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I put my arms around his neck.

All around us, our friends and family were shouting the numbers until at last we reached one.

“Happy New Year!” everyone shouted.

The music started. Grant grabbed me, kissing me in those first seconds of the new year.

“I can’t imagine being happier than I am right now,” Grant said, still holding me tight. “Yet very pleased.”

I laughed, loving this playful side of Grant as much as I loved the rest of him,

“We’re getting married.” I still felt dazed at the idea, but also blissed out, in love with my gentle giant of a man.

“Sure you want to marry a hairy old Yeti?” Grant asked.

“I’ll be Mrs. Yeti,” I said.

“We’ll buy a home near the clinic,” he said. “And I’ll be home every chance I get.”

“That sounds like a solid plan.”

He drew me in for another kiss. I clung to his neck, giddy.

It was difficult to wrap my mind around what had transpired in the thirty-one days we’d spent in Montana. I’d come to the ranch as lonesome as a moon in a starless sky. I would leave with the man of my dreams. Soon, we would share a home and a life. Maybe even children, if God blessed us in that way.

We all finally had enough celebrating and headed out into the cold air. In the morning we would say our goodbyes, but for now I let myself still be here under the big sky with Grant’s arm wrapped around my shoulder.

When we reached the cabin, we stepped inside, seeing a sign hung from the dollhouse. “Look inside. Love, Jack.”

We peered into the miniature rooms to see that Jack had placed two more dolls at the dining room table. Dolls that looked a lot like him and Luci.

“He’s given his blessing,” I said.

“No doubt about it.”

We crawled into bed and snuggled close in the first hours of the new year. This is where our love affair had begun. Who knew where it would take us. I had a feeling I’d better hold on tight to Grant as we embarked on our adventure together.

I rested my cheek on his chest, listening to his heart beat.

“I’m going to call my mother tomorrow,” Grant said. “Even though it’s hard and kind of scary.”

“I’ll be here when you call and when you hang up.”

“That’s all I need.”

We fell asleep, at peace together at long last, where we belonged.