by Mary Manners
She knew in that instant where she needed to be…with Colin, forever. Her heart felt full with love for him. Sure, New York City offered freedom and job opportunities, but Mount Ridge meant family…and home…and a future full of hope…and Colin.
“Wait. I have to tell you something, Tess.” His gaze was true, his hands warm as they held her. “I should have said it weeks ago, before you left.” He kissed her, and then placed a finger to her lips. “When Bailey died, something inside me died, too. I haven’t felt anything for so long…I thought I never would again. But you opened what was sealed tight, and when I’m with you I just feel so alive, so full of hope. I can’t explain it.”
“You don’t have to.” Tessa stepped back to look at him. His eyes, though shadowed with evidence of sleepless nights, seemed brighter than she remembered.
“There’s more.” He dipped his head to nip her lips and then leaned in for a fuller taste that stole Tessa’s breath. Waves of desire rushed through her, and the room began to whirl. “I love you.”
“Oh, Colin.” She wrapped her arms around him, the words chasing the chill from her heart. “I love you, too. I’ve known it…for a long time, now.”
“Will you marry me, Tess?” No words she’d ever heard were sweeter, as he slipped a princess-cut solitaire onto her finger. He drew her into his arms and kissed her again. “I love you, Contessa Marie Spencer.” His breath warmed her ear. “Tess,” he murmured.
“Colin!” A flurry of movement caught Tessa’s attention. She slipped from Colin’s arms to see Mattie running toward them…followed by Kate and Grace. “We were on our way home when the radio announced that the airport closed, so we came right—”
Mattie stopped short, gaped in amazement, and then a symphony of squeals erupted.
“Tessa!” The three sisters engulfed them, wrapping Colin and Tessa in a sea of hugs and kisses. “You came home. Oh, you’re home.”
“Not just for Christmas…but for good.” The ring on Tessa’s finger sparkled beneath the concourse lights as she took Colin’s hand and gazed up at him. “Yes, Colin, I’d be honored to… become your wife.”
Behind her, her sisters gasped and clapped their hands. Tessa was sure tears would follow.
“Oh, another wedding. How wonderful!” Mattie leaned in for a look at the ring. “Colin, you’re the best Christmas gift I could have wished for.”
“Prayers answered.” He winked at Mattie, then drew Tessa close for another sweet kiss. “All the way around.”
Don’t miss the other
Sweet Treats Bakery stories
AVAILABLE NOW
Kate’s Kisses
Grace’s Gold
COMING SOON!
Mattie’s Meltaways
ALSO COMING!
Lone Creek Ranch Series
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May God’s glory shine through
this inspirational work of fiction.
AMDG