Page 77 of Noel I Won’t

I laughed, cheeks heating as an older lady gave me a saucy look. “Best get this show on the road if you havethatwaiting for later.”

I’d never turn down a kinky night with my boyfriend, but I had something even more important in mind. I hopped into my seat and started the tractor that would pull the wagon across the farm.

It was hours before Noel and I could meet in the bedroom.

I beat him there, giving me time to light candles on the dresser and each side table, casting the room in a soft glow.

Then I went to my knees, just as I’d wanted to do from the moment I’d met him. No man knew how to handle me like him.

Noel came through the door, oblivious to my plans. “Sorry I took so long. Iola can beexhausting. So sweet, but she’s wily. You wouldn’t believe what she wants me to?—”

He stopped short, taking in the sight of me on my knees.

“Well, this is a nice surprise, but where are the bells?” he teased.

“I decided on a different kind of bling.” I pulled a ring box from behind my back and opened it as I shifted onto one knee.

Noel gasped, eyes huge. “Hopper…”

“Will you marry me, Noel? I want us to be husbands and fathers. I want to fill this house with a family we build together. Let’s make the next generation of Grisold Christmas tree farmers and chefs. What do you say?”

He laughed, eyes gleaming with tears, and dropped to his knees to cup my face in his hands.

“I say,best Christmas gift ever.”