Page 127 of Holiday Hopefuls
Here, in this perfect moment, we are infinite.
Taking my hand in his, ocean blue eyes filled with adoration and longing search mine. “Calloway Leora Rutherford, from the moment we met, we were a team. We looked out for one another, protected one another. Defended one another. Callie, you are strong, fiercely loyal, and wholly good. I don’t believe I’ll ever be able to thank John and Ian quite enough for bringing you into my life.”
Wet laughter bubbles from my lips, Oliver grinning right along with me. My hand not in his wipes away my tears, doing its best to clear my vision so I won’t miss a single moment.
“I promise to always trust you and support you. You will never have to wonder where my loyalty lies, because it will always be with you. My love. Callie.” Using one hand, Oliver opens the tiny blue box with gold filigree around the edges. Nestled among the cushions sits the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen. A large oval center diamond surrounded by tiny teardrop diamonds on either side rests on a thin yellow-gold band, sparkling under the lights. “Will you marry me?”
A permanent smile takes over, erasing years of confusion and doubt. The tears flow freely now, and I no longer bother trying to stop them. Sniffing, my head nods of its own accord. “Yes,” I laugh blissfully.
Relief evident on his face, Oliver removes the ring and slips it onto my waiting finger. My favorite laugh is quickly drowned out by the clapping and excitement of everyone in the room. Standing, he slides the box back into his pocket and I simply can’t hold back any longer.
As soon as he’s at his full height, I launch myself into Oliver’s arms.
And he catches me, just like I knew he would.
Lifting me from the ground, Oliver’s arm wraps around my waist to tuck me as close to him as possible. Desperation and joy and love pour from his lips as they find home with mine, while the other arm snakes under my seat, giving me additional leverage.
My hand slides around Oliver’s neck and into his hair, pulling him closer still. The other moves to his chest, where the wild beat of his heart causes the rhinos stampeding through my ribcage to frenzy, heat and excitement surrounding us.
When he brings me back to Earth and sets me on the ground, that beautiful smile greets me as he leans away. Fingers linked at the small of my back, those blue eyes sparkle. “Hi,” he whispers.
My cheeks ache from my grin threatening to break the laws of physics. “Hi.”
“Are you ready?”
I laugh. “To marry you?”
“For our engagement party,” he grins. Oliver’s gaze breaks away from mine, willing mine to follow. “You didn’t think your Mom originally wanted a hot cocoa fountain and dessert bar, did you? Or all the plant babies?”
Looking around, both of our families, John’s family, and the Fairchilds all rush toward us, arms open in congratulations. As we get pulled in every direction for hugs and kisses and overwhelming love, the countdown to midnight begins.
“10! 9!”
Sandra kisses her son on the cheek and looks at me with shining eyes before wrapping her arms around me. John, Rindy, and Jo take turns hugging us tight, saying their congratulations.
“8! 7!”
Connie, Imogene, and Blythe manage to squeeze me within an inch of my life, giving a whole new meaning to loving someone to death.
“6! 5!”
Prescott and Chris clap Oliver on the shoulder and take turns shaking his hand while welcoming him to the family. Marshall congratulates his son, pulling us both in tight.
“4! 3!”
Ian and Aaron encircle me in one giant hug. They give my sisters and soon-to-be sister a run for their money when it comes to lovingly depriving me of air.
“2!”
Mom and Dad each press a kiss to my cheek. Their excitement may be more understated than everyone else’s, but I still wouldn’t change them being here for the world.
“1!”
Finding the man I love among our sea of loved ones, I drift back into his arms. “I love you, Oliver,” I whisper.
“I love you, too, Calloway,” he murmurs against my lips.
My grin widens, and his follows my lead. “You know, this holiday was better than I ever could have hoped for.”
