A few days later, Jericho showed up at Alyssa’s door.

The blustery winds swept the leaves from the lawn as she stepped out onto her porch.“Well, good evening.”

“Evening,” Jericho began.

Alyssa looked around for his companion.

“No Molly tonight?”

He shook his head. “No, I wanted to talk to you.”

Alyssa’s heart grew heavy. “Sure. Let me get my heavier jacket.” She stepped in, leaving the door open only long enough to grab the heavy corduroy stadium coat.

Jericho stepped up and held it for her to slip her arms in.

“Is everything okay?” she asked, turning to face him.

“I think so. Come on, let’s walk.”

Together, they started walking.

At the corner of the street, Jericho reached out and took her hand. “Let’s cross here and go to the park.”

“Sure.”

Once across the street, she expected him to relinquish his hold. Instead, Jericho tucked her hand inside his own jacket pocket drawing them closer together. The silence was nearly deafening. Alyssa thought she might scream before they reached the park. Walking over to one of the lonely picnic tables, he gestured for her to sit down.

“Jericho, is everything all right?”

He gave a soft smile and nodded. “I brought you out here because I wanted to tell you something.”

“Yes?”

He joined her on the bench. “I gather my mother and Wallis told you a bit about my failed love life.”

Alyssa nodded. “I am so very sorry. I really think it’s her loss. Jericho, you and your family are wonderful.”

“I’m glad you think so.” He gazed out across the horizon. “For a long time, I thought it was me. I kept wondering if I was being old fashioned.”

“What, to want children? To love animals? I hardly think so.”

He picked up her hand and brought it to his mouth to kiss the skin at her knuckles. “You are so wonderful.”

“I think that woman was just selfish.”

“She was. Perhaps…” He gave a shrug. “We were just too young. I want what Wallis has, Alyssa. I want a home, family, kids. Before we go any further, I want to know if you believe in marriage?”

“Yes, yes I do.”

“I’m glad.” Jericho stared deep into her eyes. “I have deep feelings for you, Alyssa. I don’t want you think I’m the kind of guy that would say that then run out and date others.”

“You are not that kind of guy.” She cupped his cheek with her hand and enjoyed the sensation of his five o’clock shadow. “You are the kindest, most generous man I’ve ever met. I’m honored to accompany you anywhere.”

Jericho leaned closer and kissed her.

Alyssa’s arms encircled his neck as the intensity of his lips drew an urgent response.

“Here now, none of that in public.”

The male voice startled them. Jericho broke the kiss as they turned to see the Chief of Police, Jonah Baudouin giving them a dark glance.

“This is a public park Jericho Brown. You take your shenanigans home.”

“You know…” Jericho stood and pulled Alyssa to her feet. “I think we’ll take you up on that.”

Giggling, Alyssa allowed herself to be pulled back toward the sidewalk.

“If you need him arrested for harassment, Miss March, you let me know,” he called after them.

“I’m fine, officer, but thank you!” Alyssa yelled back.

Still laughing, they hurried across the street.

Hand in hand, Jericho brought her back to her door. “I know you’ve got a lot going on with the Vineyard tours, but save Friday night for me, okay?”

She nodded and with one last kiss, Jericho walked away.

* * *

It seemed as if the whole town of St. Helena turned out for the Tour Through History. Dean Stockwell was pleased that the tickets sold out in two weeks.

Alyssa was even more pleased that on Friday the weather cooled enough to make it feel like a real New England holiday. Stepping out on to the Sorrento Ranch, she spied Wallis and her family standing in line to get in. “Hey, Wallis! Hurrying over, she engulfed Jericho’s sister into a hug.

“Don’t I get one?” Chandler smiled.

Alyssa gave him one as well. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“What?” Wallis cried giving her a playful push. “And miss the event of the century?”

They all shared a laugh.

“Actually,” Wallis shared. “We had to fight to get these tickets.” She held up her punch cards.

“You’re kidding?”

“Nope,” Chandler explained. “My boss’ wife decided to go into labor a few days ago, so he put the tickets up for auction. I was the highest bidder. Two hundred dollars and all the money goes to the animal rescue charity.”

“Oh, my gosh,” Alyssa squealed. “That’s awesome. Please, thank your boss.”

He nodded.

“I’ve got to head over to the exit tent. Be sure to taste the mulled wine, I hear it’s out of this world. By the way, have you seen Jericho?”

“No,” Wallis answered.

“He wanted me to meet him here.” She looked around. “I guess I’ll find him later. Enjoy!”

“Enjoy.” Wallis exchanged a look with her husband and smiled broadly.

Alyssa hurried past the four students dressed in Dickens costumes singing carols to the tent where Irene Davidson waited for her.

“Hey, sorry I’m late,” Alyssa huffed. “Traffic is backed up. Next year, we are going to have to get clearance from the police department.”

Irene laughed. “This has been wonderful. Do you know, we’ve raised nearly fifteen thousand dollars for local charities including the college? Dean Stockwell was just in here busting with pride. I hope next year, you can come up with another wonderful idea.”

“I don’t know if I’ll be here. I understand Professor Crane’s secretary is coming back the first of the year.” Alyssa sighed. “I’ll be job hunting.”

“Oh, no you won’t.” Dean Stockwell strode up. “The board is so pleased, we are turning this into an annual event with you as coordinator. Your salary is under negotiation, but you’ve such a head for organization, I can assure you we’ll be using your for many other projects. Thank you again, Miss March. I’m so glad you applied for the job.”

“You are so welcome.”

Dean Stockwell shook her hand and wandered toward where the other board members stood.

“Wow,” Alyssa murmured.

“I’m so happy for you.” Irene hugged her tight. “What a wonderful end to this year.”

“Yes.”

Suddenly the sound of horses drew their attention to the front of the tent.

All conversation ceased as Jericho stepped down. “Alyssa, may I borrow you?”

Stunned, she could only nod.

He took her hand, led her over to the carriage and helped her into the seat. Joining her, he spoke to the driver, “Once around the vineyard.”

With a nod of his head, the driver flicked the reins and the horses stepped off.

“Where in the world did you get this from?” Alyssa asked.

“The equestrian farm wanted to join in. I thought it added a nice touch.”

“It’s wonderful. I didn’t think of them. Remind me to jot that down for next year.”

The horses wound their way around the vines and away from the excitement of the tour. Now, only the moonlight seemed to light their way.

“This is so magical,” Alyssa whispered.

“It is.”

The carriage pulled into a clearing and from there, they could see the entire valley twinkling below them.

“It’s all so beautiful,” she gushed.

“Yes, it is. Do you ever wish to live anywhere else?” he asked.

“No, this is just perfect.” Alyssa sighed.

“Come with me.”Jericho stepped down from the carriage and drew Alyssa to him as he lifted her down. Hand in hand, they walked toward the edge of the clearing.

“Alyssa March, I’ve gotten to know you so well since Molly made that ill fated dash into your yard.”

Alyssa smiled at the memory. “I’m so glad he did.”

“I am too.” Jericho took her hand.

Alyssa’s eyes widened as he lowered to one knee.

“Alyssa, I have found myself falling madly in love with you. You’re smile, your laughter mean more than anything. I want to spend the rest of my life hearing that through our children and our grandchildren. I want to grow old with you. To see the world in your eyes. To wake every morning with you in my arms. Alyssa March, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

Tears filled her eyes. She looked down at the man in front of her and her heart spilled over. “Yes. Yes, a thousand times yes.”

Jericho rose and kissed her, then drew a small velvet box from his pocket. Inside, a single diamond stood waiting.

Her hand shook as she held it out and he slipped it in place.

A short while later, the horse and carriage trotted toward the tent.

Alyssa could see Jericho’s family as well as her friends from work, standing there waiting. The carriage pulled to a stop.

Jericho reached for her hand and held it up smiling. “She said, yes!”

Shouts of joy erupted from the tent as they climbed down.

“When’s the wedding?” Dean Stockwell asked.

“I’m not sure?” Jericho looked at Alyssa.

“Why don’t we ring in the New Year as husband and wife?”

He grinned. “Sound’s perfect to me.”

* * *

Three weeks later, Alyssa walked down the aisle on the arm of the dean.

Standing at the altar of the small church in St. Helena, stood Jericho, Chandler and Tate.

Glancing at the other side, Janet, Wallis, and Irene stood smiling. The year couldn’t end any more prefect, she mused.

“Who gives this woman in marriage?”

“St. Helena and I,” replied Dean Stockwell with a wink.He gave her hand a squeeze and stepped away.

Alyssa handed her flowers to Irene and took her place beside Jericho.

Their gazes locked, they repeated the vows.

“The rings?”

Both of them looked toward the aisle as Molly wandered up carrying the basket holding their matching bands.

The minister held them up and blessed them.

Giving one to Alyssa, she slid it onto Jericho’s finger.“With this ring, I thee wed.”

Jericho looked to the minister and took the ring for her hand, sliding it into place. “With this ring, I thee wed.”

“These two have given their consent before God and this assembly to love, honor, and cherish each other for as long as they both shall live. It gives me great pleasure to present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Jericho Brown. What God has brought together, let no man put asunder. You may kiss your bride.”

Jericho gently lifted the veil that covered Alyssa’s face and drew her into his arms. “We began our lives together on that day Molly dug a hole in your garden. I can say for sure, it was the beginning of a beautiful disaster. I love you, Alyssa.”

“I love you, Jericho.”

As they kissed, the congregation broke into applause and to the delight of the crowd, Molly barked with pleasure.