Page 54 of A South Hill Christmas Keepsake
“Looks good on him,” Nate murmured, pointing to his uncle.
“It does,” Hannah Leigh agreed. “Looks like hope.”
“Hope is fine,” Birdie announced, “but a column in the paper will keep the truth alive.”
Hannah Leigh nearly sloshed her cocoa. “A column?”
“Don’t act surprised.” Birdie fluffed her scarf. “TheSouth Hill Enterprisehas already given me space.Birdie’s Nest: Gossip with a Purpose.Starts Monday.”
Nate groaned. “Lord help us.”
Birdie wagged a finger. “Don’t sass me, Collier. If it weren’t for my gumption and my southern diplomacy, Margaret Jane might still be silent as a stone. A good story needs a teller, and honey, I was born to tell.”
“You definitely were,” Aunt Winnie agreed dryly, raising her glass of sweet tea. “And if you behave, I’ll even read it.”
The group laughed, Birdie bowed like a starlet, and Hannah Leigh thought maybe this town had just gotten itself a new tradition.
“Are you serious about starting that business here, and having a studio for planning sessions and smaller events?” Nate asked, his eyes steady.
“As serious as I’ve ever been,” she said, letting the words stand plain. “South Hill deserves to sparkle all year long. Weddings, socials, grand openings. I’ll even plan a party for the big fishing tournament if they want to. Women’s meetings. I want to help weave those moments.”
“And you’ll do it,” Nate said, certainty rich in his tone. “Folks will trust you with their happiest days.”
Her heart swelled. “Will you be part of it? Not just building shelves or fixing hinges, but part of it all. Part of me?”
His hands found hers, thumbs brushing warmth through her gloves. “Hannah Leigh, I don’t just want to be part of your business. I want to be part of your life. For as long as you’ll have me.”
The air caught, her heart tumbled, and joy rose like the first notes of a carol. She leaned in, kissed him sweet and sure.
Hannah Leigh turned toward Nate, her heart thudding against her ribs like it was keeping time with the rustle of the blossoms overhead. His grin was lopsided, the kind that used to drive her crazy when they were kids, and yet something steadier lived in his eyes now, something she could trust.
“Is that a proposal?” she teased, half laughing, half afraid to hope.
“I’d be happy to get down on a knee for you.” Nate’s eyes were serious.
She cocked her head, uncertain if he was playing, but then, before she could even make a joke about him ruining his jeans, he knelt.
He took her hand, rough and warm and trembling just enough to make her knees weak.
“Yes, Hannah Leigh.” His voice caught a little. “It’s a proposal. I don’t want another season to pass without knowing we’ve got forever. You’ve always been the one I was waiting for, even when I didn’t know I was waiting. No one ever compared to you. It can be a long engagement. I know this seems fast, but we’ve known each other forever. Please say you will.”
Tears burned at the corners of her eyes. She reached out, brushing his cheek with her thumb. “For always,” she whispered.
Nate pulled a ring out of his pocket.
Her jaw dropped. Surprise and an unexplainable amount of joy ran through her. “You’ve put some thought into this.”
“I have.” He reached for her hand.
She placed her hand in his, and he slipped a solitaire onto her finger, and they hadn’t even realized people had gathered around them.
Applause erupted, Birdie let out a squeal that could’ve woken the next county, and Aunt Winnie dabbed her eyes while muttering something about “finally” under her breath.
Hannah Leigh clapped and swept at her tears as Nate stood, pulling her into his arms.
After dinner, Hannah Leigh and Nate strolled down Main Street. A young couple stood before the LOVE sign, hands linked, foreheads touching as someone took pictures. Their joyful mood spilling into the cold air.
“Looks like South Hill’s got more than one love story tonight,” Nate murmured.
