She took the bouquet. “I can’t believe he’s doing this.”
Ms. Hattie pointed to the note attached. “Read the next clue.”
Did the entire town know? Heather grabbed the note.
I swept you off your feet
The night that we first met
You bumped into me
Stop by the ice cream truck for your next treat
“What does it say, dear?” Ms. Hattie asked.
“He… wants me to eat ice cream,” Heather said.
She gave a wave to Ms. Hattie and headed out the door. She smelled the fresh roses. Where was Allen? While she loved the game he was playing, she wanted to be with him, but if he wanted to make the night special for her, she would play along.
Heather strolled to the ice cream truck down the street, after setting her roses in the front seat of her car. Butch, the owner of the truck held out a cup for her. She glanced down to see cookies and cream greeting her.
“Butch?” She raised an eyebrow taking the cup in her gloved hands.
He held up his hands in a surrendered gesture. “I’m only following directions.”
She pointed her spoon at him after swallowing a gulp of her favorite treat. “You can tell me.”
“Merry Christmas.” He winked at her.
Heather winked back and strolled back to her car. A rustling noise underneath her cup caught her attention. Holding it up, she read Allen’s handwriting.
I love you; I love you
More than words can say
Your favorite tree has a surprise for you
I hope it makes your day
Heather swallowed her last spoonful and pulled out of her parking space behind the lined cars. The tree lighting ceremony warmed her heart the night before. Allen had held her hand as the town shouted the final countdown, and then he kissed her as fresh snow fell around them.
Then she found a parking space close to the lit tree. This year the townspeople left wishes on the lower branches. She stared, admiring all the old-fashioned ornaments. Heather then noticed an unusual one on the tree. Something that would make her day?
A ring box caught her eye, resting on one branch. Her mouth fell open as she grabbed the black velvet box. He couldn’t be serious, but she opened it anyway to a princess-cut diamond ring.
“Like it?” Allen asked.
She pivoted to face him. In his long leather fitted coat, fresh snowflakes dusted his shoulders. “Allen?”
“Come here,” he said, his eyes filled with love.
She inched closer. Her heart pounded. She made it past the six-week mark. His divorce had been final for a while, and they agreed to date. He was a big softie underneath that shy exterior.
Allen had a heart of gold, and she loved him with all her heart. Standing before him now, she exhaled as he got down on one knee. Heather blinked back the tears.
“I haven’t asked you yet,” he said with a smile.
She grinned as a tear escaped her eye. “Sorry, go ahead.”