Jake had never felt happier. He'd spent the morning with his family, Lindsey, and Katie opening presents. With TJ and his family's help, he'd convinced Lindsey to stay for Christmas. It had been wonderful to watch her face when Katie had several more presents under the tree than Lindsey had expected. More than once she'd teared up a little. She'd even held his hand most of the morning.

Afterward, he'd brought them to his farm for a light lunch under the pretense his mom didn't want anyone in her kitchen while she prepared the dinner feast. He'd actually just needed quiet time with Lindsey. She'd leave the next day, and this would be his only chance to tell her how he felt.

When Katie went down for a nap, he sat by the fire and tried to get the nerve to say what he needed. It was harder than he thought, so he asked Lindsey all kinds of questions. She didn't want to talk much about her future plans, but she loved to talk about her childhood, her mom, and how much she had loved their dairy farm.

"It was hard work, but I miss it. Steven sold all the cows early on so I didn't have much purpose around the house." She sat with a pillow in her lap, playing with the buttons on it.

"If you could do anything you wanted in the world, what would it be?"

"You'll think I'm stupid."

"No I won't."

She sighed and squeezed the pillow tight. "All I've ever wanted was a home of my own to take care of. I enjoyed helping my mom, but it was always her kitchen, her house, you know?"

He nodded and reached for her hand, running his fingers over her smooth skin. "Would you want more children?"

She stared at him for a moment before nodding. "I've always wanted a full house. My brother was a lot older, so when he moved out it was really quiet. I want to hear laughter and little feet running up and down the stairs. A dog, chickens, maybe a cow for fresh butter. A little garden would be nice."

"All of that sounds perfect." He twined his fingers with hers. "My house is too quiet."

Lindsey looked at their hands, then back at him. "Oh?"

Jake's heart beat faster, as if he'd just tossed hay bales for an hour straight. He wished more than anything he was better with his words. Better at reading women.

Just say it.

"I think I've been praying for you for a long time. Long before you bolted out of your car to get to Katie, but since then, you're all I've thought about. Both of you. The two of you make my heart feel alive. Every time she puts her little hands on my face, I know I'd do anything in the world for her."

Jake wiped at a tear that rolled down Lindsey's cheek, hoping it was a happy tear. He knew he couldn't stop though. It was important that he say all that was in his heart.

"I heard you tell my mom about your ex that first day. I've never been so angry. A real man would know how special you are, how much he should cherish and protect you. But I also understand that protecting you doesn't mean keeping you locked away."

"Jake, what are you saying?" her voice wavered.

"Lindsey, I'm trying to say that I want to be your support. I want to give you everything you've ever dreamed of, but I want us to do it together."

Another tear dropped from her lashes, but she smiled. It gave him hope.

"Lindsey, I know we've only known each less than two weeks, but I can't imagine my life without you. Please, stay in Saratoga with me. You and Katie."

"I'd like that, but I don't know if I'm ready." She squeezed his hands.

"I can understand that. I'm willing to bet my mom would give you a job in exchange for room and board. You'd have help with Katie, and we can take our time getting to know each other before you decide anything."

"She's already mentioned the job.” Katie glanced down, then back up to meet his gaze. She stared into his face, as if she could see deep into his soul. “Where do you hope we'll end up?"

Jake's heart beat strong and sure. No longer afraid, he had no more doubts about what he wanted in his future. "I hope one day you'll trust me with your heart. That you'll bind it with mine. Let me love you and Katie as my own family."

Lindsey shifted on the couch so she could face him better. She reached out and placed both hands on the side of his face. Instead of patting it the way Katie did, she guided him closer.

Just before their lips touched she whispered, "Jake Wilson, I'm glad you've been praying for me, because I think I've been praying for you too."