Page 71 of Blame It On Midnight

“In the kitchen.”

“What’s she making this time?”

“Brownies. I told her they were good but…” She scrunched her nose. “They were hard like rocks.”

He grinned at that, eyes on the Christmas tree. There were already presents beneath it, and Christmas was still over two weeks away. He grabbed the small box from his coat pocket. No way could he wait that long. Collins had been in Montana since September. She spent a lot of time at the ranch, though her official residence was Duffer’s Place. It was time to make a more permanent address change.

“Can I see it?” Nora whispered and moved close.

Benton nodded and carefully opened the small velvet box. Inside was a simple ring. A large oval diamond that glittered like it was lit from within.

“Oh, Daddy, it’s so pretty.” Nora touched it and grinned up at him. “You did a good job.”

He chuckled and dropped a kiss to his daughter’s forehead. “You remember what we discussed?”

She nodded. “Are you going to ask her now?”

“I drove through a blizzard to get this thing. I don’t think I can wait any longer.”

She jumped up and down. Took his hand and followed him down the hall to the kitchen. Collins was at the island, placing brownies on a plate while listening to the Elvis Christmas album. She hummed along to Blue Christmas, wearing an apron over an ugly festive sweater and plaid pants, with her hair in a messy ponytail.

His heart was full looking at her, and when she glanced up, he smiled.

“Hey,” he said, walking over to her.

She was still pissed at him. “I have no idea why you decided that it was a good idea to drive to Bozeman in a storm, but you’re lucky you made it back in one piece.” She tossed the spatula into the sink, and when she turned back to him, he was on one knee, staring up at the only woman who could make him happy.

He saw the moment of realization. Her face broke wide open. It was a picture he’d remember until he drew his last breath.

“Marry me.” It wasn’t a question, because deep down he knew her answer.

“Marry me, too,” Nora piped up, running into the kitchen. She inserted herself between the two of them, and he was going to have to wait for his kiss.

Collins was crying, nodding, and saying “yes,” while Nora was helping her with the ring.

“It’s perfect,” Nora said.

Benton got to his feet and pulled Collins into his arms. He kissed her thoroughly, though he kept it PG. There were eyes on them after all.

“You’re not going back to Duffer’s.”

She nodded, staring at her ring. “I’m where I want to be.”

“Always,” he replied.

“Always.” She bit her bottom lip and glanced up. “Spring wedding?”

“I’m fine with whatever you want. Big. Small. Here. Or in New York.”

“Here,” she said softly. “Though I’ll probably need some last-minute alterations.”

“Yeah?” He was focused on her mouth. Wasn’t paying attention to her words.

“Because I’ll have a bump by then.”

“A what now?” He looked into her eyes. Saw his future. “You’re pregnant?”

She nodded and placed his hand on her stomach. “I know we didn’t plan, and I’m not sure?—”

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