Standing in the background on the riverbank, watching his brothers with that quiet smile he had in photos. Like he was still there with them. Like he'd never left the river.
Ben's throat worked. His eyes were bright with unshed tears.
“Charlie,” he whispered. “This is?—”
He couldn't finish. He set the drawing down carefully and pulled her into his side, his face buried in her hair.
“Thank you,” he said, his voice rough. “Thank you.”
They sat like that for a long moment. Charlie pressed against his chest, listening to his heartbeat.
Finally Ben pulled back. He wiped his eyes. “I have something for you, too.”
“Ben, you don't have to.” His fingers went automatically to the pendant at her throat. “My necklace is worth all the Christmas presents for the next hundred years.”
“I’m hoping you’ll feel differently about this one.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small wooden box—dark walnut, polished to a shine, with delicate filigree carved into the lid—the smaller twin to her necklace’s box.
Charlie's breath caught.
Ben opened the box.
Two rings sat nestled in light-blue velvet. Silver, delicate but strong, with tiny swords and filigree flowers wrapped around the bands. Small blue stones—the same color as her necklace—set into the centers of the flowers.
They were the most beautiful things Charlie had ever seen.
“I finished them the week before the avalanche,” Ben said. His voice shook slightly. “I was going to wait until Christmas morning, do this whole elaborate breakfast in bed thing, but—” He stopped. Swallowed. “I almost lost you, Charlie. And I'm done waiting.”
He slid off the couch and knelt in front of her. Then he took her good hand in both of his.
“Charlie King,” he said. “My strong princess. My lovely warrior. The bravest person I've ever known.” His eyes were bright. “Will you do this humble blacksmith the greatest honor and marry me?”
Charlie's vision blurred with tears. “Oh, Ben. Yes. God, yes.”
Ben slipped the smaller ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly. Of course it did—he'd made it for her so it was perfect.
She wiped her eyes with her free hand. “Put yours on. I want to see.”
Ben's smile was radiant as he slid the larger ring onto his own finger.
Yes. Perfect. They were absolutely perfect.
Charlie leaned forward and kissed him. Careful of her shoulder, but fierce in her certainty.
“I love you,” she whispered against his mouth.
“I love you too, Princess. Always.”
Someone knocked at the door. Flo lifted her head and gave a soft whine.
Ben pulled back with a frown. “Are you expecting anyone?”
“If I still lived in my apartment, I’d say it was Mrs. Calhoun. But this would be an awfully long walk for her.”
The knock came again, followed by singing.
“God rest ye merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay?—”
Charlie started laughing from pure joy—which hurt her ribs but she didn't care. Those were some very familiar voices. And dog howls.
