Page 85 of Seth
Seth pulled open the back door and a swirl of icy wind swept through, rattling the frame. Ryan let out a delighted squeal as snowflakes danced over her shoulders.
On the porch, drifts of powder hid the steps entirely. Seth released her mittened hand, picked up the coarse-bristled broom leaning against the wall, and swept the hidden stairs clear with firm, rhythmic strokes. He set the broom aside, cheeks flushed, then returned to her side and took her hand again, eyes warm.
“Are you sure about this?” he asked softly.
“Yes.” Ryan’s blue gaze met his, and he knew he’d never say no to her.
“Alright, let’s go.” He led her off the porch and into knee-deep snow. Ryan laughed as she stumbled, the cold pressing against her boots.
“I didn’t realize it was this deep,” she giggled. “It’s past my knees!”
“Welcome to winter in Montana,” he teased.
“I love it,” she declared, arms wide, the crisp air filling her lungs.
He shook his head, smiling. “There’s something seriously wrong with you.”
They trudged across the yard until the barn door loomed before them. Pushing it open, they stepped into muted warmth, the sun’s residual heat caught between weathered wooden walls and the sweet scent of hay. It was only a few degrees warmer, but it felt like summer after the frigid outdoors.
“Well?” Ryan asked as she walked ahead of him.
“Well, what?” he asked.
“My gifts.” She faced him.
“Oh, those. I was kidding.” He laughed as Ryan ran at him, and he caught her in his arms. “Over here.”
He guided her close to a stall. In soft straw stood Pearl, her dapple-gray coat gleaming, a scarlet bow tied to her leather halter. Ryan’s breath caught.
“Pearl?” she whispered.
Seth nodded. “She’s yours.”
Ryan removed her mittens, reached out, stroking the horse’s muzzle. Warmth bloomed in her chest. “I love her. Thank you.”
“Wait, there’s more.” He took her hand and led her into the tack room and flipped on the lights, making it glint off bridles and bits. Against the far wall rested a stunning saddle of light brown leather, the edges tooled with intricate floral patterns. He spun it around to reveal the cantle, where Ryan’s name was stitched in elegant script.
She stuck her mittens into her pockets and let her fingers glide over the buttery-soft leather. “How did you get this done by Christmas?”
“My friend Noah had this one spare,” Seth explained. “The person who ordered it, wanted a darker color, so I asked him toadd your name. He’s the best saddler in the state, usually a two-year wait.”
Ryan admired the craftsmanship, then noticed the matching saddlebags. Seth unbuckled one and draped it over her arm. “Perfect for your camera,” he said.
She slipped her hand inside the bag… and froze. Pulling out a small gift-wrapped package, she glared at him. “What’s this?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know.”
She handed it to him. “Open it.”
He shook his head. “Nope. It’s yours. You open it.”
Her frustration softened as Seth knelt before her, removing his gloves and taking her hand. “Ryan, I love you more than anything. I want this forever. Please.”
Tears welled in her eyes. She tore off the paper to reveal a black velvet box, then he took it from her. Seth’s heart pounded as he opened it, exposing a platinum halo ring that glittered like starlight.
“Ryan, will you marry me?” he whispered.
She stared at the ring, then at him, then back at the ring. At last she sank to her knees, voice trembling with joy. “Yes, Seth. I will marry you. I love you. You’ve made me the happiest woman alive.”
He slipped the ring onto her finger, kissed her knuckles, then her lips.
“Let’s celebrate,” he said, standing and offering his hand.
“We have to call our parents.”
“After we celebrate.”
Laughing, she nodded. Hand in hand, they left the barn and trudged back into the swirling snow, footprints side by side, ready to begin their life together.
* * * The End * * *
