I nodded. “Yes.”
He glanced around at all the wedding guests. “There isn’t much privacy here. Let’s go back to my place.”
“Sure.”
I let my mom know that Clay and I were leaving, and she smiled and told me to have fun. She knew we’d had our ups and downs, and I was grateful she wasn’t reading into it.
I’d driven with my parents, so Clay said he’d take me home after we finished talking. We were both quiet on the way over to his cabin, each of us lost in our thoughts, but when Clay took my hand and laced his fingers through mine, I didn’t resist. The contact was comforting.
It was dark when we pulled up to his little home in the woods. This wasn’t the first time I’d seen the cabin, and a thought came to me suddenly. I hoped it wouldn’t be the last.
Last summer, when Sabrina and Hunter went on a date, Clay had picked me up and we’d toured Anchor Point. After that, we came back to his cabin and talked for hours about anything and everything. Here we were, six months later, about to have a discussion about our relationship.
Clay led me inside, and I stood at the doorway while he found his LED lanterns. He turned them on and placed one on a table and the other on top of a bookcase. They lit up the room quite well. He had a woodstove to keep the space warm, and the heat felt nice on an evening like this. He took off his coat and then motioned for me to sit on the couch with him.
It was surreal that I’d gotten through this entire day, and, now, we were about to discuss our future. All this time I’d managed to remain calm, but I was suddenly restless and uncomfortable. My stomach clenched and made a gurgling noise, betraying my uneasiness.
“You hungry?” Clay asked.
I laughed. “No. Guess I’m just anxious to get this over with.”
“Hey, it’s going to be okay. You know that, right?”
I bit down on my bottom lip and glanced away. “Yeah, I’m sure.” But I didn’t sound like I believed it for a second.
“Since when have you been a pessimist?”
I laughed outright. “I’m more of a realist.” Typically, I tried to look on the bright side of things and truly wasn’t a negative person. This situation was bringing out all my worst fears though.
Clay took my hand and squeezed it and then waited for me to look at him. “Jazmin, I love you.”
“I love you too.” I didn’t hesitate to say it because it was the truth. However this turned out, I wouldn’t deny my feelings.
He stared at me for a long moment and then he cleared his throat. “I accept that you can’t have children. Perhaps God will do a miracle and override what the doctor said, or maybe He won’t. Either way, I want to marry you.”
My heart did a little flip, and so much joy rushed to the surface that I almost forgot to breathe. And then I returned to reality and attempted to be more sensible. “Have you thought this through? Once we’re married, there’s no going back. We both believe in a lifelong commitment, so make sure you’re one hundred percent certain.”
“I am certain. Do you know how I know that?”
I shook my head. “No.”
“I haven’t stopped thinking about you for one day since we met.” He laughed. “I should probably amend that to one hour.”
“That’s…really sweet, but all that proves is that you have feelings for me.”
“I don’t think you understand. No one has captured my attention the way you have. No one.”
I was silent, my chest rising and falling with my breaths as I listened to what he had to say.
Clay shifted in his seat so he faced me. “At the rehearsal dinner, I realized something. I want to grow old with you, Jazmin. I want to wake up next to you every day. There is no one else for me. You are the love of my life, and I will not rest until you become my wife.” He paused. “I’ve always wanted a family of my own, but I don’t want it unless you’re a part of it. There is no doubt in my mind that you are the woman God has for me, and that He’s put us together for a reason.” He lifted himself off the couch and kneeled in front of me. “You’re my soulmate.”
My eyes teared up, but this time they were tears of happiness. “Is that a proposal?”
“Yes. Will you marry me?”
Chapter 13
Clay
Jazmin was anything but predictable, so when I asked her to marry me, I was almost certain she would say yes…but not one hundred percent. I was absolutely sure she loved me, though, and I was willing to wait as long as it took.
A smile broke over her features, and her face radiated with sheer joy. “Yes, Clay. I’ll marry you.” The last part came out in a squeal, and she clapped her hands together and stood to her feet.
I stood with her and pulled her into my arms, holding her there for the longest time and then I kissed her with the ferocity of a man who had waited long enough for the woman of his dreams.
I reluctantly drew back. “Hold on one second.” I darted into my bedroom and found the cherry wood jewelry box that used to belong to my mother. There inside was the engagement ring my father had given to her when they were younger. Money had never been an issue for him, so it was of the highest quality. A square two-carat diamond was surrounded by tiny diamonds lining the French-set band. I picked up the ring and brought it to Jazmin. “This belonged to my mother, but if it’s not to your liking, I’ll buy you a new one.”
Her eyes bugged out, and her mouth dropped open. “Wowzers, that’s a rock.”
I laughed. “Yeah, Mom and Dad had expensive taste.”
She took the ring and held it up to the light from the LED lantern, and the diamonds sparkled and glittered. A huge smile broke out over her face. “Clay, I want you to know that I’d wear a piece of string if that’s all you had, but this…” She giggled. “This is exquisite, and best of all, it was your mother’s. There is no other ring I’d rather have.”
I took it from her and slipped it on her finger. “There. It’s official.” I held her hand and gazed into her eyes. “Now that you’ve agreed to be my wife, I’m not sure how long I can wait. We might have to plan a quick wedding.”
She laughed with delight. “Clay Drover, you are the most patient man I know. Surely, you can wait a couple of years.”
“A couple of years!” I shrieked. “Are you crazy?”
She snickered. “I’m joking, sweetheart. I don’t want to wait two years either.”
“Good because I was thinking more along the lines of two weeks.”
She snorted, and yes, the sound came through her nose. “You are out of your mind.”
I nodded. “Yes, that’s true. When it comes to you, I am unequivocally out of my mind.”
***
It was Christmas Eve, and I’d organized a small group to go caroling. We weren’t able to do it the night of the auction, and Jazmin wanted another opportunity. Her entire family was participating, as well as Derek and Callie and a few others from church.
We stood in front of Kate and Evan’s house, and I knocked on the door. Evan answered, surprise showing on his face. We were all bundled up in jackets and scarves and hats, and we immediately began singing Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. Kate and her young daughter, Amy, came to the door, both smiling from ear-to-ear.
When we finished the song, Callie spoke up. “We’re here to bring you Christmas cheer. How is Amy doing?”
Kate squeezed her daughter’s shoulder and grinned. “So much better. The inhalers she’s using are helping a lot.”
Amy raised her hand like she was in school. “Can I ask a question?”
Kate laughed. “Go ahead, sweetheart. What do you want to know?”
“Do they know Frosty the Snowman?”
“Of course, we do,” Callie said, laughing. She glanced back at us. “One, two, three…”
We all started singing at once. We carried printouts of different Christmas carols and that song wasn’t one of them, but a few in the group knew all the lyrics regardless, and the rest of us followed their lead. We sang o
ne more song and then Jazmin handed them homemade pumpkin bread with powdered sugar sprinkled on top. She and I had made about six loafs early this morning, and the plan was to take them around to those we thought might benefit from a little Christmas cheer.
Walking away from the house, Jazmin turned to me, a smile lighting up her face. “That went well. Where should we go from here?”
“Ed Green is next on the list, and he doesn’t live too far away.”
We all caravanned over to his home and then stood on his front porch. I rang the doorbell and stepped back. Ed answered and blinked in surprised when he saw all of us, and then a huge smile broke out over his face when we began singing Silent Night. We jumped right into O Come All Ye Faithful after that, and Ed’s two sons and their wives and families joined him at the door.
“What a nice surprise,” Ed said, grinning. His gaze found mine, and he reached forward to shake my hand. “Glad you stopped by, Clay, and I see your sweet girlfriend is here with you today.”
Jazmin held up her left hand and smiled. “Fiancée now.”
His eyes widened. “Wonderful. Congratulations to both of you. I’m so happy to hear that.”
I put my arm around Jazmin’s shoulders and drew her to my side. “Thank you. We’re both thrilled.” I looked at her and winked, and she winked back, playfully.
We sang another song and then headed to a few other homes the others from church recommended. The last stop was at an assisted living home for seniors. By the time we were done, our hearts were full and our faces were cold, but it was worth the effort. Everyone returned to my house, the one Jazmin and her family were still staying in, and we had hot cocoa and sugar cookies. One of Jazmin’s cousins had made them the day before with her kids, and each cookie was covered with frosting and sprinkles on top.
Once we finished eating the cookies and hot cocoa, we all grouped in the living room and watched It’s a Wonderful Life with James Stewart and Donna Reed. Jazmin told me her family watched it every year on Christmas Eve as a tradition, so I made sure we kept that tradition.
When the movie was over, Derek walked over and shook my hand. “Thanks for inviting us. Callie and I enjoyed spending time with you guys. Have a blessed Christmas, and congratulations once again. We’re really happy for you and Jazmin.”
Callie made her way over and hugged Jazmin. She slipped a present into her hand and whispered something in her ear. Jazmin tore open the wrapping paper and pulled out an ornament with two love birds kissing and the sign underneath said: Our First Christmas.
“This is so adorable,” Jazmin said, placing a hand over her heart. “I can’t believe you got this for us. It’s so sweet!”
I moved closer and wrapped my arm around her waist, leaning in so I could see the ornament better. The birds were white and the lettering on the sign was written in glittery red and gold. “This is really cool. Thank you.”
Callie grinned. “Derek and I are so excited for you both. First Hunter and Sabrina, and now the two of you. Our circle of newlyweds just got bigger.”
“Have you set a date yet?” Derek asked.
“I’m still trying to convince Jazmin that we should tie the knot before her family returns home.”
Jazmin’s mother overheard us and joined the group. She was smiling from ear-to-ear as she looked from Jazmin to me. We had told her family of our engagement the evening I proposed, and they were over the moon with excitement for us. Her mom was especially happy as she had been waiting for this for a long time. “What’s this I hear about getting married before we leave?”
“He’s joking, Mom,” Jazmin said, laughing.
I raised an eyebrow. “Not joking. Seriously, I’m ready when you are.”
She shook her head, amusement over my impatience flickering in her eyes. “I need more than two weeks to plan a wedding and find a dress.”
“All humor aside, the dress is important,” her mom said. “And that alone can take time.”
“Then there’s the venue, the catering, the flowers,” Jazmin said, ticking off each item with her fingers. “And let’s not forget the photographer. I just went through all this with Sabrina, so I know what needs to be done.”
I laughed, a little disappointed that my rushed wedding idea wasn’t going to pan out, but I wanted her to have the wedding of her dreams. “Okay, I get it. This stuff takes time to plan.”
Jazmin glanced at me with a twinkle in her eye. “But we’ll make it work, and I promise, we won’t have to wait two years.”
“Good because neither of us are getting any younger.”
She laughed. “So true.”
***
On Christmas morning, I woke up early and got up to get a cup of coffee and sit in front of the woodstove, as was my routine. I was in my cabin and planned to head over to see Jazmin and her family for breakfast, but I was grateful for a few moments to reflect on the day ahead. They’d invited me to stay the night with them so I wouldn’t have to drive over on Christmas day, but I didn’t want to throw anyone out of their bed, and I didn’t live that far away.
I sipped on my coffee and read a devotional for Christmas. Underneath the commentary was a list of verses that applied to this day.
Luke 2:8-11. And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Galatians 4:4-5. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
Matthew 1:21. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.
James 1:17. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
I considered the last verse, and how every good gift was from above. The Lord had given me the free gift of salvation, and I was truly thankful for His grace and mercy towards me. Jazmin was also a gift, and I found myself thanking the Lord for bringing her into my life. As I continued to pray, I thought about my lonely childhood and my desire to have a family to overshadow those memories. It was then that I realized that only the Lord could heal my heart from those past hurts.
It seemed as if God was tugging on my heart and showing me that there were lonely children out there in need of a home, and Jazmin and I could be their parents. I wasn’t lying when I’d told Jazmin I was fine with adoption, but it was more of a cognitive decision rather than a choice of the heart. Now, as I prayed, I sensed God working in me, giving me the desire to raise children who needed parents and a stable environment. His leading in this area was so strong I knew we would pursue it once we got married, and it wouldn’t be something I did to placate Jazmin. I wanted it as well.
I washed and got ready to go and then headed over to the house. It was still dark outside as sunrise didn’t happen until nearly ten in the morning this time of year, but the Christmas lights from the house lit up the area. Jazmin came running out to meet me dressed in red pajamas and large boots to keep her feet warm. She threw her arms around me as soon as I slid out of the car.
“Merry Christmas,” she said, her expression jubilant.
“Merry Christmas, Jaz.” I pulled her into my arms and kissed her tenderly.
We headed inside where her mom, aunt, and cousins were making a huge breakfast. The scent of bacon and blueberry muffins wafted through the room.
“Smells delicious in here.”
She nodded. “Mom said the food will be ready in about twenty minutes.”
My stomach rumbled in reply, and we both laughed.
“I have a present for you,” she said, “and I ca
n’t wait any longer to give it to you.”
“Really? You didn’t have to get me anything. Saying yes to my proposal was gift enough.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Of course, I got you a gift.” She pulled me by the hand to the Christmas tree in the corner of the room. “It’s nothing big, but I thought of you when I went shopping the other day.” She found a rectangular box wrapped in red paper with glittery ornaments.
I immediately opened it and lifted out a black t-shirt. It said: This beard is taken, and, of course, there was a picture of a beard. Jazmin watched me with a slight smile on her face, waiting to see how I would respond.
I laughed outright. “Love it!” I ran a hand along my clean-shaven jaw and grinned. “Does this mean you approve if I grow my beard back?”
“Absolutely. Just keep it nice and trimmed.”
“That I can do.” I chuckled. “Seems we were on the same page when it came to Christmas gifts.” I pulled a small box out of my pocket and handed it to her.
She had a gleeful look on her face as she shook the box and then sniffed it.
“There isn’t food or perfume in there,” I said.
“Just checking it out,” she said mischievously. She opened it and inside there was a magnet. It said: Life is better when you have a redhead in the family.
She immediately started laughing. “This is great. Where did you find it?”
I licked my lips and smiled. “I found it online before you came out for the wedding, and I knew I had to get it.” I tapped her on the tip of her nose. “See? Even back then I sensed on a gut level that I wanted to make you part of my family.”
Her eyes twinkled, and her whole face lit up. “I love it.”
“There’s something else under the magnet.”
Her eyebrows flew up. “There is?” She pulled the magnet out and underneath was a figure eight infinity necklace in white gold with tiny diamonds across half of the design. She inhaled deeply and looked at it for a long moment, her lips parting. “This is beautiful, Clay. I can’t believe you got me this. The ring was enough.”
Christmas With An Alaskan Man (An Alaskan Romance Series Book 3) Page 10