“Unless they’re about to commit a crime you need to report, don’t let it bother you.” He regretted his joke when he saw a tear in Phoebe’s eye. “They aren’t really planning a crime, are they?”
“No, but Deena isn’t a good person, Mac.” The story as Phoebe had heard it spilled out.
“So she used me as an attempt to repair her reputation?”
“That’s how it seemed.” Her forehead wrinkled. “I’ve been struggling to know if I should tell you or not. I didn’t want to hurt your feelings.”
The contrast between Phoebe and Deena glared at him. How could he have been dumb enough to waste his time with Deena, even before knowing he’d been used? “It’s okay.”
“I’m sorry.”
A slow smile crawled across his mouth. “I’m not. Deena’s opinion and actions don’t bother me, but I am grateful for her.”
Phoebe tilted her head and studied him. “That’s an odd statement.”
“If not for her, how much longer would we have avoided being honest with each other? We probably wouldn’t be sitting here tonight if not for Deena.”
“I hadn’t thought about it in those terms, but you’re right.” She twisted her hands from his. “There’s one more thing. I didn’t hear the rest of the conversation, but there’s a chance she might come back to you, apologize for her behavior, and try to win you back.”
“I doubt that. Deena doesn’t strike me as the type to grovel.”
“If it benefits her, she will.”
He shrugged it off. “Either way, it wouldn’t make a difference. She could never compete with you.”
The moon peeked through a cloud, giving enough light to see shades of pink creeping up her neck. “Thank you.”
“I mean it.” Overwhelmed with love for her, Mac couldn’t keep it to himself. He took a strand of her glossy brown hair and wound it around a finger. “You’re smart, hardworking, innovative, creative, honest, selfless, generous, and beautiful. You do for others and expect nothing in return, and you look for ways to bring smiles. You’re dedicated to your family and faith, and you don’t look to tangible goods to bring you joy.” He unwound the tress and trailed a finger along her cheek. “You’re the whole package, Phoebe Graff, and that’s why I love you.”
A contented sigh glided off her lips, and she leaned into him. “I’ve dreamed of hearing you say that. I love you too.”
“I’ll say it often, every day for the rest of our lives if you’d like.”
Her eyes glimmered with happiness. “Is that a promise?”
Palpitations made his heart beat at an uneven rate. He hadn’t planned to do this until later, but the moment had presented itself.
He reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a small box. “Yes, it is.”
Phoebe gasped and blinked. Opened her mouth to speak, then closed it.
“Our relationship is new, but we’ve been working toward this all our lives. You know me better than anyone in this world and still love me as I am. I know without any doubt that you are the woman God gifted to me to be my mate to share this crazy life with. Phoebe, will you marry me?”
Her voice shook, and her eyes filled with tears. “Yes, Mac. Absolutely yes.”
He removed the ring from the box and slipped it on her finger. The small diamond was all that could detract from this perfect moment. “I’m sorry it’s not fancier. One day I’ll replace it with the diamond you deserve.”
She pressed a palm against his heart. “This one is perfect. I’ll wear it proudly to symbolize my love and dedication to you.”
He kissed her forehead. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” She looked out the window. “And I love this moment, but we should leave unless we want to be stranded in the church parking lot all night.”
He watched the snow fall harder than it had all day. “Considering our history with snowstorms, you’re right.”
“Can we tell our families right away?” She held her hand out and admired the ring. “I don’t want to hide our engagement and have to take off the ring.”
“Yes, we’ll tell them when we first get there.” Any insecurities he’d had about the ring disappeared. He should have had more faith in Phoebe, known she wouldn’t care. “I can’t believe both of our families are together. Even Faith is home this Christmas.”
