuletide . I hope you enjoyed reading Sheridan and Michael’s story.