47 Destinies: Finding Grace
Page 21
“They will really like that, Todd. How about we go meet them at the tavern? They are going to love this place!” Grace said with excitement.
“It would mean a lot to me if they do.” Todd placed his arm around Grace’s shoulder. He smiled down at her and gave her a tender kiss.
Everyone enjoyed the Christmas Eve festivities. After decorating the Christmas tree, they baked cookies in the kitchen. They played Christmas music throughout the manor and sang along with the songs. As night fell, Christmas carolers came to their door. The children stared in awe as the carolers sang Old English carols in the dark starry night.
After putting the kids to bed, Todd and Grace placed the presents under the tree. Todd grinned from ear-to-ear, as it was his first time playing Santa. He went overboard on the presents. They were going to have to ship a lot of it home, but Todd didn’t care. He wanted this first Christmas to be extra special for everyone.
As a surprise, Todd took Grace to church for the midnight service. The St. Michael’s Church was built on the manor grounds when the manor was originally constructed. Todd had given Grace a tour of the old stone church during the day. She was thrilled to attend a candlelight service at night. It would be the perfect ending to a perfect day.
Todd and Grace entered the church to find it nearly full. They picked up their candles and joined in the songs and prayers. Once the service was complete, they stayed behind to look around the church. Grace walked to the front of the church and studied the long glass windows. She wondered how many people once stared out these very same windows.
“There is something else I want to show you.” Todd took Grace’s hand and led her outside. He walked over to a room and opened the door. Inside was a small chapel well lit with candles. “This chapel was built long ago for the use of my family.”
Grace looked in the room and took in her surroundings. “It is perfect. Your family lineage is impressive Todd.”
“I would like to continue that lineage, if you will let me.” Todd got down on one knee and pulled a ring out of his pocket.
“Grace, from the moment I first met you, I knew my heart was in trouble. You have brought unbelievable joy and color into my gray life. I have fallen in love with you and your incredible children. Nothing would make me happier than to be your husband and a loving father to Mattias and Bella. Will you marry me?”
Grace could not contain her joy. She shouted yes and put out her hand so Todd could slip the ring on her finger.
“Todd, you have helped me discover myself. I am alive again. When I gave up all hope of ever finding love again, you appeared right in front of me. I could not have dreamed up a more perfect Prince Charming. You will never fully understand the extent of my love for you.”
“This ring belonged to my great-grandmother on my father’s side. It has been in my family for hundreds of years and has been passed down through the generations of Harcourts. I’ve held on to it because it was too precious to give away. Now it will remain in my family as you become my wife.” Todd picked up Grace and swung her around the room.
“I am honored to carry on your lineage,” Grace remarked still in shock. “I love this chapel, Mr. Harcourt, but I don’t think it will be big enough for all the wedding guests,” Grace said with a grin.
“Where we have the wedding is completely up to you, Sexy Legs. My role is to show up and do exactly as the bride instructs.” He kissed her passionately. He had finally found his missing puzzle piece.
“I want to remember this exact moment for the rest of our lives. I don’t ever want to forget the indescribable joy and love I have in my heart,” Grace said, looking down at the sparkling ring on her finger.
“I promise you won’t ever forget, Mrs. Harcourt.”
“I like the sound of that, Mr. Harcourt.”
The End
Coming in the fall of 2013:
47 Destinies:
The Matriarch
(Book Three)
Don’t miss the highly anticipated third book in the 47 Destinies series. Travel back in time and uncover Leslie Locke’s sorted past, full of heartbreak, lies and manipulation.