Mary grinned. “I’m proud of you, Keira. You’ve really grown a lot over the past month or so. I never thought I’d see the day you’d relinquish your store to the care of anyone, much less get a puppy.” She pulled a cake from the oven. “On top of that, you came to us this Christmas.” She placed the cake on the counter. “We are so pleased at your progress.”
Keira swallowed the lump in her throat. “Thanks. May I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“Are you okay with Pete coming here today?”
“We couldn’t be happier. Seems to me he’s a big reason for the changes we’ve seen in you.”
“I suppose he has a lot to do with it, but it was time, and God’s been working on me.”
Mary pulled her into a warm hug. “Amen.” She dabbed her watery eyes. “How long till that man of yours returns?”
“He’s not my man.” Well, then again, maybe he was.
“If you say so, but my eyes don’t lie. I saw him kiss you before he left. Should we do the tree without him or wait?”
“I don’t think it matters. He was concerned about not having a gift for you and Dad.”
She waved a hand. “No problem, but I think we should exchange gifts now if you think that would make him more comfortable. And if he shows up in the middle, then no biggie.”
“That’s a great idea. Cody’s pretty excited. I’m not sure you’d be able to keep him from snooping.”
Mary laughed and linked arms with her as they strolled into the family room, where Cody sat on his grandpa’s knee, bouncing up and down. When he spotted them he hopped off and ran to Mary, wrapping his little arms around her legs. “Can we open presents now?”
“You bet.”
Keira took Cody’s hand and guided him to the couch. A short time later Cody tore into his first present, and not long afterward paper was strewn around the room. Cody held a large bag filled to overflowing with watercolor paint, modeling clay, coloring and activity books, sketch pads, crayons and more—all things he could play with quietly in the storage room while she worked. They’d even included a few DVDs.
Keira still needed to open her gift. She’d had so much fun watching everyone open their gifts. Finally she tore away the wrap on a smallish box just as the doorbell pealed.
“Mr. Pete!” Cody sprang up and ran to the door.
Keira was torn between the gift and Pete.
“Well, what do you think?” Mary asked.
“I love it. I’ve always wanted a digital picture frame.”
Pete came into the room, being dragged by Cody. He held Molly and what looked like a loaf of bread wrapped in foil. “Merry Christmas, everyone.”
Keira stood and walked over to him. She scratched Molly’s back. “Max is on his bed.” She motioned toward the fireplace.
“He looks content.”
“Yeah, I think he’s enjoying the heat from the fire.”
Pete set Molly beside her brother and the puppies rustled around a little before settling down for another nap.
Keira yawned and stretched, then plopped down onto the couch. “I need more caffeine.”
“I brought cranberry bread. Should I put it in the kitchen?”
Mary rose and took the loaf. “That was nice of you. Keira didn’t mention you bake.”
He sat beside Keira and rested his arm behind her on the back of the couch. “I’m not sure she knew.”
“Pete is full of culinary surprises.”
“Oh, I’m full of more than just culinary surprises.”
Keira’s brows lifted. Sounded like Pete might be up to something. Her pulse quickened.
* * *
Pete needed some air. The sun was setting and the package in his pocket was driving him to distraction. “Keira, would you like to take a walk?”
“What about your knee?”
“It only hurts a little.”
Uncertainty covered her face.
“Please.” He lowered his voice. “I need to get a little fresh air.”
She glanced at Cody, who played a game with his grandpa. “I suppose it’ll be okay. Mary’s taking a nap anyway. Can’t say I blame her. That meal was amazing. She must have been cooking for days.”
Pete slipped on his boots and shrugged into his jacket. He held Keira’s for her as she slid her arms in.
She looked over her shoulder and grinned. “Thanks.”
Oh, how he wanted to kiss her again. “Ready?”
“Shouldn’t we take the dogs?”
“Probably. But let’s not.” He wanted Keira’s undivided attention and those dogs guaranteed a distraction.
“We won’t be long,” Keira called out to her father-in-law.
He waved them off. “Enjoy your walk.”
Keira stepped out the door in front of Pete and waited on the stoop. He took her hand and they walked to the edge of the driveway and stopped. The road had been plowed, but probably wouldn’t be the safest place to walk. He turned around and took in the yard for the first time. He spotted a bench swing hanging from an oversized arbor covered in tiny white lights near a huge tree. There was actually a tall portable propane heater next to it. It looked like Keira’s in-laws enjoyed that spot frequently.
An idea quickly formed in his mind and he couldn’t wipe the smile from his face. This was it. He guided her back to his 4Runner, where he grabbed a couple blankets.
“What are you doing?” Keira looked at him like he’d lost his mind.
“I thought we could sit on that swing.” He handed her the blankets and moved over to brush it clear of snow. “See.”
“Now all we need is a bonfire to keep us warm.”
He turned on the heater and took the blankets from her arms. “That’s what these are for.” They each wrapped up in one and sat shoulder to shoulder.
“Mmm. That heater feels good.” Keira rested her head against his shoulder.
“Today was nice. Your in-laws were gracious hosts.”
“Thanks. Cody loves his grandparents. Especially his grandpa. He’s sort of a surrogate father to him.”
Pete fingered the box in his pocket. He knew without a doubt he loved Keira and her son. They’d become a part of his life and he couldn’t imagine not being with them.
Keira gently moved the swing back and forth with her feet, the squeak of the chain the only sound in the still air. It had stopped snowing hours ago. The fresh blanket of snow muffled any other noises.
Keira nudged his shoulder. “You’re so quiet. Something on your mind?”
“A lot, actually.” He hesitated. Was it too soon? Even if it was, he had to take the chance. Life was too short to wait. He dropped to one knee in front of Keira.
She caught her breath. “What are you doing? You’ll get wet. And what about your knee?”
He took her hands and cradled them in his. “Stop worrying. I’m fine, but I have something I want to say.”
She nodded, her eyes filled with wonder. Or was it fear? Or maybe it was love.
“My life changed the day I walked into your shop to buy a box of chocolates for our blind date. You changed me.” He chuckled. “You and Cody. What a pair you are. Your son has more energy than I imagined possible and more love than I’ve ever hoped for. Together the two of you complete me. Things I believed about myself turned out to be false, and thanks to you I realized it. You helped me see past the hurt from a broken relationship and gave me the courage to trust again.” He pulled the box from his pocket. “I want to be your husband.”
He opened the lid, exposing the princess-cut diamond ring. “Keira, I love you with all my heart. Will you marry me?”
Keira’s eyes glistened and she nodded. She held out her shaking hand.
He tugged her glove off and slippe
d the ring on her finger. “A perfect fit.”
* * *
Keira gazed at the ring for a moment and then at the man who’d changed her life. Every nerve ending in her body tingled and she wanted to dance. With her heart full to overflowing, she stood, drawing him up with her. “I never dreamed I’d love anyone like this again. I love you so much and so does Cody.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Talk about a surprise. Thanks for making this the best Christmas ever.” She placed a gentle kiss on his lips and nuzzled into the crook of his neck.
A tug on her jacket made her jump. She looked down. “Cody! What are you doing out here?”
“Is Mr. Pete going to be my dad now?”
Pete chuckled and hoisted her son into his arms. “Not today, buddy. I think your mom and I need a little time to enjoy being engaged.”
Keira looked toward the house and spotted her in-laws standing in the doorway, wearing wide grins. “Did they know?”
Pete shook his head. “I didn’t say anything.”
“I told them you had a little box in your hand and Grandpa hollered for Grandma. We watched from the window.” Cody reached for her hand and studied her ring. “It sparkles.” He patted Pete’s shoulder. “Good job, Mr. Pete.”
Keira laughed and drew her men close. “Yes, but I’d call it a great job!”
* * * * *
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ISBN-13: 9781460322031
THE CHRISTMAS PROMISE
Copyright © 2013 by Kimberly R. Johnson
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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.
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The Christmas Promise (Heartsong Presents) Page 17