Epilogue - Tannen
Christmas Eve One Year Later
The snow is falling outside, making deep drifts up against the outside of the house. It’s been another busy season, with double the orders we had last year.
I have to give Hollee credit for that - she’s done the social media for We Tree Kings, complete with an eye-catching logo and some great snaps of Rick and I hefting trees.
I’m happy to wear a Santa hat, although Rick has taken it even further and now wears Santa shorts and a long white beard. I’m not ready for that. Ever.
Hollee reaches up to put another decoration on the tree.
Our tree. She moved in after Christmas last year and we’ve both never been happier.
She can’t quite reach, so I walk over and take the bauble from her hands and place it on a high branch.
Her beautiful curves are even more rounded, as she’s pregnant with our baby now.
Her smile as I get close to her makes the decision easy for me.
“Hollee - I was going to wait until Christmas Day but I have something for you.”
She widens her eyes at me. “Another Christmas ornament? I don’t know if we can fit anything else on the tree Tan, but I can try.”
God, I love this woman.
I reach into my pocket, pulling out a velvet-covered box. I kneel down in front of the sparkling tree, opening it to reveal the glittering diamond ring inside, which sparkles in the lights.
“I love you and I want you to be mine forever. Will you marry me?” Her eyes are bright with tears.
“Oh yes!” A happy tear escapes her eye as I put the ring on her finger. It fits perfectly, accentuating her red Christmas nails and soft hands.
I stand up, cup her sweet face in mine and kiss her on the lips. She’s turned my life around and it like magic when I’m with her.
She’s the greatest gift I could have ever wished for.
Happy Christmas, now and forever.