He still looked confused.
“Pitch that into the fire. I don’t need to know what it says. I’m staying here, at the inn. With you. If you’ll have me. I love you, Owen Rose. More than any job or any other person. You are my life, my heart. I’ll be happy wherever you are. I’ll be happy as long as I’m with you.”
She threw her arms around him and kissed him on the mouth. She poured every bit of her love and passion into the kiss. She used her lips to say everything her heart felt, everything her mind couldn’t put into words.
He stepped out of her arms and looked down at her, his puzzled expression slowly morphed to a smile. “Are you sure? You won’t regret this?” He waved the envelope. “You could be giving up a lot.”
“I’m giving up stress, a long commute, a hectic life, and loneliness. I’m gaining the inn, my aunt, my family and friends. But most of all, I’m gaining love, and you. You are all that matters. I’ve got everything if I have you!” She wanted to shout it to the world.
She raced up the stairs and leaned over the railing that overlooked the common area. She grasped the railing between her hands and shouted, “I love Owen Rose. I want to marry Owen Rose, and I want to spend the rest of my life with him. Here, there, anywhere. It doesn’t matter as long as we’re together.”
“About dang time,” Carrie muttered from down the hallway near the guest rooms.
♥♥♥
LAUGHING, RILL RANdownstairs and threw herself into Owen’s arms, jumping up to wrap her legs around his waist. He staggered under the assault but kept to his feet. “Will you marry me, Owen? Will you be my husband and father my children?”
“Yes, Amaryllis North, I will marry you. If you want to keep your job, I’ll move to be with you.” Glee washed over him.
Her brow wrinkled and she dropped out of his arms. “What? I’m staying here. With you.”
“You didn’t open the letter.” Until she read what was inside, he wouldn’t be certain she wasn’t rushing things. “You should read it before you make any decisions.”
She snatched it out of his hands and moved to toss it in the fireplace for the second time. She looked at him and then down at the envelope. “Knowing what’s inside here won’t change my mind, you know.”
He nodded. “I think you should know what it says. Knowing removes all doubt going forward.” He prayed whatever was inside didn’t alter her decision. He was certain of his love, but a flicker of doubt lingered about hers.
She tore the envelope open. “Ms. North,” she read. “I am writing to congratulate you on having your probation period revoked. In recent weeks it has become apparent that this office benefits greatly from your presence. I would like to offer you permanent, full-time work with Splitz Clothing.” She looked up at Owen. “Wow. I didn’t expect that.”
She looked down at the paper in her hand and walked past him. This time, the missive hit the flames. “I don’t even care. I decided, beyond doubt, that this is my life. You are my life and my world.”
“Thank God!” He scooped her up and spun her in a wide circle. “I love you, Rill. Will you marry me?”
She made a tsking sound. “No way, Mr. Rose. I asked you first.” She planted small kisses all over his face, erasing the last vestiges of his doubt.
“Yes, I will marry you.” He set her back on her feet and reached into his pocket and pulled out a deep blue velvet-covered box. He dropped to one knee, flipped the box open, and held it up to her. “Now that I’ve agreed, will you marry me?” he asked.
“Yes, yes, a million times yes!”
“Congratulations, you two. See, Fern, I told you they’d fall in love.”
Owen and Rill turned toward the voice. Ophelia and Fern stood in the doorway. Fern was tanned and looked very healthy. “What are you doing here?” Owen and Rill asked in unison.
“We came home for Christmas. Fern still has six months of treatment, then we’re going to travel the world together while you two run the inn.” Ophelia rushed to embrace them both. “I knew you two were meant for each other, you just needed to be pushed together, and Fern’s journey allowed me to do that.”
“We are meant for each other, aren’t we?” Rill smiled up at Owen.
“Yeah, we are.” He leaned past her aunt and brushed his lips across Rill’s.
“None, of that,” Rill laughed. “I want a proper kiss.”
“If you insist.” He stepped out of the group embrace and whirled her into his arms, stealing her breath. His lips brushed hers, once, twice, and again. His hands tangled in her hair, and he tipped her backward kissing her like the hero in a sexy romantic movie.
This man, Owen Rose, was her Christmas miracle. He kissed her again, deeper, filled with love and passion. Fireworks exploded behind her eyelids and sleigh bells rang in her ears. It took her several long moments to realize the radio was playingCarol of the Bells.
♥♥♥
