“It’s freezing out here!” Nellie called from the back porch. “You two get inside and warm up!”
Ladd took my hand and we quickly made our way back inside. Mike, Jason, and David blew out all of the candles and put out the fire while Gus and Lilith brought all the plants in that couldn’t stay out in the cold. Nellie unplugged the lights before coming in last and shutting the door.
“I’ll make the hot chocolate!” Lilith called out with David offering to help.
Ladd laced his fingers with mine and we walked back into the family room after shedding our coats. He grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around my body. “You’re shivering.”
“I didn’t even notice that I was cold. I think I’ve been running on adrenaline and happiness.”
Smiling, Ladd replied, “Same here. I didn’t even notice who brought out our coats.”
Giggling, I settled onto the sofa next to him. A fire was going in the fireplace, and the Christmas tree lights gave off a soft glow in the room. We both looked at the tree for a few moments, taking in the lovely sight and reflecting on what had just happened.
I lifted my hand and looked down at the ring. “It’s just gorgeous, Ladd.”
He took my hand in his and used his thumb to move the ring back and forth. “I knew the moment I saw it that it was the ring for you. I wasn’t even planning on buying a ring that day. I was in the jewelry shop with Gary, who was picking up something for his father to give to his mother for their anniversary, and there it was. I stared at it for so long, the guy working at the time came over and told me to just buy it already.”
I laughed. “I’ve never had anything so beautiful before.”
Lifting my hand to his mouth, he kissed it.
“Here we go,” Lilith sang as she walked into the family room, David and Gus following behind her with two trays.
“We’ve got hot water, hot chocolate, and all the fixings,” Nellie said as she walked into the room with a tray of her own.
“What a wonderful evening this is,” I sighed as I took the mug Gus handed me.
Ladd smiled. “Grams started this when we were little. Every Christmas Eve, we have our hot chocolate.”
“We slowly started adding all the extras over the years,” Nellie said as she set her tray on the coffee table. It held small bowls, each filled with something to add to the hot chocolate. Crushed candy canes, shaved chocolate, cinnamon sticks, mini marshmallows, large marshmallows, sprinkles…even shredded coconut.
“Oh my gosh,” I said as I looked over all the different hot chocolates. “I didn’t even know they had so many different versions of cocoa.”
A few people in the room chuckled as they made their own perfect versions of hot chocolate. David and Ladd got a little crazy with the whipped cream, as Lilith taught me how to make the “perfect” cup of hot chocolate. I hadn’t felt such a sense of home in a very long time, if ever.
“I know it just happened,” Nellie started to say. “But when do you think you’ll want to get married?”
“Mom!” David laughed. “It’s only been a couple of hours and you’re already asking for a date? They haven’t even been alone since he asked her.”
Ladd took my hand in his. “We’ll talk about it and see when the timing is right.”
“And the store?” Gus asked.
“Still part of the plan,” Ladd replied with a wide grin. I didn’t know how he was able to keep what was happening with the store a secret.
I cleared my throat before I spoke. “I do know I’d like one thing when it comes to the wedding.”
Suddenly, all eyes were on me.
“What’s that?” Ladd asked.
“If it’s possible, I’d love to have it here, on the ranch.”
Nellie let out a little yelp, then covered her mouth, as Lilith jumped up and fist pumped while crying out, “Yes!”
Turning to Ladd, I said, “If that’s okay with you?”
“Okay? That’s perfect, Viv.” He cleared his throat and glanced at the family before turning back at me. “Will you be letting your parents know?”
