Chapter Twelve

Drake

I stand at the back of the library, watching the festival unfold. The kids are laughing, the decorations are glowing, and the air is thick with the scent of cinnamon and pine. Wynter is in the center of it all; her face lit up with pure joy as she helps one of the boys adjust his elf hat.

And I’m about to risk everything.

The ring box feels heavy in my pocket. I’ve gone over the plan a hundred times in my head, but now that the moment is here, doubt’s creeping in.

What if this is too fast? What if she says no? What if I’m not good enough for her? I’m not someone who grew up with love, with Christmases filled with warmth and magic. I’ve spent my life merely trying to survive. What if I can’t give her everything she needsor deserves?

Sweat starts to trickle down my spine.

Maybe I should wait.

But then she smiles at me—Wynter’s my sunshine. And I’m no longer a storm cloud because she loves me. Our love is real; it’s unconditional.

I smile back, realizing that for the first time, I’m not running from something. I’m running toward it.

I glance around at the crowd, feeling the buzz of excitement as they start to gather for the carols. Wynter is going to be so surprised. When I first mentioned my idea to Mayor Swanson, I half expected him to laugh it off. But instead, he gathered the whole town, and they rallied behind me.

A knot forms in my stomach as I run through the plan one more time. Nervous and excited, I brush my sweaty palms down the front of my slacks. The music begins, and everyone joins in, filling the library with the sound of laughter and music. I stand off to the side, my heart racing as the song moves closer to the big moment. Wynter is singing along with the boys, completely unaware of what’s coming, and the sight of her—so full of lifeand love—makes my chest tighten.

Then it happens.

They start singing "The Twelve Days of Christmas," and my pulse kicks up. I watch as Wynter laughs, shaking her head at the boys who are dancing along to the tune.

The crowd reaches “Five Golden Rings,” but instead of the usual line, they sing, loud and clear:

“ One Golden Ring... ”

Wynter freezes, her laughter faltering as confusion crosses her face. She glances around with a furrowed brow, but then she looks up and sees me walking toward her. The entire room falls silent.

I pull the velvet box from my pocket, and as I step into the middle of the room, I feel time slow down. Every eye is on us, every breath held in anticipation.

Wynter’s hand flies to her mouth as I drop to one knee in front of her.

“Wynter,” I steady my voice. “You’ve shown me what love really means. You’re my home, my everything. And I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

I open the box, revealing the ring. “Will you marry me?”

“Yes,” she whispers. “Yes, Drake. Yes!”

The library erupts into cheers and applause, the boys wrapping their arms around our legs, giggling and singing, “You’re getting married! You’re getting married!”

I kiss her soft and sweet.

When I pull back, she’s crying. “You planned this?”

I nod, grinning. “Had to make it special for you, sunshine.”

“It’s perfect.” She wipes away her tears, smiling so brightly it makes my heart ache. “When did you have time?”

“I had help.” I wink at Rachel, standing near the tree with Lincoln at her side.

“No wonder she didn’t call me back.” Wynter sniffles. “The ring is beautiful.”

I slide the diamond onto her finger. “A beautiful ring for my beautiful girl.”

“You’re spoiling me.” She tugs at my beard. “And I love it.”

“I love you.” I kiss the tip of her nose. “And be prepared for a life filled with spoiling.”

“Is that so?”

“It is so.”

She leans up on her toes. “And what about a life filled with tickling my thighs with this.” She tugs at my beard. “Do I get that too?”

“Anytime you want, sweetheart. Anytime you want.”

“Is it almost time to go home?” Evan pats my leg. “We don’t want to miss Santa Clause.”

“Don’t you worry,” I scoop him into my arms. “Santa Clause will not miss you. I promise.”

“But what if we’re not asleep? Won’t he pass by our house?”

“Not on your life, pumpkin.” Wynter kisses his cheek. “Santa will sneak down the chimney even if you’re awake.”

“But not if we’re bad.” Riley chimes in. “We know Santa Claus skips over all the bad kids. And last week, I didn’t brush my teeth every night before bed. And Evan said a bad word. And Noah forgot to put away his shoes.”

I squat down and gather the boys around me. “Making a mistake or forgetting something doesn’t make you bad kids. Santa Claus knows who’s naughty and who’s nice. Trust me, you’re all nice boys. So, I want you to stop worrying, okay? As a matter of fact,” I lean in close. “I called Santa last night to make sure he had our address.”

“You did?” Four pairs of eyes stare at me, filled with wonder.

“I did.”

“He wrote it down and gave it to Mrs. Claus. She won’t let him forget either.”

“Wow!” Riley grins. “He is coming, isn’t he?”

“Yup,” I nod. “He is coming with all of his reindeer, too. Don’t be surprised if you hear them land on the rooftop tonight.”

“Should we feed them?” Evan asks. “We can give them our special Christmas cookies.”

“You are such good boys,” Wynter pulls them to her for a hug. “You’re the best boys ever.”

I stand up and kiss my fiancée. “Thank you for saying yes. Now, I have everything I ever wanted.”

“Not yet, you don’t.” She pulls my face down. “I’m wearing part of your Christmas present underneath this dress.”

“Is that so?” I nip at her bottom lip. “Lucky me.”

“Come on,” Noah tugs at the hem of Wynter’s dress. “You have to show Auntie Rachel your ring.”

The boys drag a beaming Wynter across the floor, leaving me standing in the middle of thefloor with a heart full of hope and love. From bouncing between foster homes to standing here with everything I ever wanted, I never thought I’d be this lucky.

“Thank you,” I whisper to the universe. “Thank you.”