Page 63 of Secret Santa
“The story goes that my grandfather gave it to my grandmother the night he proposed to her,” he said with a smile.
“I see your theme going here.” She felt her heart flutter while he reached over and slid the bracelet onto her right wrist.
“My turn,” he said, pulling the box he’d started opening towards him.
She groaned. “It’s a stupid—” she started, but he stopped her with a look.
“Whatever it is, I’m going to love it.” He opened the box to the sweater she’d picked out.
“Okay, that’s the worst gift I got you. I swear.” She groaned.
He laughed as he pulled the sweater over his head. “I like it. Blue is my favorite color. It’s the same color as your eyes.” He reached over and took another box from under the tree, this one a little bigger than the last.
When she unwrapped a silver necklace, she frowned. “You didn’t get me all jewelry, did you?”
He laughed. “No, there’s a sweater or two in here for you as well.”
She smiled. “Okay, what’s the story with this one?” She held up the delicate chain as he helped her put it on. There was a small teardrop shape that dangled from the chain. “It’s beautiful.”
“Tears of my father the night my mother finally said yes,” he said with a slight frown. “She left it for her future daughter-in-law. This present is really from her to you,” he said, his eyes meeting hers.
She felt her heart skip. “I always liked your mother.” She touched the tear shape. “I’ll cherish it always.”
He smiled. “Which one should I open next?”
She pointed to the bigger box and sat back to watch him open the new end table she’d purchased him. “There are four more like it in my garage. Daryl said he’d grab them tomorrow.”
Nick set the new end table next to the sofa they had picked out together. “It matches so well.”
She laughed and held out her hand for her next presents, which ended up being a deep red sweater, followed by a blue one. He’d also purchased her silver earrings that matched the teardrop necklace perfectly.
She had purchased him a few throw pillows for his new sofa and some curtains. Each time he opened a gift, he put the items she’d gotten for his home in place.
“We can hang the curtains tomorrow,” he pointed out. “Now…” He pulled the last of her boxes from under the tree and held it up.
“Before that.” She stood up. “I have to give you your last present.” She took the box from his hands and, taking it with her, took his hand in hers and headed outside. “We’ll need our coats and boots.” She slipped into her boots and jacket while Nick pulled on his.
“What—” he started, but she gave him a look and he chuckled. “Lead the way.” He motioned after opening the door.
When they stepped into the barn, she was thankful to see all of her animals safely tucked inside. She ran her hands over each of her horses’ heads and stopped just outside of the last stall.
When Nick saw the bow tied around Wilbur’s neck, he laughed. “You gave me a pig?”
She smiled. “Yes, I gave you a pig. One that you never have to eat and can continue spoiling for the rest of his life.”
Nick wrapped his arms around her. “This is the best gift I have ever gotten.”
She laughed. “The bar is set pretty low then.”
“Now, open your last gift.” He motioned to the box. “Here, now, in front of our animals.” He nodded towards Wilbur.
As she peeled the soft blue paper away from the box, Nick slowly slid down to one knee on the cement floor.
When she opened the box, she felt tears burn her eyes as she looked down at his mother’s ring. She remembered commenting on the unique design when she’d seen his mother wearing it all those years ago.
The heart-shaped diamond and solid white gold band had impressed the young Kara. Now, with the ring glimmering in the soft light from the barn, Kara’s heart melted.
“Kara,” Nick said, taking her hand and slipping the ring onto her finger, “you know how I feel about you. You’re my universe. My world. I can’t imagine being anywhere without you. If everything went up in smoke tomorrow, the only thing that would matter was that you were by my side.” He kissed her knuckles softly. “Marry me. Make a life with me. Wherever we chose to be.”
