The Man Plan Page 24

  Without fully realizing it, James scanned the room for Ivy, discovered her talking to one of her aunts. His gaze lingered, warmed.

  “So how long are you going to wait before you make an honest woman of her?”

  His gaze veered to Zack. “Who?”

  “Who?” Zack snorted. “What other woman have you spent the night staring at? My little sister-in-law Ivy of course.”

  “I haven’t been staring,” he said coolly. “And I don’t believe my relationship with Ivy is any of your business.”

  “Maybe not, but it’s my wife’s business and her family’s. Considering you guys are practically shacked up together, you really ought to break down and marry her. What are you waiting for anyway? It’s plain as pitch you’re crazy about her.”

  James set his plate down with a snap. “If you must know, I’ve already asked her to marry me.”

  Zack’s dark eyebrows lifted. “And what? She turned you down?”

  “No. Yes. Not exactly. She wants to wait.”

  “She wants to wait?” The skepticism in Zack’s voice rang clear.

  “For a while. She’s young yet.” James’s eyes settled on her again, unaware of the stark need reflected on his features. “There’s still a chance she might decide marriage to me isn’t the best choice for her.”

  “She could,” Zack said. “Then again, she’s had a lot of time to think about it. Known you her whole life, hasn’t she?”

  James crossed his arms. “Yes. What of it?”

  “Just proves she must know what makes you tick. If she hasn’t seen through your flaws by now, I doubt she ever will.”

  “She sees through my flaws.”

  “Then it’s odd she still loves you. Just goes to show there’s no accounting for taste.”

  As if she sensed their interest, Ivy turned her head, her eyes immediately alighting upon James. Her lips curved, a look on her face that couldn’t be mistaken for anything but what it was—an expression of deep, abiding love.

  “Yep,” Zack remarked softly. “I can see how much she wants to wait.” He scooped up another handful of nuts. “I’d better go find my wife.”

  James barely heard him, his senses, his entire body and mind attuned to Ivy.

  What am I waiting for? he wondered, Zack’s earlier question repeating in his head.

  Was Zack right? Was he being a stupid, stubborn fool, refusing to make a lasting commitment to Ivy?

  She’d refused his offer of marriage because she said he needed time. But was time really going to change anything between them? Would a few more months, a few more years, give him any more reassurance than he already had?

  He’d challenged her to prove her worth out in the real world and she had, astonishing him with her resourcefulness, her resilience, her undeniable talent and determination.

  He’d accused her of not knowing her own mind, her own heart. Told her what she felt for him was nothing more than an immature fantasy, an infatuation that would run its course, burn hot and then sputter out as fast as a match striking tinder. Yet despite living in a city teaming with thousands of available men and having friendships with two who would have leaped into her bed at the slightest come-on, she wanted no other but him.

  He’d told her she was too young and he too old, that the years between them left too many gaps in tastes and experience. Yet in her company he was never bored, never weary of life the way he’d sometimes been before she’d burst into his world and turned everything upside down.

  And she got along well with his friends despite a few raised eyebrows. Even his older business acquaintances liked her, finding themselves enchanted by evening’s end with her poised manner and effortless, friendly grace.

  In all the ways that counted, she was his perfect match. When he was with her, he was happy. She satisfied him physically, intellectually, emotionally. What more did he want?

  What it all boiled down to was trust.

  Did he trust her enough to believe her promises? Did he love her enough to risk everything and take a real chance on her love?

  One day she might outgrow him, grow bored with him, want something else, someone else. But wasn’t that a risk every person took when they married, when they committed themselves to another, whatever their age? Either he was willing to take that risk or he wasn’t. Love, not time, was the only force that could make the right choice for him.

  He gazed across the room again, found her, and felt his heart constrict at the sheer, sweet radiance that made Ivy the woman she was.

  Knowing suddenly what he had to do, he made his way to the front hall, slipped into his coat, and left the house.

  * * *

  Ivy sipped at her mug of eggnog and wondered where James had disappeared to. The last time she’d seen him he’d been talking to Zack. Unusual since the two men generally steered well clear of each other on the rare occasion they found themselves in the same room.

  It was nearly time to open presents. Per family tradition, everyone was allowed to choose a single gift tonight. The rest of the presents would remain beneath the tree to be opened in the morning.

  People were beginning to gravitate toward the tree, the scents of pine and anticipation strong in the air. The older ones secured themselves a seat near the action, while the children scampered here and there, barely able to contain their excitement.

  She searched again for James without luck, then went to stand on the fringes of the group, behind one of the sofas.

  Her young cousin, Clara, a bashful twelve-year-old with an overbite and braces, had been chosen to be this year’s Santa’s helper. According to tradition, she had the honor of passing out gifts.

  Seated in front of Ivy, Granny Bradford received her present. With agonizing slowness, the old, gnarled fingers set to work, picking at the Scotch Tape oh so carefully so the paper wouldn’t be damaged.

  Ivy forced herself not to lean over the sofa back from where she stood and help the process along with a hearty rip. She was still watching the tortuous process when James slipped up next to her.

  She turned to him, her voice quiet. “Where have you been?”

  “Had a little errand I needed to run,” he murmured in reply.

  He smelled of cold, fresh air. An outdoorsy chill radiated off his hair and skin, a tinge of winter pink staining his cheeks.

  “What sort of errand?” she asked.

  “Come with me and I’ll tell you.”

  She followed him but made it only a few steps before a voice stopped them.

  “Where are you two sneaking off to?” Brie questioned. “You haven’t opened your presents yet.”

  Ivy and James paused.

  “We’re just stepping out for a minute,” Ivy said. “We’ll be right back.”

  An odd sparkle glittered in her sister’s gaze. “Stepping out to do what?”

  Listening in, several curious relatives waited for her answer.

  “James wants to tell me something.”

  “What could be so important it can’t wait?” Brie insisted. “Come and open your gift.”

  Ivy opened her mouth to refuse, but James stopped her with a gentle touch.

  He cleared his throat. “Actually, what I have to say is important, and not only to Ivy. Perhaps it would be best if I simply said it here and now.”

  Resting his hand against the nape of her neck beneath her hair, he stroked his thumb against her skin with an intimate and proprietary touch. She stiffened and made a halfhearted attempt to step away. He prevented her with a light squeeze.

  Her eyes flew to his. “What’s gotten in to you?” she whispered. “What are you doing?”

  “What I should have done ages ago,” he told her in a voice meant for her ears only. “I’m not afraid of what’s between us, Ivy, not anymore. Having you with me makes me happy. You make me happy. Isn’t it time we shared our love with the people we love?”

  Stunned surprise and joy melted her heart. He wanted to tell her family about their relationship? He wanted
to openly announce they were a couple? She hadn’t thought it possible, but she loved him more in that moment than she already had her entire life. Her throat swelled tight with emotion as she nodded her agreement.

  The few desultory conversations still taking place in the room ceased, all attention focused on her and James as he led her toward the tree in the center of the room.

  He stopped, straightened his shoulders, and turned to the assembled company. “Sorry to interrupt the festivities, but Ivy and I have something we’d like to say. As you all know, she moved to New York this past summer. What you don’t know is that the two of us have been seeing each other for a while, romantically.” He slipped an arm over her shoulders, hugged her to his side. “Ivy and I are in love.”

  Across the room, Philip Grayson’s bright red eyebrows shot upward like a pair of flames. Beside him, Laura merely smiled as an assortment of indrawn breaths sounded from all directions.

  James turned to face her parents, directed his next words specifically to them. “We didn’t mean for it to happen.” He cast a quick glance down at Ivy. “Lord knows, I didn’t mean for it to happen. What started as friendship changed, became more, became deeper, stronger. I tried to deny my feelings, argued with myself a thousand times over about all the reasons why we shouldn’t be together. Ivy’s too young. She’s just starting out and doesn’t need to be tied down in one place, to one person. She can’t know what she’s getting into, and she’ll have regrets.”

  He looked at Madelyn, standing with her husband and little girls. On her face was an expression of understanding, reconciliation, and happiness—for him, for her, for them all.

  “But Ivy says she loves me,” James continued. “Says she will no matter how hard I try to convince her she shouldn’t. She says she’ll keep loving me, always, no matter what. And I believe her.” He turned, took her hand, his heart shining in his eyes, open for all to see.

  “I’ve been afraid to believe you, but I do,” he said, speaking now to her alone. “And whatever comes, comes. Love’s about taking a chance, and I want to take that chance with you.”

  “Oh, James.”

  She could tell he wanted to kiss her, and Lord, if she didn’t want him to. Then he remembered they had an audience.

  He looked again toward her parents. “I hope you’ll give us your blessing. I’ll understand if you can’t, but it won’t change my intentions or how I feel about Ivy.”

  Her father glared, obviously trying to come to terms with the news he’d been dealt.

  Her mother had no such trouble. “Of course you have our blessing,” Laura said. “How could you think otherwise?” When her husband didn’t say anything, she gave him a gentle poke in the ribs.

  Briefly, he met his wife’s gaze; then his features relaxed. “You’ll have to give me some time to get used the idea of you and Ivy”—he broke off, waving a hand—“being together as a couple. My God, James, you’ve known her since she was in diapers. I’ve got to tell you that the idea is really messing with my head.”

  He gave it a mild shake, causing laughter. “But if you love my girl as much as I can see that you do, and if Ivy feels the same, then how can I stand in your way?”

  James smiled and sent Philip a grateful nod. “Then there’s only one thing left for me to do.”

  Taking a step back, he turned to face Ivy and dropped down onto one knee. A velvet-covered jeweler’s box appeared in his palm.

  Her lips parted on a silent inhalation, her hands flying up to cover them as he opened the box. Inside lay his grandmother’s ring, the one she adored. The huge canary diamond winked, brilliant and beautiful as a star.

  He reached up, gathered her trembling hand into his. “Ivy Jasmine Grayson, I love you as I’ve never loved anyone before or will ever love anyone again. You’re like pure, sweet sunshine, and the light you cast fills all the dark, empty spaces in my soul. I can’t do without you. Say you’ll be mine. Please say you’ll marry me.”

  “Are you sure?” She bent down, a tear trailing over her cheek. “You don’t have to do this, you know. I said I’ll wait.”

  “We’ve waited long enough, don’t you think? I know my own heart,” he said, repeating the words she’d once said to him, “and it’s yours, completely yours. I don’t need any more time. Just say yes, sweetheart.”

  “If you’re sure, then yes. Oh, heavens, yes!”

  Laughing, crying, she flung her arms around him and crushed her lips to his in a joyous merging—a union they knew would withstand all the tests of time.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  “Maybe we should elope after all,” James said two days later.

  He and Ivy sat snuggled comfortably together on the sofa in the family room of her parents’ house. A cheery fire burned in the stone fireplace, their empty cocoa cups forgotten on the wide cherrywood coffee table.

  Ivy lifted her head from his shoulder and met his eyes. “Shh. Don’t even joke about such a thing. Mom might overhear.”

  “Who says I’m joking? Okay, okay, don’t look so worried. Here,” he said, “let me take your mind off things.” Smiling, he leaned in for a kiss.

  Her pulse kicked into a faster rhythm, her eyes closing as a familiar rush of desire swept through her. She wished they could go over to his house next door and put the king-sized organic mattress and four-hundred-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets on James’s bed to good use.

  But her father was still adjusting to the idea of her and James being intimate, so to spare his feelings, Ivy had decided to stay in her old room here at her parents’ house for the rest of the holiday.

  Of course, that didn’t mean she couldn’t sneak over to James’s place for some alone time, which she’d done just that morning as a deliciously fun predawn, day-after-Christmas present to them both.

  She moaned softly against his lips as he reluctantly eased away. “We’d better quit,” he murmured. “Otherwise we’re going to get caught on this couch like a pair of teenagers.”

  “I’m willing to risk it if you are,” she said, pulling his head down for another kiss.

  He kissed her back for several long, intense moments, then broke away. “This is why we should elope. Your mother’s already talking about us waiting a year or two so there’s plenty of time to plan a big wedding. That’s too long for me. Way too long.”

  “For me too, but you know everyone will be so disappointed if we don’t have a big blowout.” She ran a palm over his thigh, feeling an answering quiver. “But I’m going to move into your penthouse as soon as we get back to the city, so it isn’t like we won’t be together. The time will go fast.”

  A small pair of lines creased his brows. “So you genuinely want a big wedding?”

  “Yeah, I kind of do. The gown. The flowers. The cake. I’m only going to get married once, so I’d like to do it right.” She laid a hand against his cheek. “I’m not going to ditch you at the altar. You know that, right?”

  He met her eyes, gazing deep. Then he relaxed. “I do. We’ll have whatever kind of wedding you want. Just set the date and I’ll be there.”

  She smiled and pressed her lips to his again—soft and slow and infinitely sweet.

  “It’s too bad, though,” he said after they came up for air. “I was looking forward to flying to Vegas and having Elvis do the honors.”

  She laughed.

  “What’s this about Elvis and Vegas?” Brie walked up and dropped down into an overstuffed chair. “Holy crap. You guys aren’t thinking about eloping, are you?” She tossed a glance over her shoulder. “Mom will have ten cows, all in different shades of purple, if you run off. Then again, having the King marry you . . . hey, sounds fun.”

  “We aren’t going to Vegas—at least not to get married.” James leaned back against the cushions, his arm draped over Ivy’s shoulders. “Ivy says she wants traditional, so traditional it shall be.”

  Brie looked between them. “Well, whatever you choose, I think it’s great you two are getting hitched. Like I told
Madelyn weeks ago, it’s about time.”

  “What did you tell me?” Madelyn asked as she strolled up to join the group. Zack followed, taking a seat next to his wife on the opposite sofa.

  “We were just talking wedding plans,” Brie answered.

  “Mom’s in heaven,” Madelyn said. “She’s already started calling all her favorite vendors to put them on alert for the big day. If you want any peace, I’d advise picking a date soon.”

  “I know.” Ivy nodded. “She hints at me at least once an hour.”

  “Personally, I think an autumn wedding would be lovely,” Brie volunteered.

  “I do too, but I’m not sure we could get everything arranged in time for this fall,” Ivy said.

  “Then how about spring?” Madelyn suggested.

  James sat in silence and played with a strand of Ivy’s long hair.

  Zack slapped a hand on his thigh. “Hey, a bunch of your relatives are playing video games in the media room. I think I’ll go gun down a few of whatever it is they’re killing.”

  “No, you won’t.” Madelyn gave him a gentle tap. “Now, behave.”

  Zack grinned, his eyes only for her. “That’s not gonna happen. You know you’d get tired of me if I did.”

  She smiled back. “Impossible. I could never get tired of you.”

  “Ditto, baby.” He leaned in for a kiss.

  “Now I’m the one who should leave.” Brie looked at the happy couples. “Way too many happily-ever-after pheromones flying around.”

  “What you need is to find a great guy of your own,” Ivy told Brie. “What happened to Caleb?”

  “Same thing that happened to Will and Xavier. They turned out to be jerks.” Brie shrugged. “Anyway, I’m busy with my career and don’t have time to worry about finding my soul mate. Frankly, I’ve kissed so many frogs that I don’t think my prince is out there.”

  “Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure,” Zack said. “When I met Madelyn, love and marriage were the last things on my mind, but she changed all that for me. I never dreamed I’d have what I do with her now.”

  Madelyn nodded and clasped Zack’s hand, smiling.