“I can’t help but think God orchestrated it this way, so they could share this moment with us.”
“Me too.” His smile never left as he navigated the snowy roads. “Maybe next Christmas, we can host the family dinner in our home.”
“I’d love that.” She paused and pursed her lips before giggling. “I don’t even know why I’m laughing, other than I’m so happy.”
“Nothing wrong with that.” He’d hold one of her hands if he didn’t need them both on the steering wheel.
“I can’t believe I get to live in the house I’ve always admired driving back and forth to Farthington,” she said. “The stone will make the perfect backdrop for fresh evergreen wreaths.”
He listened to her talk, letting her excitement fill his heart with pure contentment. “The house is more evidence of God working in our relationship. I had no idea you even knew which house it was, let alone that you’d thought of buying it as well.”
“I love my cabin, but I want the freedom to do what I want, like get a cat.” She smirked. “Can I adopt a kitten?”
“You can even get two.” He cast a wink. “If I can get a dog.”
“It’s a deal.”
When he reached his parent’s driveway, his chest constricted. He knew the exact moment Phoebe saw what he did.
She let out a low whooshing sound. “I told you she might come back.”
“Maybe there’s another reason for a limo to be sitting in my parents’ driveway.”
“Sure, and Santa’s stuck in the chimney.”
He erupted into laughter. “We’ll just send her on her way and continue on with our celebration. She can’t ruin anything unless we give her the power.”
Parking to the side of the driveway, he took a deep breath. He’d witnessed Deena’s vitriol firsthand when she’d experienced his rejection. Would she act out again tonight? “Can we pray before we go in?”
Phoebe nodded.
Closing his hands over hers, Mac prayed for Deena to be reasonable, to find the Truth, and for blessings on his and Phoebe’s engagement and marriage. Peace settled in his soul, and he and Phoebe walked inside to face Deena.
His mom greeted him at the door with an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry. I tried to send her away, but she broke down in tears and insisted on waiting for you.”
“It’s okay, Mom. We’ll take care of it.”
“I started to worry when you took so long getting—” His mom stopped mid-sentence and covered her mouth while staring at Phoebe’s hand. “Now I see why. Congratulations.” She pulled Phoebe into a hug. “I always knew I’d have you as a daughter and couldn’t have picked a better choice for my son.”
“Thank you.” Phoebe returned her hug.
“Don’t say anything yet, Mom. We want to announce to everyone at the same time, but we have to take care of Deena first.”
“What are you going to do?” Unease creased the corners of Mom’s eyes.
“Tell her the truth.” Calmness that could only come from above filled him. He wove his fingers with Phoebe’s and marched to the family room.
Deena jumped from the sofa with Lynz at her side. “Can we talk privately, please?”
He shook his head. “Anything you have to say can be said in front of everyone here.”
She faltered. “I wanted to apologize for how I treated you and ask for a second chance.”
“Apology accepted, but there’s no second chance.” He squeezed Phoebe’s hand. “We’re not compatible, Deena, and I love Phoebe.”
Deena looked down her nose. “She’s a rebound.”
He bit his cheek to prevent words from slipping out that he’d need to apologize for. “I’ve loved Phoebe for most of my life, and she’s agreed to marry me. I’m sorry you’ve wasted your time on Christmas to come here, but I’ll have to ask you to leave.”
