Page 36

“This is nice,” she murmurs. “I needed some quiet time.”

I stroke my fingers through her hair as I watch the snow fall on the other side of the window. Up here, it’s quieter. There’s a Christmas tree in the corner and it’s decorated with nautical-themed items. It’s cute and matches the whole vibe at The Icehouse.

Someone turns the Christmas music up louder downstairs and we both chuckle. The songs are familiar classics. I find myself humming along to some parts.

“We should go back down and help them,” Sandy says, but makes no moves to get out of my lap.

“Or we could pretend we got lost. They probably don’t even miss us.”

I think we both actually doze off because much later, Silas clears his throat from the stairwell.

“You two should go ahead and get out of here,” he says. “The rest is easy stuff. Enjoy your night.”

After we thank him and a few stragglers downstairs, I walk Sandy to my car. Earlier, Janey left with Amos since he was falling asleep in his wheelchair. So, I just have to worry about getting her home.

“Let’s go to our spot,” she murmurs with a yawn from the passenger seat. “Though, we might get run off again.”

I don’t tell her I already spoke to security and that won’t be happening again.

“Sure you won’t fall asleep?”

She laughs. “Nope.”

“I could just take you home so you can go to bed.”

“You’re comfy. I’d rather spend time with you.”

We hold hands as I drive and when I pull up to the big outdoor Christmas tree, we waste no time heading over to it. Except, before we sit down, I take both of her hands in front of it.

In the soft moonlight and the reflection of the stark-white snow, Sandy is an angel. I’ve never known anyone more beautiful than her. Well, aside from her own daughter.

“I know you all but demanded a courthouse wedding,” I tease, “but I still want to make things official.”

Her eyebrows furl together as I shove my hand into my coat pocket. When I produce a velvet ring box and kneel in the cold snow, her eyes widen and her mouth parts in shock.

“Sandy Everhart,” I say, voice rough with emotion, “I’ve loved you from the second I saw you. And I’ll keep loving you until the last second. I would be honored if you made me the happiest man alive. Please marry me, sweet Sandy. I promise I’ll never let you down.”

Her eyes flood with tears and she nods. I’m nearly tackled as she bends and crashes her lips to mine. I grab hold of her waist and roll us onto the ground where she’s lying on top of me. I manage to open the ring box and pluck the shiny jewelry from its spot. She offers me her hand, and we both breathe heavily as I slide it onto her finger.

“Perfect fit,” she murmurs. “Thank you, Upton.”

I slide my hands into her hair and pull her to me. Our kiss starts off sweet before quickly becoming ravenous. I’m grateful we’re outside and in the snow. Otherwise, I’d be inclined to break our “wait until the wedding” vow of celibacy.

When the kiss ends, we’re both panting heavily.

“Spend the night in my bed tonight,” I murmur, eyes locked on hers. “I’ll take the couch.”

“You’re too old to be sleeping on the couch all the time,” she teases, lips curling into a saucy grin.

“Good thing you’re marrying me next week. I can handle a week. Then, I’m going to spend the rest of my life in your bed.”

“Promise?”

“I promise, sweet Sandy.”

13

sandy