“Thank you.” Doreen pressed his hand with both of hers. Could he feel her fingers trembling?
It was also the perfect time to propose. It wasn’t the day Paul had proposed, but Christmas Eve was a popular time for popping the question. Everyone knew that. A fancy restaurant on Christmas Eve? Surely Alonzo was planning to propose to her a second time. Thinking about it made her heart race. This time, when Alonzo asked her to be his wife, she would say yes.
Trinity Falls Cuisine was elegantly dressed for Christmas. A seven-foot-tall, three-foot-wide Christmas tree stood at the entrance, decorated with gold and red ornaments and pearl-white beads. Red velvet ribbons topped the mahogany wood beams that climbed the walls. Green garlands lined the rafters.
Doreen’s gaze skimmed the dining area. The restaurant was filled with couples who appeared oblivious to everything but each other. She and Alonzo were lucky to have been seated so quickly. Had he called ahead for a table? That sounded like something he’d do just to make sure the evening was perfect.
Their server arrived. The young man asked for their drink orders. They both requested unsweetened iced tea.
Doreen shoved aside the question of when he would propose and set her mind to relaxing and enjoying the evening.
She sat back on the booth’s bench, allowing their hands to separate. “There’s only a week left to this year. It’s gone by so quickly.”
“You didn’t think so at the time.” Alonzo’s twinkling eyes caressed her face.
Doreen laughed. “There were indeed times when 2014 had seemed never ending with the Sesquicentennial Celebration and the mayoral election. But we have great memories as well, times I wouldn’t change for anything.”
“Like luring you away from Leonard.” Alonzo arched a brow. “He wasn’t one of your better decisions.”
“I won’t argue with you over that.” Doreen raised both hands in surrender.
“What are you looking forward to in 2015?”
Doreen hesitated. Was this a trick question? Was he going to propose now? “I’m nervous but excited about taking office, of course. The swearing in is just eight days away, January first.”
The server returned with their iced teas, then took their orders. Doreen requested the grilled chicken breast with wild rice. Alonzo ordered the wood-fired steak and baked potato.
“I’m going to be very proud to see you sworn in.” Alonzo’s coffee eyes were warm with admiration.
Doreen took a long drink of her iced tea, then leaned into the table and reached for his hands. “Thank you for supporting me through all of this. I can’t tell you what that means to me.”
Alonzo squeezed her hand. “I believe in you, Doreen. Trinity Falls is very lucky to have you as its next mayor.”
Is this when he proposes? The silence continued.
Doreen held tightly to Alonzo’s hand. “What are you looking forward to in 2015?”
“Retiring.” Alonzo flashed his bright white grin.
Doreen laughed. “I can’t imagine you not working.”
He shrugged his broad shoulders. “Retiring doesn’t necessarily mean I won’t be working. Trinity Falls is losing its hardest-working volunteer. I’m willing to try to fill the void. I also thought you might need help with the bakery when your mayoral responsibilities demand your attention. I can cover you there, too.”
She was falling deeper in love with him. “From Jacksonville, Florida, deputy sheriff to Trinity Falls, Ohio, sheriff to bakery assistant. That’s a very versatile résumé.”
“Don’t forget community volunteer.” Alonzo shrugged again, his muscles moving smoothly under the fisherman’s crewneck sweater. “There’s nothing wrong with reinventing yourself.”
“As long as that’s what you want.” She searched his beautiful brown eyes.
“I’m looking forward to it.” His smile reassured her.
Their dinner arrived and conversation sailed through memories of 2014 and plans for 2015. The evening flew by, giving Doreen, and she hoped Alonzo, another wonderful memory to close the year.
But he still hadn’t proposed.
Later, Doreen was distracted as Alonzo drove them to her home. The evening was ending. Was he going to ask her to marry him or not?
He parked in her driveway and helped her out of his car. Alonzo escorted her to her door. He unlocked the entrance, glanced around, then let her precede him across the threshold. She’d left a light on in her living room. Even before she’d started dating the sheriff, she’d never liked returning to a dark house.