EPILOGUE
KATY
Three Kings’ Day, January 6
In her plush seat on Marcus’s private plane, Katy snuggled happily against Marcus’s broad chest. They had raised the armrest between them, and she was perfectly content, even though their flight was a billionaire excess.
Marcus raised her hand and kissed each fingertip until Katy’s mouth went dry with wanting. When he was done, he tipped her chin up so he could give her a long, sweet kiss that made her forget her name.
Katy glanced past Marcus out the window. Seeing Guatemala’s landscape made her happy. They were returning to Conchilla for Three King’s Day to bring more gifts.
Their first stop was Antigua, with Mama Muni’s family. Mama Muni fed them a lot of tamales and a fruity drink of pineapple and mango and then saw them off so they could leave for Conchilla.
In a helicopter.
“You sure this is okay?” Marcus teased as the helicopter lifted off.
“As long as there’s no paparazzi,” Katy retorted.
They held hands as the helicopter bore them off from Antigua to the wilds of Conchilla in a fraction of the time it would have taken to ride the bus.
They did take a little diversion, hovering for a few minutes near Volcano de Fuego so Katy could see an active crater up close.
“Thank you,” Katy said, kissing Marcus on the cheek.
Just in the fourteen days since Marcus’s announcement of the million dollar prize, there were already signs of progress. A construction crew had brought over tractors and bobcats. Debris filled dumpsters. Belly trucks hauling concrete encircled the village, and a concrete foundation was already underway for the first of two planned school shelters in the area.
The mayor greeted them with open arms and his hearty laugh. “Blessed, blessed day,” he said. He reached for Marcus’s hands, shook them, and with shining eyes, expressed his gratitude. “On behalf of the people in Conchilla, thank you so much.”
Marcus and Katy unloaded the boxes from the helicopter and asked the mayor to gather all the children once again. Katy didn’t know what was inside the boxes. Marcus had insisted on keeping everything a secret, but now, as he cut the tape open and started pulling things out, she gave a little gasp of surprise.
A doll for the little girl. A soccer ball for the budding athlete. Crayons and coloring books and sketch pads. Things that the kids had requested from “Santa” before Christmas.
The children sat on Marcus’s lap as he gave each a present. Katy hung back and watched her billionaire Santa at work. Their glances met, and she knew they had received the greatest gifts of all: love and new beginnings at Christmastime.
After all the children received their gifts, Marcus announced he had one more.
“Can you please sit on Santa’s lap, Katy?” he said.
Blushing, Katy made her way over and sat on his lap.
The grown-ups whistled and giggled.
“What are you up to, Marcus James?” she asked, her heart thudding in her chest.
“Have you been good this past year, Katy Stevens?” he asked.
“Very. I’ve put up with a mean billionaire. I’ve loved him with all my heart.”
His eyes filled with tears. “Yes, you have. And he is very grateful.” He blinked and cleared his throat. “In that case…”
Marcus pulled a small red square velvet box from his pocket.
Everyone clapped and whooped. This moment didn’t need translation.
Katy swallowed. “Marcus…”
“Open it.”
She did as he asked.
The simple band of gold, inlaid with a row of diamonds, sparkled under the Guatemalan sun.
“It’s beautiful,” she said, her voice catching.
Marcus moved so that they were both standing. Then he knelt on one knee and looked up at her.
She loved his dear face. Her heart melted at his vulnerable expression, with its mix of apprehension and hope.
“My sweet Katy,” he said, his hazel eyes glowing. ”Like Joseph and Mary, I had been searching for an inn. I had been looking for peace. Another chance at happiness. Thanks to His tender mercy, He led me to you.”
Katy’s mouth trembled.
“You have sheltered me despite all my imperfections,” Marcus continued. “I promise to live worthy of that love and care.”
Tears rolled down Katy’s cheeks. Marcus reached up and brushed them away.
“Will you make me the happiest man on earth and be my wife?” he asked.
“Yes,” she said, embracing him. “Yes!”