People stood shoulder to shoulder, gazing at the lights, most still humming the song. Boone’s arm held her close, but she snuggled closer and wrapped her arms around his waist. A month ago, she’d been restless and felt uncertain about her future. Since meeting Boone, her world had changed.

The night must be cold. After all, it was the end of December at the top of the Rocky Mountains, but Donella could feel his warmth. Holding Boone, she was at peace.

“Remember those surprises I promised you?” Boone whispered to her.

A shiver quickened her thoughts. She tipped her head up, and he kissed her forehead. “I liked the first one very much.”

“Then I’ll put electric lights on a tree for you every year.” Her arms tightened around him. It was easy for her to think they were alone.

She was glad to see he might be thinking the same thing as his eyes, dark with desire, gazed at her. Her eyes fluttered shut as their lips met. He stepped back and said, “I have another gift for you inside.” He held her hand, and they walked back in. Instead of leading her to the crowed side of the room, he took her to a table secluded in the corner past the staircase.

“I think I kept you outside too long. Your cheeks and nose are red. I’ll be right back.” He went to the kitchen and returned with two glasses of warm wassail.

Donella was glad the lights were keeping most people outside still, and she could hear them singing again. She was glad to have some time alone with him.

He picked up a package and set it on the table. “Merry Christmas, Doni.” He scooted his seat next to hers and put his arm around the back of the chair.

Oh, she liked it when he was near. Her hands trembled, but she managed to get the paper off to reveal brown leather, supple with age. Delicate roses were tooled around the outside. She pressed her hands down on the center. It was soft and full. “It’s a pillion saddle. How did you find one?”

“I sent out some advertisements. I like you riding with me, but I want you to be comfortable too.”

“And very close,” she said.

“Yes. And very close.”

Donella leaned across the armrests of her chair and kissed Boone. It had happened so quickly that she hadn’t thought about it before she did it. It was getting to be quite a delicious habit between them. And she could see the wisdom of why he chose a table away from everyone. “Thank you. I can’t wait to use it.”

“You’re welcome. I have one more surprise.” Boone looked around the restaurant. The partiers had returned inside and were chatting and eating treats. “Are you warm enough to go back outside?” His head cocked to the side, and his eyes shined with mischief.

“Yes. But only with you. I seem to be warmer with your arms around me.”

“Then it’s my pleasure to hold you.” He led her outside.

They again stood before the tree—this time alone. The colored lights shone through the boughs and lit the snow as if paint had been brushed down them. His arms held her tightly, and they swayed together for a moment.

When his arms released her, she spun around to find him kneeling in front of her. “I know we haven’t known each other every long, but I already know I want to spend every day of my life with you.”

Donella’s pulse beat erratically, and she thought her heart might jump from her chest.

“I don’t believe we need to wait for happiness. I’ve found that with you, and I’m selfish. I want as much happiness as soon as possible with you.”

His deep voice pierced her mind with raw happiness. His blue eyes were illuminated by the lights on the tree. He was beautiful.

“I want to be part of your life and I want you to be the center of mine. Doni, my love, will you marry me?”

She felt as if her breath was cut off, and she whispered, “Yes. I’ll marry you, Boone.” Excited emotions swirled in her chest as he stood and pressed his lips to hers. She lost track of time. She only thought of his warm breath, his arms pulling her closer, his lips slanted against hers. She could only think of being his wife.

When they separated, Donella said, “You’ll need to ask my father.”

His hand cupped her cheek, spreading warmth through her. “I already have.” He kissed her lightly again.

“Then we don’t have to wait.”

“We can marry whenever you’d like,” he agreed.

Donella’s mouth covered his. How would she ever stop kissing this man? She kissed him thoroughly and with passion. Then an idea sparked, and she pulled away.

A started expression covered Boone’s face. “What is it?” he asked.

Her smile grew as she considered what she was about to do. There was a strange rightness to it, but her heart hammered as she searched for the courage to do it. “Boone, my love, will you marry me tonight?”

His eyes flashed wide open.

Donella worried that she’d shocked him by being so bold, but his arms circled her, lifting her from the ground as they spun in a circle. He set her on her feet once again. “Yes.”

She wouldn’t stop now. She dared to ask one more question. “Right here in front of this tree?”

“Yes. Right here.”

They went inside and gathered their families, telling them the good news. Then they and the party guests again crowded around the shining Christmas tree. Reverend Bing stood facing the couple and, it seemed, around half the town.

Although the words of the marriage were like every other ceremony she’d heard, the words sank into her heart and bound her to the man she chose to stand beside throughout her life. The kiss was gentle with the promise of being cherished. The crowd scrambled back inside, but as Boone and Donella approached the door, Boone scooped her up into his arms, kissed her lips, carrying her over the threshold.

I hope you enjoyed Boone and Donella’s story of falling in love. They’ll have each other as that wild western town continues to grow. Stick around. On the next page, the first chapter of P.S. I Love You begins to give you a sneak peek into the Twickenham Time Travel romance series.

now!

After reading the beginning of P.S. I Love You, turn the page to read the first chapter of Secondhand Hearts. The first book in the Peak City Romance series, featuring more sweet romances and happily-ever-afters.