Page 30 of Tuxedos and Tinsel

“Can we go inside?”

“Yes, of course.”

Ian followed her a few steps, then stopped. “I need to get something out of my car. I’ll be right back.”

She watched him jog back down the path and smiled. He came back holding two tubes. “What’s in there?”

“Let’s go in and I’ll show you.”

They entered and he unrolled the papers from the first tube and placed it on the coffee table. She realized immediately that it was an architectural blueprint. She took a seat on the sofa and leaned forward to study the drawing. There were several rooms with one word written in each one. She scooted closer. “What is this? Why do all the rooms have my name in them?”

He lowered himself to one knee next to her. “Because this is the blueprint to my heart, and you own every room inside it.”

Her heart stopped for a second before starting up again.

He withdrew a small box from his pocket and opened it. The princess-cut center stone was surrounded by round accent diamonds with elaborate vintage sculpting along the sides and front. “Marry me, Maya. I love you and I will honor, protect and cherish you all the days of my life. And I’ll do my best to turn your every dream into reality.”

She was off the couch and in his arms as soon as the words were off his tongue. “Yes, yes, yes!” She lifted his face and kissed him with a passion that left them both gasping for air.

Still trying to catch his breath, Ian said, “I have one more thing to show you.”

Maya eased back onto the sofa and waited while he opened the second tube. More blueprints. These were far more complicated than the first set.

“This is the condo project.”

“Oh,” she said dejectedly, the joy of the previous moment now waning.

Ian chuckled. “You don’t have to sound so sad, sweetheart. I promise you’ll like it.” He pointed to a section. “I redesigned the project to add corporate space.”

Her heart rate kicked up again. “What does that mean?”

“It means that Maya’s Sweet Spot will not be relocated. I presented this to the investors earlier and they approved it. There will also be a minimarket and a dry cleaner’s.”

She brought her hands to her mouth and tried to process what he was saying.

“I also took the liberty of redesigning the shop, to expand it a little and give you room to add a few tables and maybe a coffee or tea bar, so people can sit and enjoy their treats. You may have to close a few days to get it done, but—”

She launched herself at him again and held him tight. “I don’t know what to say. Thank you, thank you.”

“I love you so much, baby. Whatever you want, I’ll get it if it’s in my power.”

Tears streamed down her face. She caressed his face and held his gaze intently. “I just want you, Ian Jeffries. I love you.” And he owned every room in her heart, too.

Epilogue

Two years later

Maya took a slow tour around her newly designed shop. “I can’t believe it,” she whispered over and over.

“Girl, your hubby did histhingwith this shop!” Rhonda said, coming to stand next to her.

“Yes, he did.” Ian had designed the space to include a dozen or so tables and the coffee and tea bar, and made sure she had Wi-Fi for those patrons who wanted to enjoy their pastries while working. Her kitchen had also been enlarged with an additional oven and more counter work space. Maya had never thought she could be this happy.

“Do you know how many orders we’ve gotten for Christmas?” Rhonda had been working overtime to create brochures and postcards for every resident in the six-hundred-unit property.

“I can imagine. I’m glad I hired Phoebe full-time.”

“With all these orders, you may have to hire some part-time help for the holidays.” Rhonda nudged Maya. “Your sexy husband is coming in the door. Girl, the way he’s looking at you, I hope he doesn’t burn the place down before we have the grand opening. I’m going in the back to help Phoebe. Hi, Ian. Bye, Ian.”