CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Twelve Months Later
The explosion of cheers and clapping engulfed the airport parking area, ringing in Paris’s ears. Her cheeks hurt from smiling most of the morning from when the toy run convoy kicked off. Hundreds of people crowded into the area, masses spreading outward to the sidewalks leading toward the freeway. Families, children, and locals cheered as one truck after another crawled down the centre of the parking strip. Spectators stood on either side of the barriers, waving at the drivers who had their vehicles packed with donated toys. Each headed to various destination in rural areas around Geraldton. As a first trial, Paris kept it contained within a small location in Western Australia to build publicity and get additional donators next year. She even played with the idea of running a small Easter egg hunt across several towns.
A truck honked several times, and the kids exploded in excitement and hooted back at the vehicle. Oversized decorations adorned the front grills of each vehicle. Alyson’s hubby volunteered his transport business, and his brand was in full view. Lots of exposure. And going forward, she’d sell branding space on the trucks to companies. That meant she’d have money to pay the truckers but also build her own event planning business. God, just thinking those words left her jittery. A year ago, when Ziggy’s had fired her, she swore her life was over, but within a few days of reuniting with Jett, her life had changed. She’d been terrified of change, but after being forced to open her eyes and mind to what truly made her happy, there was no looking back.
Paris glanced over at the news crew from several television and radio networks filming the whole event. Yep, she’d worked her butt off to get this plugged for as much coverage as possible. Her old boss from Ziggy’s had the nerve to contact her when he got wind of her planned activity, saying he’d welcome her back after her ex-best friend got fired for making too many mistakes. She gave him a swift rejection. She might even send him a copy of the newsreel of today’s event too, in case he missed it. Yep… if she could pull this off, then nothing would stand in her way.
Strong arms clasped around her waist from behind. Jett’s musky scent filled her senses, and she leaned into his embrace.
“This is incredible,” he said, shouting above the cacophony of voices surrounding them. “I never thought it would get this huge.”
Paris turned to face him, still in his embrace. “This is just the beginning.”
He leaned toward her, his lips grazing hers. The buzz of his passion filled her as it did every time he touched her. When he broke free, he said, “I’m so proud of you, sweetie.”
As much as her cheeks ached, the smile was never leaving her face.
When someone slammed into her side, she turned to find Ace staring up at her. “Can I go in a truck?”
Paris crouched down to face him. “How about next year? Maybe the driver will let you honk the horn?” And the thought opened up the notion of adding a few transport vehicles just for a few kids to ride in. Maybe create a small Christmas party for everyone once the transport convoy headed off.
“Next year? That’ll take forever.” Ace frowned, and Paris ruffled his hair.
“Well, you’ll get to pick the truck you want to be in. No one else will get to do that.”
His eyes swelled. “Really? I want the red one. They go faster.” Ace hugged her and whispered, “Thank you for dating my daddy. He’s never grumpy or sad anymore.” He glanced up at Jett and winked at his dad before saying, “I better return to Nana, or she’ll be missing me.”
“Have fun.” She watched him weave past a few people before finding Jett’s mum. Ace was incredibly cute, and she never imagined him accepting her so quickly. She’d smashed through all her misconceptions, spent every day with Jett and Ace, and pulled off a huge toy convoy. And not a trace of the Christmas curse had shown itself.
Paris couldn’t believe she’d been transported into such a perfect life. For too long, she believed she had to be in the city, had to be with the best company, had to do it alone. But she’d been wrong.
Paris stood and met Jett’s gaze, well aware she’d never stopped loving him, she just needed an intervention from her family to break the Christmas curse and show her that second chances were possible.
“So, I was thinking,” Jett said with a smirk, drawing her away from the mass of bodies and next to one of several Christmas trees set up for the convoy. “Mum agreed to have Ace tonight. I’ve arranged a flight to Perth later this afternoon and booked us a hotel.”
“Oh, really? What’s the occasion?” It excited her that Jett set up a special getaway.
He stepped back from her and got down on one knee.
Paris’s throat tightened, and her stomach dropped to the ground. “Oh, God.”
Tears blurred her vision, and she embraced the explosion of emotions careening through her.
Jett’s gaze softened. “Paris, I’ve never stopped loving you, even when you weren’t by my side, and with each passing day, I see the beautiful person you’ve become, and I want to be a permanent part of your life. So, will you do me the honour of marrying me?”
For those few moments, the world stood still for Paris, and only her and Jett existed—the way he stared at her with the most loving eyes, his outstretched hand holding a box with the biggest diamond ring, and his words. They offered her a magical finish to the most amazing year. He was her perfect match, her soul mate, and soon-to-be husband.
With trembling hands, she accepted the ring and leaped into Jett’s arms, almost knocking him over, but he held onto her.
“Yes. Yes,” she blurted. “I want to marry you.”
Before Jett could respond, her lips were on his and tears fell down her cheeks. His passion swallowed her and carried her on clouds. That tingling sensation in her gut confirmed she was definitely on the right path. This was exactly where she was meant to be, even if it took her a while to figure it out.