While the tree lighting ceremony was well attended last year, there’s probably double the amount of people this year. I’m not saying it’s because of me. But once Parker had the resources to hire someone to deal with the financial aspect of running this place, it allowed her to do what she does best. Interact with all the guests and make sure their experience here is as enjoyable as possible.
Although, I’m lucky to say I’m the only one who gets to enjoy the elite package.
And I’ve enjoyed every second of it since I checked back in last December.
And I hope to enjoy it for many years to come.
The choir on the stage serenades the crowd with ana cappellarendition of “O Christmas Tree”, and Parker and I remain off to the side, taking it all in. Once they finish to enthusiastic applause, I place my hand on the small of her back, leading her up the stairs and to the center of the stage.
As she steps up to the microphone, I stand back, allowing her to have this moment. I didn’t even want to be up here. Didn’t want to steal her spotlight. But she insisted, claimed none of this would have been possible without me. That I’m a part of Holley Ridge now.
“Thank you so much for being here tonight,” she begins, her voice carrying over the crowd. “Last year, as I stood in front of all of you, I worried it would be the last time I’d ever be able to do this. But thanks to my very own Grinch who saved Christmas…” She glances my way with a brilliant smile that melts my heart over again, “we’re still here this year. And it’s my hope we’ll all be able to gather every year going forward as all our families grow and we welcome more people to this place that will always hold a special place in my heart.
“But you’re not here to listen to me talk. You’re here to be the first to see our tree decked out. So without further ado, I give you the Holley Ridge Christmas tree.”
She’s about to flip the switch to illuminate the tree, but pauses, motioning me over. “You do it.”
“Me?”
“None of us would be here if it weren’t for you. You deserve this.”
I give her a small smile as I walk toward her, touching a soft kiss to her forehead.
When I flick the switch, thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the majestic Norway spruce, stretching from the base all the way to the top where an oversized star glows. The crowd claps enthusiastically as the choir breaks into “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”.
“This is my favorite part,” Parker murmurs.
But she’s not looking at the tree.
Instead, her attention is focused on all the people assembled. Parents hug children. Couples share a warm embrace. Even brothers and sisters stop roughhousing for a few seconds to admire the tree.
“It’s incredible.” I face her, cupping her cheeks. “You’reincredible. Thank you.”
“Why are you thanking me?” She laughs. “You’re the one who was up in the cherry picker earlier in the week decorating that tree.Ishould be thankingyou.”
“Not that. For letting me be a part of this. And not just tonight, but last year, too. It’s been the best year of my life.” I curve toward her. “All because of you.”
She sighs. “This has been the best year of my life, too. All because of you.”
“Then what do you say we keep having the best years? For the rest of our lives. Together. Officially.”
She tilts her head. “Officially?”
Before she can utter another syllable, I drop to one knee.
A hush falls over the crowd as I reach into my pocket and remove a small velvet box, displaying a sparkling diamond ring.
The old Callum never would have done something like this in public. Hell, I never would have expressed my feelings like I do around Parker. I doubt I would have even entertained the notion of taking this next step with someone, not wanting to endure what I did with Sadie. It wasn’t worth the risk.
But Parker’s worth every risk. This past year has taught me that.
“Parker Ellen Holley, before I met you, I’d given up on love. Happiness. Family. While our beginning certainly wasn’t the stuff of fairy tales, I couldn’t imagine going through life with anyone else by my side. You make me a better person. A less grumpy person.”
She laughs, swiping the few tears that have escaped.
“Because of you, I’ve started to see the good in life again. With every laugh, every smile, every heartbeat, you’ve shown me the beauty in this world. Made me believe in miracles. And I’d be honored if you’d spend the rest of your days continuing to show me that miracles can happen, even when you’ve given up on hope. So please. Be my wife. Let me be your husband. Be my family.”
She stares at me for what feels like an eternity, her lips parting as she shakes her head. Then she yanks me to my feet, cupping my face.
