My Red, White, & Blue Christmas

by Julie Christianson

  I look into his eyes. His expression is so calm. So confident. It’s getting harder for me to keep air in my lungs. I open the box and sure enough, under a layer of tissue, is the charm bracelet.

  “Beau. This is beautiful. But I already told you—”

  “Just look at it,” he says. I search his face and he nods. “Please.”

  I suck in another breath and pull out the bracelet. He’s added five more charms. Along with the cat there’s now a heart and a star. A feather. A little cottage. And what looks to be a camera. Before I can even ask what this means, Beau explains.

  “That cat is still Sprinkles, of course. And there’s a camera for my job. And a quill for yours.”

  “A quill! Right. I get it.”

  “The star means a couple things.” He takes the bracelet from my hand and holds it up. “You’re going to be a star at The Chronicle, Kasey. And wherever else your career takes you. I’ve never believed anything more, and I’m proud to be your first, biggest fan.” He takes a beat. “I also want to be your last fan.”

  I meet his gaze and the warmth there makes my eyes sting. “Beau.”

  “We’re not done.” He shifts the bracelet so the next charm dangles between us. “The heart? Well, I picked this because I love you, Kasey Elizabeth Graham. Always have. Always will. So a heart charm is pretty obvious. Sorry I couldn’t be more symbolic.” A small laugh escapes me and tears gather in my eyes.

  “Don’t cry yet,” he says. “We’ve got one more to go.” I blink hard and fast, but a tear spills down my cheek. Beau catches it with his thumb then takes my hand in his free one.

  “The last charm is a house, because wherever your future is, that’s my future too.” He pauses and his Adam’s apple bobs. “We may have to be apart sometimes, but I’ll carry you in my heart until we’re together again. Just say the word, and I will always come home to you.” He leans in close. “You’re my home, Kasey.”

  My whole body floods with love for this man and all I can manage to choke out is, “Yes.”

  Beau’s eyes go wide. “Yes?”

  “Wait here.” I run up to my bedroom and race back down again. Breathless and giddy, I pop open my Sharpie and write on Beau’s hand. Property of KEG! Do Not Touch! Then I let out a great big Wookie growl and start laughing and crying at the same time, while Beau wraps the bracelet around my wrist. Once it’s clasped, Beau opens his arms and gathers me in, covering my wet face with his sweet kisses.

  From behind us comes the sound of cheers from my entire family. They’re all gathered at the sliding door, faces pressed against the glass, applauding and jumping up and down in their Christmas pajamas.

  I wave at them, then plant a kiss on Beau’s nose. “Not exactly the romance you expected, huh?”

  He grins. “Are you kidding? We’re in Abieville. This is exactly the kind of romance I expect.”

  “Kasey!” Big Mama pushes her way to the front of the pack and opens the slider. “Looks like you chose the right oyster!”

  My dad takes her arm and helps her inside, then everyone else piles in after her. Suddenly our house is full of wackos. And so much joy. Plus all the love.

  Beau leans in and whispers. “This has been the best 4th of July ever.”

  “It will be.” I take his hand. “Once you kiss me under the mistletoe.”

  About the Author

  Julie Christianson writes sweet romantic comedies—that is when she’s not reading them. A former English teacher and devoted library employee, Julie lives in Southern California with her one husband, two kids, and three dogs. She’s madly in love with all of them, but there’s not a lot of room on her couch.

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