One of the dogs makes a slight whimper, and I nod. “I agree. You guys are totally right. Tell you what, we’re going to eat the evidence before she can see it.”
My palms are so sweaty, and the ring box in my pocket feels like it weighs a hundred pounds. I’ve never wanted anything more than for Holly to say yes to me. Yes to building a life together, yes to starting a family, yes to spending the rest of her days in this cabin right here with me.
“Oh, you made pizza,” Holly says excitedly from the doorway.
She’s blinking awake, and suddenly, I freeze. There’s no more time left. I can’t eat the evidence. But maybe if I nudge it with a spatula, she won’t be able to see my original plan. She deserves so much more than something lame like this. She deserves roses and an over-the-top gesture.
Before I can destroy the evidence, Holly crosses the room and stares down at the pizza. Her eyes tear up, and this is when I know that my proposal is the worst one in history.
It’s probably going to end up on the internet. I’ll be famous as that guy who was too much of a chicken shit to propose the proper way. No, I won’t let that happen. This day will be memorable for her. I just have to say the words.
With every bit of courage I can muster, I drop to one knee and pull the ring out of my pocket.
“Holly, you’ve made me the happiest mountain man on earth. When you stumbled into my life, you filled it with warmth, happiness, and love. I want to build a life with you and raise a family together. You are my perfect Christmas gift, and I love you. Will you marry me?”
She drops to her knees beside me, her gaze still filled with tears. She throws her arms around my neck. “Yes! Yes, I love you so much!”
My lips find hers, kissing her with all the passion and nervous energy that’s built up all day. I can’t believe this beautiful woman just promised to be mine. Can’t believe I’m going to get to call her wife and growl at anyone who comes too near her for the rest of time.
She beams at me. “This was the perfect proposal. You know why?”
“Why?” I ask, my nerves fading now that I know she didn’t hate it.
“Because you’ve stolen a piece of my heart,” she says then bursts into giggles.
I chuckle, so happy I could burst. This woman is perfect for me, and we spend the rest of the day celebrating our new engagement on every flat surface in the cabin. It’s the perfect way to start our forever.
Epilogue Two
Holly
I wake up and reach for Hunter, disappointed to find his side of the bed empty already. But then I remember that he didn’t sleep next to me last night. He stayed with Ford at my insistence.
We’re getting married today, and I wanted our first night together as husband and wife to be special.
Despite my excitement for today, I still have to force myself from bed. I’ve been so exhausted for the last three weeks. I think I might be coming down with something or maybe it’s just all the wedding planning.
I was pretty sure that I had the flu earlier this week, but I didn’t tell Hunter. I didn’t want him to worry or worse, overreact and cancel our wedding. It’d be just like him to rush me to the hospital in fear.
But today’s date is extra special. It’s the year anniversary of the exact day we met, so I figure it has to be a lucky day for both of us.
The doorbell rings just as I’m stepping out of the shower. I hurry to answer it, checking the peephole before I pull open the door. I wouldn’t put it past Hunter to show up and insist on helping me get ready. The man is always underfoot.
But to my surprise, it’s not Hunter on the porch. It’s Joy. She bustles into the cabin, followed by my mom and Emma May, who has so sweetly accepted me. The three of them start excitedly chattering, but I’m still half awake.
“Give me a moment,” I tell the crew, thankful that I’m wrapped in only my towel. It gives me an excuse to be alone for a moment longer.
In my bedroom, I wrap Hunter’s flannel robe around my curvy frame. I love the way it smells like him, and the thought has me unexpectedly tearing up for no reason.
Joy knocks and enters without waiting for me to say anything. She takes one look at my face and frowns. “What’s wrong? Do you want to call off the wedding? It’s OK if you do. Hunter will understand. We all love you and want what’s best for you.”
“No, I’m happy. I’m so happy.” I tell her, sniffing. “I don’t know what’s gotten into me lately. Everything is perfect, and sometimes, I just start crying.”
An odd expression crosses Joy’s face.
“What is it?” I finally ask.
“It’s probably nothing, but have you missed a period lately?”
