“I don’t care what she thinks. I already made up my mind. Already promised.”
Briana beams. “Best Christmas present ever,” she sighs, and flits off to change.
I stare after her.
She is, indeed.
Epilogue: Last Christmas
“You’ll never guess what I got.”
I finish putting Briana’s few books, mostly about management and wedding planning, next to mine. “I hope it’s some books. Our shelves look grossly uneven. 99% of the books in this house are mine.”
“I like movies better.”
“All movies were books first,” I grunt.
She comes over and kisses my scowl away. It’s only then that I notice that she’s holding a little pink bag from the mall, a bag withBoudoirscrawled in script on the side.
“You got yourself a Valentine’s prezzie?”
“I got us one to share.” She dangles the bag just out of reach and puts it down. “No, even better. I got a job. Personnel manager at the Fresh Market. It’s still a lot of employees, but with way less turnover. And the lady who was retiring said most people like working there. Weird.”
“Pine Ridge is full of weirdness, nice weirdness. You’ll find that out if you’re going to live here.”
“Well, a certain someone promised that I would—” Briana stops short, staring at the table I’ve laid.
“Happy Valentine’s. I remember what I promised last Christmas. And I know it’s been hard, only seeing each other a few times a month, but if you’ve got the job... Stay with me.”Never leave.
Briana walks slowly to her place setting. There’s nothing on the white plate but a simple white box.
A ring box.
“Open it.”
Her hands still shake. I come up behind her and steady them. “I’d get on my knees for you—but you know I’d just end up spoiling my dinner by eating dessert first,” I tease.
“Nigel, it’s... Oh, my God.” Briana’s mouth hangs open as she gazes at the diamond.
“They say it’s a heart shape,” I explain, taking the ring from its little pillow, arms wrapped around her to lift her hands in mine. “Will you wear this, my little Christmas present? My Valentine? My everyday delight?”
“I promise. I’ll wear it forever and never take it off—you know, except for messy stuff or if I have swollen fingers.”
We laugh together and slide the ring on.
“I have to text Leah! She’s been on Ring Watch since last Christmas!” Briana suddenly squeals.
“Okay, I can share you for a few minutes—but dinner’s ready.” I use one hand to lift the white cloth I’ve draped over the center of the table and reveal hot fudge, whipped cream, and chopped strawberries.
Briana’s eyes turn dark, and her lashes do that thing that turns me into a drooling buffoon, lost in her spell. “Give me five minutes, and we’lleat.”
“Five minutes? Promise?” I wheedle, reluctantly releasing my bride-to-be.
“Baby, I’m going to be your wife. I gotta live up to the family motto.” Briana kisses my hand and beams. “I promise—and I’ll keep it.”
I let her go with a sigh, knowing she’s going to be back. She’s not going anywhere without carrying me with her in her heart. “I know you will, love. I know.”
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