It sparkled in the winter sunshine, the diamond catching the light like a snow crystal.
Her throat felt thick. “It’s the best gift anyone has ever given me.”
He lowered his head and kissed her gently. “Marry me, Kayla.”
“And those are the best words anyone has ever said to me,” she whispered against his mouth. “Yes.”
The sound of bells interrupted them, and they pulled apart, ready to move out of the way of the horse-drawn sleigh.
“Merry Christmas.” Walter sat in the driver’s seat, his hands on the reins while Alice and Elizabeth sat snuggled together under a rug in the backseat. “This is supposed to be a moment she remembers forever and you pick a hole in the trail and a gas-guzzling snowmobile? Get in the back and do it again so you can tell your kids you proposed in a horse-drawn sleigh.”
Jackson closed his eyes. “Gramps—”
“There are still some things I know more about than you. Now get in.”
Laughing, drowning in happiness, Kayla jumped into the back of the sleigh and was immediately hugged by Elizabeth and Alice. Maple popped her head out from the protection of Elizabeth’s warm coat and barked.
“This is the best Christmas present.” Alice took Kayla’s hand and studied the ring. “And you’re wearing the scarf I knitted you.”
“Of course she’s wearing it,” Elizabeth said. “Why wouldn’t she? It’s a beautiful scarf.”
Shaking his head in disbelief, Jackson sprang up next to her. “Are you sure you want to do this?”
“Of course she’s sure,” Walter said over his shoulder. “She’s here, isn’t she? Now get on with it. Just pretend we’re not here.”
“I’ve already done it, Gramps. She said yes, although she might be about to change her mind now you’ve reminded her what marrying me entails.”
“I’m not going to change my mind.” Kayla couldn’t ever remember a moment more perfect. She took Maple from Elizabeth and tucked the puppy inside her coat. “I’m really not.”
“Are you sure?” Jackson put his arm around her and snuggled her against him. “I can’t pretend it’s not going to be a challenge.”
“Haven’t you heard? Challenge is my favorite breakfast dish, along with a side of difficult marinated in the impossible. Only these days I’m adding in a taste of maple syrup. I find it adds that extra special something.”
“I can’t believe you’re staying.”
“I fell in love—” tears shone in her eyes “—and not just with the man. With the place. That’s what happens at Snow Crystal. It’s magic.”
And it felt like magic with his arms around her, his mouth on hers and the soft flutter of snow falling like confetti.
* * * * *