Lucia laughs softly. “Awww, Myra, what happened?” She’s the kind of girl who never judges. Even when I told her about my past, she gave me a big hug and told me I was stronger than I gave myself credit for. Right now, I could use one of her pep talks. “Tell me what happened.”
I tell her all about the night I shared with Major… how I felt alive for the first time in my life.
“And then you just told him to leave?”
Tears fill my eyes as I pull the pitcher of sweet tea out of my fridge. “What do I do now?”
“Well, I’ve never been in love,” she says. “So take this with a grain of salt. But when my brother fell in love with Mirabella, there was nothing he wouldn’t do to make her his.”
“So I need to make it clear that he is all I want?”
“You tell me, Myra.”
An idea sparks. “You’re right. This is my life. I need to take charge and if it’s Major I want, I need to make sure he knows it.”
“Call me later and let me know how it goes, okay?” Lucia says.
“Of course. And thank you for being here for me.”
“Always.”
I hang up and get to work. Last night I made Major a home-cooked meal, but I want him to know he is more than my comfort food. He is my comfort.
By the time the pie has cooled and I have dried my hair, put on makeup and made myself presentable, I’ve rehearsed what I am about to say nearly a hundred times. I’ve texted Grady for Major’s home address and know what I need to do.
I pick up the pie and head for the door, but as I open it, I’m shocked to see Major is coming up my sidewalk.
“Major?” I walk outside, into my green grass, the clover growing thick around my sandaled feet and the sun shining bright overhead. “What are you doing here?”
“I came for you, Myra. I know you told me to leave this morning, but I can’t go anywhere if it’s not with you.”
“What are you saying?”
He pulls out a bag from the grocery store. He opens it, showing me what’s inside. A dozen lemons.
“I know I’m not perfect, and neither is life. We’re gonna have our sour days, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to make sweet tea with you every chance I get.”
My eyes widen and my heart swells. “God, you know how perfect you are?”
He chuckles. “I’m far from it, sweetie.”
“But look,” I say. “I made you a lemon pie. And I know they say Southern girls are made of sunshine and sweet tea, but Major, I’m made for you.”
“Well damn, darling, that’s the most beau-tea-ful thing I’ve ever heard.” He takes the pie and sets it on the porch, and rests the bag of lemons beside it. “I love you, Myra. And I want to go to L.A. for this job, but only if you come with me. As my wife.”
“Your wife?” I cover my mouth as Major Owens drops to one knee.
He pulls a diamond ring from his pocket and offers it to me. “Marry me, Myra. Be my Southern peach for now and forever.”
“Oh my heart,” I say, tears filling my eyes. I am taking a leap, taking a chance on love, and I’ve never felt more sure of anything. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
He slips the ring on my finger and I gasp. It’s beautiful, an antique diamond on a gold band. “It was my grandma’s.”
“I can’t wait to meet her,” I tell him as he stands, wrapping his arms around me.
“Well, why don’t we bring her some of that pie and introduce her to the girl of my dreams, the love of my life, my one and only sweetie?”
He kisses me then and I swoon all over again, knowing I like my tea sweet and my men strong. Knowing I will always love the man who is holding me in his arms.
Epilogue 1
Major
Six months later…
“I can’t believe it was done in time,” Myra says, taking in the custom home we had built on the lake. “Beckett must have worked day and night to make that happen.”
“He’s a great general contractor,” I say, running my hand over the countertop in the kitchen. “And considering how busy his year was, with his baby and falling in love… damn, busy man.”
“Sounds like another man I know…” Myra licks her lips.