Chloe saw Ethan shift nervously on his heels. He glanced outside at the falling snow. Then his gaze rested on Chloe. She could suddenly see resolve in his eyes. He'd made his mind up to do something. She guessed what he might be preparing to say. Nerves flared into life all over her body. Butterflies tumbled in her middle as she gazed up into Ethan's eyes. He took both her hands and faced her. She saw him swallow. He looked as nervous as she felt, Chloe reflected. Her breathing became short. Now it was her turn to shift nervously on the heels of her boots.
The children continued their plaintive and delicate singing. It sounded angelic, Chloe told herself. Perfect for this time and this place, she reflected.
Ethan leaned closer to Chloe. Now there was a steady look in his eyes. He'd made up his mind. She could see that.
"Chloe," Ethan breathed, his voice cracking with emotion.
"Yes, Ethan?" she asked.
He sighed. "I brought you here today to ask you one very important question. This seemed like the perfect place to ask you." He tilted his head and smiled nervously. "After all, you did have something to do with making the barn look like this."
Chloe quirked a brow at Ethan. "Just a bit," she agreed. "But, the work is all yours." She ran her gaze around the barn's interior. "And I'm so proud of you, Ethan."
"You are?" he asked, lifting a brow. The corner of his mouth creased with the hint of a smile. Chloe took in the sight of that smile. She felt the butterflies in her middle calm. She'd never get tired of seeing his beautiful smile, she told herself. It had the power to take away all her doubts. All her worries. And, she'd never lose the sense of wonder she felt when Ethan looked at her with such love. Such affection.
Chloe felt Ethan's fingers tighten their grasp of her hands. "Chloe. You know how I feel about you. I told you the other night." He leaned closer, lowering his voice. The children's singing masked his words, but Chloe heard them clearly. "I love you, Chloe. And I always will. You belong in my life. And, if you will have me, I aim to make sure that your life will be perfection from now on. With the grace of God."
Chloe felt the force of Ethan's words. Momentarily, her mind was blank. Then, composing herself, she smiled at Ethan. "I love you, too, Ethan." She narrowed her eyes. "Who'd have thought when we met on that train station platform that we'd be standing here, like this."
Ethan nodded. "God moves in mysterious ways," he said.
"He does," she said smiling warmly at him.
Ethan smiled at Chloe. He drew in a deep breath and gazed earnestly at Chloe. The children's voices continued their melodic beauty. It was the perfect sound for a perfect moment, Chloe told herself.
Ethan gazed deeply into Chloe's eyes. "Chloe Forsyth. Will you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?"
The music enveloped Chloe and her heart sang in harmony. She gasped and smiled at Ethan. Emotion swept through her as she gazed at him. She could see the sudden worry in his eyes as he waited for her answer. But, he didn't have to worry, she told herself. There was only one answer she wanted to give him. The one truth which was nestled in her heart. A truth which God had placed in her heart by bringing Ethan into her life.
She nodded. "I will marry you, Ethan," she gasped, feeling the joy sweeping through her entire being.
"You will?" Ethan exclaimed.
Chloe nodded abruptly and smiled at Ethan. "Of course I will."
Ethan swept Chloe into his arms. This time there was no hesitation. He kissed her tenderly and very gently. Somewhere, far off, Chloe heard the sound of children screaming with delight, their singing suddenly halted. Then, she heard Miss Ruthven murmur something to the children. At once, the inside of the barn was filled with the sound of "Silent Night", another of Chloe's favorite songs. A warm glow, more intense than any she'd ever felt, swept throughout Chloe's being. This was where she belonged. In Ethan's arms. His loving kiss seemed to last an eternity. When, at last, he lifted his head and gazed lovingly into her eyes, she saw that his joy was as great as hers. His arms around her waist, Ethan and Chloe turned and looked at the faces of the smiling children. Miss Ruthven turned and smiled at Chloe and Ethan. Joy and delight filled the inside of the barn.
Chloe stood with Ethan listening to the precious sound of the children singing. When the song was over, she and Ethan applauded. But then, realizing what had just happened, Miss Ruthven led the children in a round of applause for Chloe and Ethan.
From outside, Chloe heard the sound of carriage wheels. She followed Ethan to the open barn doors and gazed out. The carriage bringing Jake, Caleb and Eugenie was arriving. From inside the ranch house, Ethan's mother, Lilian and his sister, Gretchen emerged. Clearly, Ethan must have arranged to be allowed to be alone with Chloe. He'd anticipated she would say yes. And he'd been right.
Lilian and Gretchen went to greet the arrivals. Their families were united, at last, Chloe told herself. God had brought them all together and he would never allow them to be apart.
Ethan gazed down at Chloe. "I think we better go and tell our families the good news, don't you?"
Chloe nodded and smiled up at the man she loved. "I think that's a wonderful idea," she agreed.
And then she and Ethan started to walk toward their family members whose eyes were wide with expectation. She could hardly wait to tell them she would soon be Mrs Chloe Armstrong.
THE END
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Thank you for reading The Rancher's Christmas Wish. I hope you enjoyed the novel.
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Brides of Inspiration series.
The Rancher's Bride Arrangement
The Rancher's Marriage of Convenience
The Rancher's Second Chance Bride
The Rancher's Bride Surprise
The Rancher's Bride Blessing
The Rancher's Devout Bride
The Rancher’s Christmas Wish (Brides 0f Inspiration Book 8) Page 20