Free Christmas Diamonds by Devon Vaughn Archer

the aisle, I most surely want to do it for my granddaughter.”
    It saddened Paula to think that her mother and Isa never had the type of relationship they deserved. The same was true where it concerned Paula and her mother. She would never want to deprive her grandmother of witnessing her marriage, which Paula hoped would happen while Isa was still alive.
    Paula got up from the couch and hugged her. “I promise when that day comes, it won’t be an elopement. I want all the trimmings of a big wedding, with my favorite grandmother sharing in every bit of the joy.”
    “Thank you for that.” Tears welled in Isabelle’s eyes. “I only want you to be happy.”
    Paula beamed at her grandmother. “You make me happy.”
    “A good man can make you happier.” Isabelle took a breath. “Maybe you should invite Chase over so I can get to know him.”
    “ I need to get to know him first,” cautioned Paula. “It’s important to me that we take our time to get comfortable with each other. Then I’ll let you meet him.”
    Isabelle’s eyes twinkled. “Fair enough. I don’t want you to rush into anything. Heaven knows how that can backfire.”

    Paula bit her lip, thinking about putting nearly everything she had into her past relationships only to see them fall flat. If it was her destiny to be with Chase, she wouldn’t force the issue. Something told her he was of the same mind. Paula thought about the sexual chemistry between them that had deepened when they kissed. She doubted any amount of reason could slow down the inevitable and spontaneous passions they seemed headed toward like a pair of runaway freight trains.
     
    “It was just a kiss,” Chase said, standing over the pool table in his father’s recreation room. In truth, he saw it as much more. Paula was a good kisser, and he believed she was just as into their lips smooching as he was.
    “Uh-huh.” Sylvester studied his son. “Remember, you’re talking to your father.”
    Chase grinned, deciding he might as well come clean. “All right, so it did mean something. I’m just not sure what it meant yet.”
    “I can fill in the blank,” his father said astutely. “It means you’re finally becoming human again instead of going through the motions as a man caught up in what was.”
    Chase put his cue stick on the table and sized up his next shot. “It hasn’t been easy being on my own,” he said truthfully.
    “I know it hasn’t. That’s why I’m glad to see you are moving beyond a few dates with women who do little for you, other than provide eye candy, and taking concrete steps toward having a true lady in your life again.” Sylvester rubbed his nose. “Especially this particular lady.”
    Chase called the shot, watching the ball hit a wall and roll into the pocket. “So what’s up with you and Paula?” he asked suspiciously, as though the two were conspiring behind his back. “Is there something that I should know about?”
    Sylvester shot quickly then chuckled. “Only that I have a fine eye for the lady I think would be great with my son. Never mind the fact she’s also a damned good interior decorator with her own business.”

    “Did you ever tell Paula anything about me?” Chase asked curiously, wondering if she’d had an edge in seemingly hitting all the right marks to capture his attention.
    Sylvester’s right brow rose. “Such as?”
    “That I’m a wealthy and lonely widower?”
    “I didn’t tell her anything, other than you were looking for an interior decorator.” Sylvester ran his hand over his mouth. “If you’re wondering if she might be after your money, think again. From what I know, she’s got a thriving business. One of our biggest customers recommended her to redo this very room. That’s why I gave you the scoop. It was totally up to you to contact her, which you did. As for the lonely part, you don’t have a monopoly on that, son. Are you having second thoughts about Paula all of a sudden?”
    “No,” Chase