Epilogue
Markie entered the living room to see Nate standing at the patio doors, staring out at the falling snow. She smiled when she shifted her eyes to the large Christmas tree in the corner, then back to Nate.
“Hey,” she said softly.
He turned to face her. “Wow. You look gorgeous.”
“Thank you, and you look so handsome.”
“I hate suits, but I can’t show up to Killian and Celine’s wedding in jeans now, can I?”
“No. I’m so happy for them.”
Nate slowly walked toward her, then stopped in front of her, and shook his head.
“You are stunning. That dress… damn.”
She knew the dress fit her like a glove and the lilac color looked good on her. The hemline stopped just above her knees. She watched his eyes roam down over her, and she laughed when he groaned when he saw her purple stilettos.
“You like my shoes?” she asked as innocently as she could.
“I’d like them hooked behind my back.”
Markie laughed. “When we get home.”
Nate leaned his forehead against hers and gazed into her eyes. “Promise?”
Markie cupped his cheek in her hand. “Anything for you, my love.”
Nate grinned and lightly kissed her lips. “Let’s get going. It’s hard to tell how much of this snow we’re going to get.”
“Celine wanted to be a December bride. I can’t wait to see her. I’m sure she’ll be beautiful.”
“No doubt there, but you, Marjorie Ann Russell, will be an even more stunning bride, in my opinion.”
Markie stared at him. “What?”
“You know, when we get married.” Nate shrugged.
“You want to marry me?”
Nate chuckled. “Yes. I’m serious, Markie. I want to spend my life with you. I want to marry you and have kids with you.”
“You do?”
“Of course. I love you more than I have ever loved anyone.”
“Even Erin?”
“Yes,” he said without hesitation. He kissed her lips. “Stay right there.”
Markie frowned as she watched him walk toward the tree, kneel, and reach behind it. When he stood, she saw the small, wrapped gift in his hand. Was that what she thought it was?
“Nate?” She looked at the box then at him.
“Open it.” He handed it to her.
She took it and started toward the sofa but he stopped her. She frowned.
“Here. Please.”
“Okay.” She removed the bow, tore off the paper, and handed it to Nate. Then she stared at the black velvet box.
“Open it,” he said again.
Markie lifted the lid and gasped at the beautiful diamond ring inside. She looked at Nate as a tear rolled down her cheek.
“It’s beautiful,” she whispered.
Nate took the box from her, removed the ring, then set the box down. He took her hand in his, got down on one knee and stared up at her.
“Marjorie Ann Russell, will you marry me?”
“Nate—”
“Nope. That is not an answer. Yes, or no?”
“Of course, yes.”
“Damn, woman, you scared the hell out of me.” Nate slipped the ring on her finger, stood and kissed her lips. “I love you, Markie.”
“I love you too.” She stared at the ring, then looked into his eyes. “You are the best thing to ever happen to me, even though you can be cocky.” She smiled when he chuckled.
“Only with you, baby. Only with you.” He lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles.
“You know we’ll argue.”
“Yep, looking forward to it.” Nate grinned. “We’d better get going. I don’t want to miss this wedding.”
“You’d better not miss ours either.”
“No way. In fact, if you want to get married now, we can head to Vegas,” he teased.
“Oh, you think I wouldn’t take you up on that?”
“I will do whatever you want. I promise you; I will not leave you standing at the altar. I have everything I want in my life now; I’m not going to blow this. Let’s go. We’ll discuss this later. It’s Killian and Celine’s day.”
Markie smiled as he held her coat for her and she slipped her arms into it, then pulled his jacket on. He took her hand, led her out the door, and to the truck.
After opening the door for her, she stepped onto the running board, then slid onto the seat and watched him walk around the front. He looked so handsome in his western suit with his black cowboy hat. She couldn’t wait to marry him.
When he opened the door and climbed onto the seat, he looked at her, grinned, and started the truck to drive them to the church.
“What kind of wedding do you want?” she asked.
“Any kind where you’re the bride.” He picked up her hand, kissed the palm and winked at her.
Markie grinned as she stared at the beautiful, sparkling ring on her finger. Who knew when she met him, she’d fall in love? She had tried to convince herself he was too cocky, but she loved him, even when a little of that cockiness came out, and she wouldn’t have him any other way.
* * * The End * * *