“Rogers,” she said. “Apparently my last name is Rogers.”
He grinned. “I hope it might become Gatewood.” He paused, brushing a thumb over her cheek. “Will you marry me, Willa?”
Her heart seemed to swell until it was overflowing. “Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you.”
And with that, he closed the distance between them. When his lips brushed against hers, Willa clutched his arms, wishing he’d never let go. All her life, she’d been searching for home, and now she’d found it. It was with Nick, here in Creede. He held her gently and deepened the kiss, as the musical strains from somewhere down the street changed to “Silent Night.” It didn’t matter that they stood out here on the street. She didn’t care who saw them. It was almost Christmas, and Willa had just received the greatest gift she could have ever imagined.
When Nick finally pulled away, he caught her gaze and smiled. He tucked her against him, and together they stood outside the hotel, the snow falling softly about them, the stars bright in the sky, and the spirit of Christmas filling Willa’s heart to the brim.
She was home.
Epilogue
CHRISTMAS DAY WAS Ajoyful occasion at the Creede Hotel. Dr. Rousseau—or Mr. Rogers, but Nick was having a difficult time thinking of him differently—was in good spirits, seemingly on his way to recovery. Leroy provided jolly music in the hotel’s dining room for all that afternoon. Amos played Father Christmas, handing out gifts among their small family. Nick treasured the little hand-carved box Willa gave him. And Willa glowed with the joy of the holiday, and, Nick hoped, their impending wedding.
They’d made the announcement first thing that morning. Dr. Rousseau gave Nick his blessing, and both Leroy and Amos—as they’d insisted Nick call them—offered their congratulations. Although Leroy had not too subtly reminded Nick of his shooting abilities should he falter in his duties as a husband.
He and Willa planned to marry on New Year’s Day. What better day to begin their lives together, Willa had said, and Nick agreed. For now, he took delight in holding her hand, stealing a kiss here and there, and making plans for the future. She’d readily agreed that she wanted to remain in Creede, but his next suggestion had taken some convincing.
“I’d like to open a practice here, to help JT,” he’d said over Christmas pudding in the dining room that evening. Dr. Rousseau had insisted he felt well enough to come downstairs, and now he, Leroy, and Amos were having a lively conversation beside them, but Nick and Willa had kept catching each other’s eyes, and he supposed now was as good a time as any to propose his idea.
“I think that’s a wonderful idea.” Willa’s eyes seemed to glow with hope and joy, as they had the entire day.
He set his fork down. “And I’d like you to help me, as a nurse.”
Willa swallowed the bite she’d placed in her mouth. “But I’m not a nurse.”
“I know. I’ll train you. And I’m certain JT’s nurse will help you learn, too.”
“I . . . Well, I’d never thought of it. What if I do something wrong? Nick, what if I hurt someone?” Her face fell as he assumed she was imagining the worst.
“You needn’t fear that. I’ll be there.”
She bit her lip. “What if I’m terrible at it?”
Nick laughed. “I believe that’s impossible. I’ve seen you with your father and with Amos, when he was hurt. You have quite the gift for nursing, Willa.”
