16. Soren

16

SOREN

T he weeks leading up to the holiday festival were busy ones. Between planning the event and doing her regular job during one of our busiest months, Finley rarely took a break. She didn't say, but I had the impression that keeping busy was a great distraction from the death of Danielle. She seemed to be dealing with the loss of her sister well. I wouldn't have blamed her if she'd fallen completely apart, but that wasn't the way Miss Sunshine rolled. Whether it be work or her personal life, she tackled any obstacle with spirit and determination.

Still, there had been many times over the last few weeks that I'd found her crying. During those moments, I took her in my arms and let her be as sad as she needed. Having been through something similar, Mama told me that it would take a little time for Finley to get over the shock and violence of Danielle's death. "Be patient and just be there for her," Mama had said to me.

"I'll do my best."

Mama had hugged me and told me she knew I always did.

Fortunately, Finley always came home to me at the end of her long days. We cooked together most nights, with Dog curled near the oven for warmth. I'd had no idea how much joy could be found in the most mundane routines. During the day, I could hardly wait to be at home with her and Dog. I finally understood what they meant by domestic bliss. There wasn't a morning I didn't wake up thankful to God for bringing Finley to me. Dog too, of course.

Before I knew it, opening day of the festival rolled around. It seemed as if the entire town had come out to enjoy the winter wonderland created by my beautiful and talented Finley.

Helped by a foot of powdery snow that had fallen the day before, our ranch had transformed into a place of sparkle and magic. Twinkling lights and decorations, created an atmosphere that felt straight out of a Victorian storybook. As visitors arrived, they were greeted by an entrance adorned with twinkling fairy lights and a towering Christmas tree, its branches heavy with ornaments and sparkling tinsel. Holiday music, laughter, and the gentle swish of ice skates gliding across the rink filled the air.

As we'd hoped, the heart of the festival was the ice skating rink. Our guests gravitated to the large, smooth expanse of ice surrounded by evergreen trees and adorned with lights. Families and couples skated hand in hand, their cheeks rosy from the cold, their smiles bright. Children giggled as they wobbled on their skates, some clinging to their parent's hand while others confidently twirled in the center.

Charming vendor booths lined the pathways, each one decorated with garlands and twinkling lights. The booths offered an array of delightful treats and handcrafted gifts—cocoa, mulled cider, gingerbread cookies, and sizzling sausages, their sweet and spicy aromas filling the air. In addition, visitors enjoyed hearty bowls of chili, warm pretzels, and gooey s'mores made over the firepit.

One of the main attractions was Santa's Grotto, a cozy, festively decorated cabin where children eagerly lined up to meet Mr. Claus. We'd found a man who looked like Santa and possessed a warm and nurturing personality. In his classic red suit, he listened attentively to the children's wishes while parents captured the precious moments on camera.

Artisans showcased their handmade ornaments, knit scarves, and wooden toys, perfect for Christmas shopping.

I didn't need to do any shopping. Not today, anyway. All I needed was safely tucked in my pocket.

An engagement ring.

One I hoped was accepted with enthusiasm.

I was in charge of sleigh rides for our guests, which had kept me occupied for most of the afternoon. Fortunately for me, one of the ranch hands had agreed to take over that evening, so I only had to worry about the daylight hours. Which left me plenty of time to propose this very evening.

My plan was to take Finley out for a sleigh ride in the two-seater I'd bought with my own funds when we procured the large ones for taking many guests out at once. The moment I'd seen the two-seater in the catalog, I had to have it. I immediately envisioned taking my love out for rides during the winter months. Today would be our first one. Just the two of us, with a bottle of champagne stored under the seat and a ring in my pocket. Although I was excited, nervous energy swirled in my belly. I had every indication she would say yes, but what if the damage from her sister's betrayal had soured her on commitment?

No, that wasn't Finley. She believed in love and was willing to risk her heart despite what had happened to her. I found this inspiring and slightly intimidating. In the game of life, Finley was all the way into the ring, not standing by the sidelines.

My gaze followed her making a round on the ice with several of the local children clinging to her hands. I waved and she grinned back at me, stumbling slightly. She and the little ones toppled onto the ice, laughing with their whole bodies.

A band of carolers dressed in Victorian costumes roamed the grounds and were now upon me, singing "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen." They were actually quite good, their harmonies bringing a smile to my face and those around me. Later, a small stage would welcome our high school band and choir for a holiday concert. Tomorrow, a local group of thespians would butcher Charles Dickens's Christmas Carol . I'd seen their dress rehearsal and could safely say what they lacked in talent was not compensated for with their zest and passion. Not that I was an expert, but I didn't think any of them were headed to New York City anytime soon. When I'd said that to Finley, she'd thrown one of Dog's biscuits at my head. To punish her, I'd had to throw her over my shoulder and carry her upstairs, where my kisses quickly turned into more.

Smiling at the memory, I put a few bucks in one of the carolers' hats before they set off for another victim. A man in love felt naturally generous.

Visitors huddled together on wooden benches and hay bales, sipping hot drinks and sharing stories around the fire. All that changed as the Victorian singers launched into song. No one seemed to mind. In fact, most were beaming with holiday spirit.

"Christmas exploded in here," Rafferty said, coming up behind me.

We bumped shoulders in greeting. "Finley outdid herself," I said, unable to keep the pride from my voice.

"This is even better than the one we always had in town," Atticus said, joining us.

"Where's your lovely bride?" I asked Atticus

"She's declared herself too pregnant for Christmas," Atticus said. "And is currently lying on the couch with a book, waiting for me to bring her copious treats."

"Why didn't she want to come?" Rafferty asked, clearly not understanding what it would be like to have to carry a watermelon in your belly for nine months.

Atticus scratched behind his ear, looking slightly perplexed himself. "I think she's afraid someone will get her photo, and she's feeling a little plump. Not that she is, mind you. She's as perfect as always. But you know how the internet trolls can be."

"Hiding behind a screen makes it easy for them to say nasty things," Rafferty said.

"I'd like to punch every one of them," Atticus said. "For some reason, Annie discourages me from doing so."

"A man who loves his wife," Rafferty said, slapping Atticus on the shoulder, "is a beautiful thing."

"Speaking of love, how are things with Finley?" Atticus asked.

"Good," I said noncommittally.

"How good?" Rafferty asked.

So far, I'd kept my intention to propose to myself. Once I told one Moon, they'd all know, and I hadn't wanted to risk it leaking to Finley. She deserved a romantic, private proposal. God knew in my family, privacy was highly coveted. They would all know soon enough and start poking their nose into wedding plans. Not that we would need any help, I thought, glancing around at Finley's creation. The woman knew how to plan an event.

Standing here with my brothers, however, changed my mind. I glanced over at the ice rink to make sure Finley was still skating. She wasn't, but my gaze traveled the grounds until I found her standing in the gingerbread line with Sammie and Chloe.

I pulled the princess-cut solitaire ring from my pocket to show my brothers. "I'm asking her tonight. Sleigh ride and champagne."

Atticus and Rafferty were stunned into silence for a moment, until the initial surprise wore off and they patted me rather aggressively on the back.

"That diamond's pretty big," Atticus said, sounding skeptical.

"It's real," I said drily. "I have quite a bit of money in savings, and I wanted her to have the best."

"Good man," Rafferty said. "She'll love it."

"You better tell Mama and Pop," Atticus said. "Or they'll have your hide."

"He was hoping to keep it to himself until the last minute," Rafferty said with his usual insightfulness. "Isn't that right?"

"Yeah, that was the idea. Too many Moons have big mouths," I said, chuckling.

"Do you think Finley knows it's coming?" Rafferty asked.

"I don't think so." I glanced in her direction. She and Sammie were deep in conversation while Chloe gobbled up a gingerbread man.

"I wasn't sure you had it in you," Atticus said to me. "You sure she's the one?"

"Couldn't be more sure. I just hope she feels the same way about me."

"She does," Rafferty said. "No doubt in my mind."

Nightfall came, stars peppering a clear sky. An hour later, a full moon rose above the mountains as if in competition with the lights of the festival. There couldn't be a more beautiful night to propose.

Now or never, I told myself. I had to be as brave as Finley. She never let anything keep her from shining bright. The times I'd caught her crying, she didn't try to hide her grief or disappointment as I might. She let me see all of it. All of her. No matter how messy. This made me love her all the more.

I found Finley with Thad standing near the gingerbread house display. We'd hosted a contest and had over a dozen entries. None of them seemed worthy of a gold ribbon, but maybe that wasn't the point? In all honesty, I didn't really understand the fascination with gingerbread houses, but Finley had wanted them, so that is what we did. Seeing how much guests enjoyed looking at them, I had to once again admit to myself that I was wrong. My little Miss Sunshine obviously had a better pulse on fun than myself. Perhaps it would rub off on me as the years wore on?

"Evening," I said to Thad and Finley.

"What's up?" Thad asked.

"I need Finley," I said. "Can you spare her?"

"Absolutely." Thad gave me a knowing look before excusing himself. Darned if Atticus or Rafferty hadn't told him already. Finley's expression, however, betrayed nothing but curiosity as she followed me over to the barn where the sleigh awaited.

"May I take you for a sleigh ride?" I asked Finley.

Her eyes sparkled with excitement. "Really? Just you and me? Aren't there more guests who want to go out?"

"As much as I appreciate you looking out for the ranch's profit, I have a few of the guys taking people out this evening, leaving me free to take out my favorite person."

"I'm your favorite person?" She beamed as she wrapped her arms around her waist.

"Yes. Isn't it obvious?" I smiled, hoping to keep my nerves in check.

She grinned up at me and took my hand. I led her to the two-seater sleigh. Mabel and Rusty, looking festive with jingling bells around their necks, seemed to sense the importance of this ride as they neighed with what sounded like encouragement. I helped Finley into the sleigh, making sure she was wrapped snugly in a cozy blanket before climbing in beside her.

With a gentle flick of the reins, we set off, the sleigh gliding smoothly over the snow-covered ground. The festival sounds faded into the background as we ventured deeper into the rolling hills. I turned right through a grove of evergreen trees, their branches heavy with snowfall. The moon cast a soft, silvery glow, illuminating the snow with a pale bluish-white radiance. Shadows, long and delicate, added depth and contrast to the scene before us. Finley snuggled closer to me, her breath visible in the cold air.

"I'll never tire of this," she said softly. "It's almost too perfect to believe."

"It is," I agreed, though my mind was on the upcoming moment.

"Are you okay? You're acting weird." Finley peered at me from under the brim of her blue knit cap.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

I brought the sleigh to a gentle stop near the river and turned to Finley. "Are you warm enough?"

"I'm very comfortable. Why are we stopping?"

"I have something I want to ask you." I spoke casually, as if my heart wasn't permanently lodged in my throat. In front of us, the river ran high and swift, filling the cold night with the sound of whooshing water over rocks.

I took her gloved hands in mine. "In a thousand years, I wouldn't have imagined God made a woman so specifically suited to me. Yet one day, you appeared. It may have taken me longer than it should have to understand how much you meant to me—apparently I'm slow—but once we started spending time together, I saw you in a whole new way. It became obvious how brave, loyal, and smart you are. Beautiful, inside and out. Actually, I did notice how pretty you were the first time I ever set eyes on you, in case you were wondering."

"Even so, you thought I talked too much, and I was too perky. Admit it."

"I never thought you talked too much—just a lot. Compared to me, especially."

"A person with no language at all would talk more than you." Her eyes twinkled cheekily.

I smiled, brushing my knuckles against the soft skin of her cheek. "I think I was simply waiting to have something meaningful to say. You bring out this urge in me to be seen and understood. Before I met you, I was happy to just keep to myself. Other than my family, I didn't really need anyone else. Until you walked into my life and changed everything, most especially my heart."

"You've changed me too. You've shown me there are people who will remain loyal, even when it's not convenient. I never thought I could trust anyone again."

"I want to be there for you, though thick and thin. Some might say, better or worse."

Her eyes morphed into saucers. "Better or worse? Soren?"

"What I'm trying to do, not very well, is ask you to marry me." I took the velvet box from my pocket and tugged open the top to show her the princess-cut solitaire I'd chosen for her. "Will you be my wife?"

"I can't believe this," she whispered.

"As in—you can't believe a dummy like me would ask someone like you?"

She laughed. "No, no. I can't believe this is happening. You…you're the answer to prayer. A dream come true. Honestly, I couldn't ask for a better man. In fact, I don't know that there is a better man than you. Have I said yes yet?"

"Not yet."

"Yes, Soren Moon, I will marry you. And I'll spend the rest of my life attempting to make you as happy as you've made me." She leaned close, and we kissed, her mouth soft and familiar to me as if we'd been together for years.

"Do you like the ring?" I slid it from its pouch and held it between my thumb and index finger. "You can choose something else if you'd rather."

"No, no, it's perfect. I've never seen a prettier one." She slid her glove off her left hand and held it out for me. "Shall we see if it fits?"

"Oh, right. That's important, isn't it? I have to actually put it on your finger." I gently tugged the ring over her knuckle until it sat just where it should. "It looks good on your lovely hand."

"The ring fits perfectly," she said. "How did you know my size?"

"I took one of your rings into the jeweler."

"How clever of you," Finley mumbled under her breath, returning her gaze to the diamond on her hand.

She'd said yes. To me? Who would have imagined this sweet, gorgeous woman would love an old sourpuss like me? "I'll do whatever it takes to make this work," I said. "But I'll need grace. I'm better in the barn than in the house."

"I disagree. Everything you've done in the house has been more than acceptable."

I laughed. "Acceptable? I'm going to have to up my game."

"Please don't. I may not live through it."

We leaned in for another kiss. Despite the chill in the air, I grew overheated, withdrawing before I lost control. There was time for that in the comfort of our bed.

"Mama and Pop have shown me what a good marriage looks like," I said. "I hope we have a partnership like theirs."

"We will." She lifted her chin slightly in her buoyant, brave way. "The two of us together can do most anything."

"I don't know that there's anyone I admire more," I said, choking up. "You're everything I want to be. Forgiving and kind. Even after all you had to go through these last few years, you've never let yourself despair."

"Not for too long." Her eyes glistened, and her voice grew thick with emotion. "There were times when I was in prison that I'd think about how to end my life. Everything seemed so bleak. I had no one. My own twin had betrayed me, and I was facing this long prison term. If only I could have seen into the future—seen you waiting here for me, I'd never have allowed myself to go there."

We shared another kiss before I remembered the champagne. "Should we toast our good fortune? I brought a bottle of champagne."

"Yes, please. If the night one gets engaged isn't reason enough for champagne, then I don't know what is."

I pulled the bottle and two glasses from under the seat, then popped the cork, a loud sound in the quiet night. Bubbles erupted from the bottle, spilling over the blanket. "We'll smell like champagne by the time this night is over." I poured us each a glass and handed one to her.

"To us," Finley said. "To finding each other in a world that doesn't always make sense. But you and me? We make sense."

Under the inky sky with the moon as our witness, we clinked our glasses. I was where I was meant to be—on my family's land with my lovely soon-to-be bride by my side. How it was possible to be this joyful and in love, I could not say. I was only glad to be exactly where I was with the exact right person.