Snowbound: Miracle Marriage (Lakeside Mountain Rescue 8)

‘I don’t suppose anyone does.’

‘No. But then I realised that plenty of people get it right, even when circumstances aren’t perfect. Even though he’s single, Patrick is a wonderful father. Alfie and Posy are happy and confident. And someone told me recently that a good parent doesn’t have to be perfect.’ He gave a crooked smile. ‘They told me that DVDs can get scratched and toys can be broken, and a family can still work. None of those things mess a child up. A perfect family is a family that loves each other and is always there for each other.’

Stella swallowed. ‘Who told you that?’

‘Alfie. And he’s something of an expert.’ Daniel’s voice was suddenly soft and his gaze was disturbingly intense. ‘He also told me that what children really need is to be loved and to know that they’re loved. And our children are going to know that, Stella.’

Their children?

Stella felt the lump in her throat return. ‘Daniel, we really can’t—’

‘We can. We can, Stella.’ He lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her gently. ‘I know I’m asking a lot. You’re standing there thinking, It’s Christmas Day and he’s going to break my heart a second time. But I promise you that this time you’re wrong. Make a family with me, Stella. If you’re there, I know we’ll do it right.’

He sounded so sincere that Stella had to rein in the urge to just yell, Yes, yes, yes! ‘You want a family?’

‘That’s what I’m telling you.’

‘You really want to marry me?’

Daniel lifted her hand so that the diamond twinkled under the lights. ‘You think this is a joke?’

Despite the tears misting her eyes, Stella smiled. ‘I think it’s a really nice ring for £5. What would have happened if you hadn’t picked out my name in the Secret Santa?’

‘I didn’t pick your name. I had to persuade Ellie to fix it for me.’

‘You’re shameless.’ But she was smiling through her tears and suddenly Christmas was starting to feel the way it was supposed to feel.

‘I can’t believe you’ve changed your mind. I never thought that was going to happen. I’d given up hoping.’

‘But Christmas is a time for hope, and I wanted Christmas to be perfect for you this year,’ Daniel said softly. ‘And perfect for me. Are you going to make it perfect, angel? Are you going to give me another chance? Say yes.’

Yes.

Did she dare?

Feeling suddenly light-headed, Stella glanced around her. ‘Talking of situations not being perfect, I’m intrigued as to what motivated your decision to propose to me in a cupboard?’ She felt ridiculously happy and if there’d been more room, she would have danced around the dressing packs.

‘You were the one who chose the cupboard,’ Daniel drawled, a gleam of humour in his blue eyes. ‘I just wanted an intimate conversation without an audience. I thoroughly approve of teamwork in the emergency department but this is one situation in which I don’t need anyone’s help.’ He pulled her hard against him. ‘I’m still waiting for your answer. But if you say no, I have to warn you that I’m not going to listen.’

There was a sudden banging on the door and one of the nurses called out ‘Daniel? Are you in there? Ambulance Control just called. They’re bringing in a Santa who fell off his sleigh. Possible Colles’ fracture. They think he’s been drinking.’

Daniel rolled his eyes. ‘Don’t any fantasies remain intact? Santa drinking in charge of a sleigh? Unbelievable,’ he breathed, and then he tilted Stella’s face to his. ‘You’d better decide quickly before we have a department full of elves and reindeer. Your answer?’

Stella smiled, tears blurring her vision. ‘Yes,’ she whispered. ‘My answer is yes. Of course. I love you. I always have. I always will. You’re the only man I’ve ever wanted.’

Daniel lowered his head to hers, everything he felt for her communicated in that one devastating kiss.

‘Thank you,’ he murmured against her mouth. ‘Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for saying yes a second time. I promise I won’t let you down.’

The thumping on the door interrupted them. ‘Daniel?’

Daniel lifted his head reluctantly. ‘We’d better go and see Santa,’ he drawled, his arm still around her waist as he reached for the doorhandle. ‘When we’ve finished patching him up, you can tell him what you want for Christmas.’

‘I already have everything I want for Christmas.’ Stella slid her arms round his neck, her happiness so great she just wanted to smile and smile. ‘I have you. And you’re the only present I’ve ever wanted.’

Christmas Eve: Doorstep Delivery

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