“It’s done, Dusty. And you will live here.”
Dusty nodded. “This might just put a dampener on my gift to you, Blaise.”
“Not possible.” He grinned at her.
She put her hand on his arm. “I’ve made a decision.” She looked directly into his eyes, seeing a flash of worry. “I want you to move in with me.”
Blaise jumped up and fist punched the air in his excitement.
“About time,” said Claire.
Blaise leaned down and planted a long kiss on Dusty’s lips. “No dampener at all, and it’s the best gift you could ever give me.”
Dusty breathed a sigh of relief. “Good.”
“Since we’re giving out gifts,” said Blaise. He slipped out of the kitchen and came back holding a small white gift box. “Merry Christmas, Dusty.” He handed her the gift.
Her heart skipped as she took the small box, undid the golden bow, and lifted the lid. She smiled. Inside was a double gum nut, sprayed golden, with twisted wire around the top to form a loop so it could be hung on the tree.
“You listened to me,” she spoke softly.
“Of course.” He grinned at her.
“This will be the perfect addition to the Christmas tree.” She looked at him, kissed him, feeling his heart joining with hers.
“The first of many.” His eyes glowed with hope.
“Yes, the first of many,” she answered him back with a certainty she never knew she had.
“Does this mean I can tell my friends over our coffee catch-up next week that you’re both engaged?” asked Claire.
“Mom, you’re—”
“Fine with me,” Blaise interrupted. “Dusty? Will you marry me?”
Dusty giggled. Paused. Looked into his eyes again and felt herself melting with him. It was natural with him. A bit rocky at times, but hell, she never took the easy, smooth road. His look fueled a fire of passion within her.
There was only one answer to speak.
“Yes.”
Dusty and Blaise relaxed together, the two of them on the couch listening to carols play from the stereo.
Dusty sighed happily. This was the content feeling she’d been hoping for with the crops safely reaped and delivered, and now spending time with Blaise. It had been a long job, but a job well done. She was exhausted, and her body ached. But it didn’t matter. The feeling of love with Blaise and the satisfaction of a job well done more than made up for it.
She nestled into him, holding him close, enjoying the flicker of the Christmas lights in the room. Her gift from Blaise, a double gum nut, catching her eye and causing her to smile.
“You do know I’m missing the ring on my finger,” she teased.
“You do know I wasn’t at all planning to propose to you tonight. I didn’t want to rush you.”
“I’ve been a bit cautious.”
“We’re on track together now.” He squeezed her tight.
“We are.” She didn’t care about the ring so much because everything felt right to her. That was what really mattered.
Dusty realized it was just past midnight.
