He lifted his gaze to meet Mr. Winston’s. “Is there any ordinance that two companies can’t share a building?”
“No. It’s all perfectly legal.” A knowing grin surfaced on the old man’s weathered face. “In fact, I can think of many benefits to setting up like that.”
“And I’m free to lease out part of it at any rate I ask?”
“Absolutely.”
Joyful relief spread through him. A season of hope, indeed. “Can you do me a favor? Will you draw up a new lease, identical to the one my uncle offered, including the provision for my studio also being located there.”
A satisfied Mr. Winston nodded. “You can pick it up this afternoon.”
“Thank you for your help.” He jumped to his feet. “I’m sure I’ll have twenty more questions before the day ends, but I need to find Cora.”
He ran from the office, as fast as his feet allowed, and jumped into the driver’s seat. His mind spun with a dozen ideas, all related to Cora. Traffic was at a near standstill. Growing antsy, he took a detour and drove behind Main Street, parked several blocks away. Even with walking further, he’d get there quicker than trying to navigate last minute holiday shoppers.
Taking off in a sprint again, he ran to Mistletoe Mercantile and threw open the door. Unaware of anyone else, he went straight to Cora.
“I figured it out.” The words shot from his mouth in rapid succession. “The solution, it’s been here this whole time.”
Her eyes widened at his sudden appearance. “What do you mean?”
“This building is big enough for both of us. You’re not utilizing most of the room upstairs, and I can turn that into my studio. I have a little money set aside that I can have a separate entrance added.” He slowed down to catch his breath. “Mistletoe Mercantile is staying right here. My lawyer is drafting a new lease agreement for you as we speak.”
Her jaw dropped, and it took a second for her to recover. “Are you serious?”
“Completely.” He reached out and pulled her into an embrace. “I told you I’d find a way, and with the help of Uncle Frank I did.”
“I don’t understand.” She blinked twice. “I want to, but how did all this happen?”
“Let’s just say my uncle was a romantic at heart.” One day soon he’d show her the letter.
“You’ll really be satisfied only having the top floor?”
He frowned, not understanding her reticence. “Unless you don’t want me there.”
“I do, but this all seems too good to be true.”
“Believe it, sweetheart. Aren’t you the one who said this is the season of hope? We prayed, and God gave us an incredible answer by way of Frank.” He tipped her chin. “My uncle wanted me to follow my dreams, only I didn’t know when I came here that you were a large part of that dream.”
“I’d be honored to share this building with you. Thank you doesn’t seem adequate but thank you.” She raised her arms and locked them behind his neck. Lifting her head, she planted a kiss on his lips.
His voice dropped to a hoarse whisper. “A few more of those might suffice.”
She giggled softly and leaned in for another kiss. “Here’s one.”
“I was thinking a few more every day for the rest of our lives.” He slid his hand up her face and cradled her cheek in his palm.
“Are you proposing, Mr. Newton?” Her airy question tickled his mouth, leaving him longing for another kiss.
“Yes, I am.” He dropped to one knee and held her hands in his. He’d planned to propose on Christmas Eve, after his mom had given him his grandmother’s ring, but he didn’t want to wait. “I love you, and I’ve spent thirty-one years without you but can’t imagine another day without you by my side. Will you marry me, Cora Mullikan, and be my wife and best friend.”
“Yes, yes, yes.”
He stood and hugged her tightly, whispered in her ear. “I have a ring, but it’s in transport.”
“All I need is you.”
Applause erupted through out the store. He’d been so intent on his mission that he hadn’t thought about anything else, hadn’t notice the swarms of customers who’d since circled around them.
