Page 89 of Knots About You
‘I’ll be staying home with the baby after Isla’s maternity leave. And I can’t bloody wait.’
When the excitement settled, we obliterated the food. Our coloured paper crowns slipped as we laughed and ate. Dad said the roasters werefinebefore hoarding them like a hungry squirrel with a bag of nuts. Everyone ate until they were stuffed.
Everyone except me.
Nerves bubbled in my stomach as I reached under the table and fetched the golden cracker I’d hidden there.
Handmade.
And a little wonky.
I offered one end to Claire, whose eyebrows knitted in confusion.
‘One more cracker?’ I asked.
‘Always. Loser does the dishes?’ Claire’s eyes sparkled.
It went off with a snap. Likely because I’d put four snaps in instead of one. A red velvet ring box tumbled out, to a series of gasps.
My heart skipped as Claire took it in, before looking up at me, eyes wide as saucers.
My throat felt like it was lined with sandpaper when I tried to talk.
‘I know it’s been less than three months, and that this is absolutely crazy. ’ I picked up the ring box and dropped to one knee, looking up at my girl. ‘But I’ve never been more sure of anything. There isn’t a single thing that I don’t love about you. From your wild red hair, to nights cuddled up on the sofa, to beating you at the pub quiz.’
Claire laughed as if beating her was an impossibility.
‘I love the way you inspire me to be a better man, and the way you make me so incredibly happy. And your cherry crumble could make a grown man weep with joy.’
Taking one of her hands in mine, I nearly lost my voice to emotion.
‘Claire Braxton, love of my life…’ My voice dropped to a whisper. ‘Brat in my bed.Will you marry me?’
She nearly flattened me as she launched herself into my arms. ‘Yes! Too bloody right I will.’
I opened the box with shaking hands and slid the ring onto her finger. A perfect fit, like Claire.
We kissed for a little longer than appropriate, and the room burst into chaos around us.
Mum wailed before telling us there were no more surprises allowed lest we break Dad.
Jim banged the table with his spoon until Meowrse panicked and Scruff gave chase, launching after the cat. They bundled under the table, knocking legs and upsetting chairs.
Paper hats and gravy flew. Shouts rose.
But within the din, Claire’s forehead pressed against mine, and I thought,This is the good stuff: ugly jumpers, terrible jokes and my favourite people filling my home.
Well, them and Henry, the hunky gardener.
CLAIRE
The fire flickered behind the log burner’s glass as Christmas night drew to a close. After a long soak in the tub, Owen and I had landed on the sitting room floor, in a mound of blankets and cushions. We lay entangled in each other’s soap-scentedembrace, while Christmas crooners filled the air. Cinnamon, pine and gravy scents lingered, and I’d never been happier.
My left hand rested on Owen’s bare chest, the new addition glittering in the orange glow, rivalling any of the fairylights. The ring caught the light as I turned my hand, sending stars over his skin.
Owen caught me admiring the ring and looked at me like I was just as precious as the diamond-infused gold band.
He caught my hand, thumb sliding over the ring. ‘It suits you.’
