Life can change in a millisecond. Loving Belen was the easiest decision I’d ever made because anyone who met her was instantly drawn to her. Clearing my throat, I said, “Belen–”
“Yes,” she exclaimed. I hadn’t even dropped to one knee.
“Hold on.” I demanded as a single tear cascading down her face. I knew she could anticipate what I was about to ask her. But I wanted her to hear all the reasons why I was asking her.
“I could never have imagined how my life would change in the course of a year. I took a Santa Claus job out of curiosity. I’d be the first to admit working at the mall was probably the oddest thing I did during my micro retirement. But when I bumped into you at the tree, I knew I was exactly where I needed to be. You love me in a way I didn’t know was possible. In a way I didn’t even know I needed. You and our home are my safe place. When I walk across the threshold, nothing else matters but us …” I turned to her sister. “And Celeste.” She rewarded me with a huge smile.
“Now we are taking our family to the next level. And there is no one I want to raise a little human with but you. So in front of Celeste, my annoying siblings, my mom and dad, and peanut in there, Belen Goodwin …” I loved the way her face brightened as if she was itching to respond. The fact that this woman couldn’t wait to be my wife made me love her even more. “Will you marry me and spend this Christmas and every Christmas thereafter making me the luckiest bastard in the world?”
She nodded vigorously before confirming her intent in words. “Yes, of course.”
“Where’s the ring? You have to give her a ring, those are the rules,” Celeste said, always looking out for her sister.
“Thanks, I almost forgot.” I winked at Celeste. Fishing into my pocket, I pulled out a small red box, unlatching it to reveal the exact ring Belen swooned over months ago when we went looking for rings for fun one rainy afternoon. I slipped the ring on her finger and Belen lifted her hand in the air to show off her new adornment.
“Congratulations,” Rayna said.
“Listen Belen, I know there was a lot of pressure to say yes, but just blink twice and I can get you out of here,” Matt joked.
“Does Matt come with this proposal?” Belen asked.
“I’m afraid so. He’s family now.” I shrugged.
“Don’t do me like that Belen, you know you love me.”
“I do. You’re my sixth favorite Kringle behind Uncle Rus.”
“Ouch.” Matt placed his hand over his chest, pretending to be wounded.
My father stood and clapped his hands. “Okay it’s time to get dressed for the annual snowball fight. You know the rules, pick your teams wisely.” The living room cleared out as everyone went to their respective rooms to change into warmer clothes. But Belen remained on the couch, examining her ring.
“Did I do good?” I asked, taking a seat next to her.
“You did great.”
“I meant every word. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Well, if you keep playing your cards right, you’ll never have to find out.”
“Hopefully this Christmas ranks high on your Christmas past list.”
“This may be the best Christmas ever.”
“Don’t speak too soon. We still have a snowball fight and you have a weak arm.”
Belen playfully shoved me. “No, I do not.”
I cringed in disagreement.
“I love that our baby is going to be supported and doted on by your family.”
“Our family. And we are going to teach this kid all the Goodwin and Kringle holiday traditions.”
“I wish my folks were here to share my happiness. But I know they would be so proud of me, Celeste, and you.”
“Me?”
“Yep, my parents would’ve loved you.” Belen slipped her hand in mine. “Merry Christmas Mr. Kringle.”
