Page 19 of Whiskey Holiday
"Merry Christmas, sir."
"Come on, come on. Take your coats off." Carol ushers us into the house. I take my coat off, hang it in the rack by the door, and help Winter with hers.
"I'm going to head to the kitchen with Mom. Will you be okay here with my dad?"
"Yeah, baby. I'm good. Go on and help your mom." Winter rises on her tiptoes and kisses my jaw before departing.
Once the women have cleared the room, Mr. Holiday turns to me. "Here," he walks over to the sofa table in the living room and pulls open a drawer. "Mr. Kent dropped this by an hour ago." Stepping back, he hands me a black velvet box. Opening it, I look at the ring nestled inside. Mr. Winter clamps a hand over my shoulder. "I want to tell you this now while I have you alone." I turn toward him as he speaks. "I'm glad my daughter met you, Tannon. I knew the moment she brought you home, you were the man for my baby girl. I am damn proud to welcome you into this family, son."
I swallow past the lump in my throat but can't help getting a little choked up at his words. "Thank you, sir. I don't have a family of my own, and it means the world to me that you and your wife have welcomed me into yours with open arms."
The remainder of the day is spent with good food and family. I enjoyed the home-cooked meal, and I even listened to the banter between Winter and her brother while experiencing first-hand what it is like to be a part of a family.
Placing my arm on the back of Winter's chair, I whisper into her ear. "Take a ride with me."
She smiles. "Okay."
Standing, I pull her chair out. I glance over at her dad, who gives me a nod, and then her mom, who gives me a beaming smile and a wink. I even get a nod of approval from Nick.
Winter doesn't ask questions when she notices I'm driving aimlessly around town. She sits beside me, content just being together, which I love about her.
By the time we reach the middle of the town square, night has fallen. With the help of Winter's family, my plan has been put into place. Parking the truck a block away from my destination, Winter and I walk hand in hand. You would think I would be nervous, but honestly, I can't wait.
As we inch closer to the area where Mistletoe's famous town Christmas tree is located, I grow more anxious.
"I wonder what's going on," Winter says, noticing the crowd of onlookers standing around the tree. In the group, I spot Mr. Kent and his wife, Nash and his family. I also spot Winter's best friend Brinkley and her friends who work at the bar. Winter's family came through for me, making sure everyone Winter loves would be here.
"Brinkley is here, and so is Mel." Winter points to her right. "And look, there's Nash."
The crowd parts, allowing us to walk past, and Winter sucks in a sharp breath when she spots her family standing beside the tree. "Tannon, what's going on?"
Just as the question leaves her mouth, the last of the crowd clears, revealing a row of white lanterns, strategically placed, lighting up a pathway leading up to the Christmas tree. Scattered over the snow-covered ground are hundreds of red rose petals. "Oh, my god," Winter gasps squeezing my hand, "Tannon." She's in awe as I lead her down the path, stopping in front of the tree where I drop to one knee.
With her hand in mine, I gaze up at the woman who has become my reason for living. "Winter, the moment I first saw you, I understood why God guided my heart to Mistletoe, Montana. With one look across a crowded room, you captured my heart. Before you, love and forever were just words. Since I held you in my arms the first time, love and forever now hold meaning. Being with you shows me what it feels like to want to spend forever with the one created just for me. If you do me the honor of becoming my wife, I will devote the remainder of my days to making you happy and giving you everything your heart desires. What do you say, baby?" Reaching into my pocket, I pull out the little black box and open it, revealing a starburst floral halo diamond ring. "I love you, Winter Holiday. Will you marry me?" I slip the ring onto Winter's finger.
With tears streaming down her face, Winter nods. "Yes! Yes! Of course, I'll marry you, Tannon."
Our family and friends cheer, and Winter's favorite Christmas song,Silver Bells,fills the air. I sweep Winter off of her feet as I stand and spin us around. "You have just made me the happiest man alive," I declare just before kissing the future, Mrs. Christmas.
