charm since the first day they met, and although she wondered if he had something to do with her promotion at work when the paper offered her the lead reporter position – mainly because Joslyn was in prison – they told her that she was also their lead photographer. Going to work was actually a good thing now. And after work... well, Thomas kept her busy.
For several weeks, she’d helped him and the field workers replant the vines. Thankfully, Garth hadn’t destroyed the grafted vines, and so the Powers’ winery was still productive as ever. Cole had even arrived at the fields wearing his t-shirt, Levis, and boots, ready to help. She was glad Thomas had such a good friend like Cole. Unfortunately, the man had gotten himself into a pickle with an ex-wife, and she was taking him to court over spousal support. Once again, money-hungry women would do all they could for a little – or a lot – of cash. Thomas assured Morgan that Cole would win... as long as he kept his hands off his ex-wife’s attractive lawyer.
What surprised Thomas even more that day while replanting some of the vines, was when Thomas’ cousin, Aaron Powers, and his friend, Nolan Ricks, showed up to help. They each brought vines from their own vineyards to help Thomas. Morgan had been excited to meet the men she’d only heard about, and what made her laugh was that both Aaron and Nolan never thought Thomas would settle down. She was happy that he had chosen her.
The art gallery had sent her money - $250,000 – which she was still completely shocked over. But Darion repeatedly confirmed that he was impressed with Morgan’s work. In fact, he wanted her to take more pictures so that he could replace the ones in the office building. It didn’t matter how she earned the money, she was just very happy that she was able to pay off the mortgage company so that her parents wouldn’t lose the family home.
“Where are you taking me?” She laughed, stepping carefully as he walked behind her, holding his hands over her eyes so she wouldn’t peek.
“We are almost there.”
She loved being with Thomas. He’d changed so much from the jerk she’d seen at the casino when he gambled away so much money. Never in her wildest dreams would she have thought that he’d be the man she loved more than anything. But every night when he took her home from their dates, it was getting harder and harder to say goodbye. It was all she could do not to blurt out that she wanted to stay with him all night long.
“Okay, we’re here.” He stopped them, but didn’t remove his hands from her eyes. “Are you ready?”
She chuckled. “Yes, now show me.”
He briefly kissed her neck, and warmth spread over her, just like it had always done. When his hands left her face, she blinked to clear her vision. Right in front of her was a silver and white BMW S1000RR, which she knew was Thomas’ favorite motorcycle brand. But this one wasn’t his.
“It’s yours,” he said, moving around to look at her face. “I figured you would need one, too.”
“Why would I need one?”
“So that we can drive together. Now that you’ve taught me how to drive, I’m ready to race.”
Laughing, she threw her arms around his neck and leaned against him, looking up into his dreamy eyes. “Oh, I don’t think you’re ready to race just yet, my sweet man.”
This time when he kissed her, it was a little longer. When he pulled away, he stroked her hair.
“Why did you buy me this bike?” she wondered.
He gathered her loosely in his arms. “It’s an engagement present.”
Her heart flipped excitedly. “Engagement? But, we haven’t even talked about—”
“I want to marry you, Morgan.” He winked. “And I really think you feel the same way, don’t you?”
She nodded, shyly. “Yes, I’ve been thinking about it for a while, but I didn’t want to say anything for fear you’d run the opposite direction.”
“The only way I’ll be running, is right into your arms.” He lowered his head, brushing his lips against hers.
“Hmm... That’s exactly where I want you to run.”
He lifted his head. “So, is that a yes?”
She chuckled. “I didn’t hear a question.”
He grinned. “You’re really going to make me do this the right way, aren’t you?”
Nodding she pointed to the ground. “Get down on one knee, Mr. Powers.”
His expression turned serious as he took hold of her