Page 80 of Minted
“Such an obnoxious color.”
He leans over and presses a kiss to my cheek. “I’m an obnoxious guy, in case you hadn’t noticed. But you wish me a Merry Christmas anyway.”
I laugh, because he’s saying that I love him anyway.
And I do.
“Don’t worry. When they told me that Land Rovers were buy one, get a Range Rover free, I told them I needed bright yellow for you.”
“What?” I look around, frantically, and there’s not a Red Land Rover in sight.
But there is a bright, electric blue Range Rover. And when I press the unlock button, the lights on it flash. “You’re kidding.”
“About the buy one get one free?” He sighs and nods. “Sadly, yes. I had to pay full price.”
I can’t help smiling. “Bentley, this is not a normal birthday present.”
“Well, that’s fine. I’m not a normal guy, and you, my dear, are not a normal girl. You’re my birthday girl.”
I should tell him no.
I know that I should turn him down, but instead, I’m beaming the whole way to the school where I pick up the girls, glancing back at where Bentley’s following me the entire way. When they get in the car, the girls are nearly as giddy as I am about it. They must take a dozen photos each of the inside on our way back to the apartment.
“Bentley’s amazing,” Ricki says. “I mean, this car is just. . .” She shakes her head.
“Why does it smell so good?” Nikki asks. “Like, what is that?”
“It’s new car smell, dummy,” Ricki says.
“I think it’s the leather,” I say, still a little in awe myself.
“I’m glad you took the present,” Nikki says. “Knowing you, I’d have thought you’d turn him down.”
“I considered it,” I admit, “but he seemed so happy about it. And I was thinking, it’s probably not too bad to take a car from someone. . .when you’re planning to marry them.”
Ricki squeals first.
But Nikki’s not far behind.
“You’re going to propose?” Ricki asks.
“Finally,” Nikki says.
“It is about time,” Ricki says. “How are you going to do it?”
“I was thinking maybe you girls would have some ideas,” I say. “Not to put it off on you, but I’d like you to be involved if you want. After all. . .”
“He’ll be our dad,” Ricki says, and she’s smiling.
“He’s the nicest guy ever,” Nikki says. “And you already turned him down, so the proposal needs to be really good.”
“What about Valentine’s Day?” Ricki asks. “Since he proposed on Christmas?”
“That’s in two days,” I say. “It’s a little quick.”
“Well, it’s not our fault you took forever to decide.”
“Forever?” I laugh. “It’s been less than seven weeks.”
