Epilogue
Christmas morning, Ryan stood beside the hearth, the crackling fire’s warm glow chasing away the dawn’s pale light.
Through the frost-flecked window she watched great white flakes drift down in slow spirals.
From the corner of her eye, the Christmas tree’s lights blinked like distant lanterns in a snowy wood.
She shivered, partly from excitement, partly from the chill in the air, when Seth’s arm slid around her waist and his chin found her shoulder.
“It’s breathtaking,” she whispered, leaning back against him.
“It’s a pain in the ass,” he grumbled, though the twist of his lips was more of amusement than annoyance.
Ryan laughed softly. “I want to build a snowman.”
“Go right ahead.”
She glanced over her shoulder. “You’re not coming with me?”
“Baby, do you know how cold it is out there? With the wind chill, it’s eighteen below. That’s enough to freeze a man’s balls off.” He grinned and she giggled.
“You need little ‘ball’ caps. You know, like mini beanies.”
Seth snorted. “Yeah, that ain’t happenin’. Unless you put them on for me, and they wouldn’t be… mini.” He winced playfully when she elbowed him.
“I’ve never had a White Christmas,” she murmured, watching the snow fanning out against the dark sky.
“A White Christmas is almost guaranteed around here. Can get to be a little much if you’re not used to it.”
She tilted her head, brushing back a stray lock of hair. “We’ll figure out something to do when it piles up.”
“Now you’re talking.”
Ryan turned to face him fully, slipping her arms around his waist. The sweet scent of pine and wood smoke lingered. “That tree is so lovely,” she said, recalling their trip to the farm. “Picking it out at Nick’s, his rows of perfect pines, the smell of fresh-cut spruce in the air.”
“He’s been tending those trees all year,” Seth replied, pride softening his tone. “Nick and Paige, they’re good people.”
“I adore Paige. I can’t wait to visit her lingerie shop.”
“I can’t wait for you to, either.” He took her hand and guided her to the sofa. “Let’s watch some Christmas specials.”
They settled in, but the new presents at the foot of the tree caught her eye. “Seth, you went overboard.”
“Why? I can afford it. Everything’s something you need; sheepskin coat, felt cowboy hat, jeans, boots, sweaters.” He looked at her. “Got a few more out in the barn—”
“What? I want to see!” She hopped up, eyes sparkling.
“Absolutely not. I am not going into that blizzard for gifts.”
“Fine. I’ll go alone.” She scooped her new coat from its box and shrugged it on, the soft shearling collar brushing her chin.
“You might want more layers,” he suggested, sinking into the cushions.
“Shit.” She peeled off the coat, draped it over the sofa, then trudged to their bedroom to bundle up, thick leggings, thermal top, wool socks. She half expected him to follow, he didn’t.
“That’s just fine, you stubborn cowboy. I know where the damn barn is,” she muttered.
“But do you know where I hid those gifts?” His voice made her jump; he leaned in the doorway, grinning.
“Don’t sneak up on me like that!”
“Excuse me? If you weren’t talking about me, you might have heard me.”
“Eavesdroppers never hear good of themselves.” She lifted her chin defiantly.
“Now, who’s stubborn?” He chuckled, stepping into the room.
Ryan slipped her arms around him, stood on tiptoe, kissed his neck, then brushed her lips to his. “Please come out with me.”
“Damn it. Fine.” He backed away, hair mussed, shaking his head in defeat. “You know I can’t say no to you.”
“Like I ever say no to you.” She laughed. “Come on, we won’t be long. You can’t tell me there are more gifts and expect me not to want to see them.”
“You’re the one who said I bought too much.”
“Pffft. Like I meant that.” Ryan laughed when Seth shook his head.
They dressed in boots, heavy coats, scarves pulled up to their noses, and gloves. Seth put his hat on, then reached for her mittened hand.
“Ready?”
“Yes.” She squeezed his fingers, and together they stepped out into the sparkling hush of Christmas morning.
****
Seth pulled open the back door and a swirl of icy wind swept through, rattling the frame. Ryan let out a delighted squeal as snowflakes danced over her shoulders.
On the porch, drifts of powder hid the steps entirely.
Seth released her mittened hand, picked up the coarse-bristled broom leaning against the wall, and swept the hidden stairs clear with firm, rhythmic strokes.
He set the broom aside, cheeks flushed, then returned to her side and took her hand again, eyes warm.
“Are you sure about this?” he asked softly.
“Yes.” Ryan’s blue gaze met his, and he knew he’d never say no to her.
“Alright, let’s go.” He led her off the porch and into knee-deep snow. Ryan laughed as she stumbled, the cold pressing against her boots.
“I didn’t realize it was this deep,” she giggled. “It’s past my knees!”
“Welcome to winter in Montana,” he teased.
“I love it,” she declared, arms wide, the crisp air filling her lungs.
He shook his head, smiling. “There’s something seriously wrong with you.”
They trudged across the yard until the barn door loomed before them. Pushing it open, they stepped into muted warmth, the sun’s residual heat caught between weathered wooden walls and the sweet scent of hay. It was only a few degrees warmer, but it felt like summer after the frigid outdoors.
“Well?” Ryan asked as she walked ahead of him.
“Well, what?” he asked.
“My gifts.” She faced him.
“Oh, those. I was kidding.” He laughed as Ryan ran at him, and he caught her in his arms. “Over here.”
He guided her close to a stall. In soft straw stood Pearl, her dapple-gray coat gleaming, a scarlet bow tied to her leather halter. Ryan’s breath caught.
“Pearl?” she whispered.
Seth nodded. “She’s yours.”
Ryan removed her mittens, reached out, stroking the horse’s muzzle. Warmth bloomed in her chest. “I love her. Thank you.”
“Wait, there’s more.” He took her hand and led her into the tack room and flipped on the lights, making it glint off bridles and bits.
Against the far wall rested a stunning saddle of light brown leather, the edges tooled with intricate floral patterns.
He spun it around to reveal the cantle, where Ryan’s name was stitched in elegant script.
She stuck her mittens into her pockets and let her fingers glide over the buttery-soft leather. “How did you get this done by Christmas?”
“My friend Noah had this one spare,” Seth explained. “The person who ordered it, wanted a darker color, so I asked him to add your name. He’s the best saddler in the state, usually a two-year wait.”
Ryan admired the craftsmanship, then noticed the matching saddlebags. Seth unbuckled one and draped it over her arm. “Perfect for your camera,” he said.
She slipped her hand inside the bag… and froze. Pulling out a small gift-wrapped package, she glared at him. “What’s this?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know.”
She handed it to him. “Open it.”
He shook his head. “Nope. It’s yours. You open it.”
Her frustration softened as Seth knelt before her, removing his gloves and taking her hand. “Ryan, I love you more than anything. I want this forever. Please.”
Tears welled in her eyes. She tore off the paper to reveal a black velvet box, then he took it from her. Seth’s heart pounded as he opened it, exposing a platinum halo ring that glittered like starlight.
“Ryan, will you marry me?” he whispered.
She stared at the ring, then at him, then back at the ring. At last she sank to her knees, voice trembling with joy. “Yes, Seth. I will marry you. I love you. You’ve made me the happiest woman alive.”
He slipped the ring onto her finger, kissed her knuckles, then her lips.
“Let’s celebrate,” he said, standing and offering his hand.
“We have to call our parents.”
“After we celebrate.”
Laughing, she nodded. Hand in hand, they left the barn and trudged back into the swirling snow, footprints side by side, ready to begin their life together.
* * * The End * * *