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Minutes pass as I sit quietly, taking in the significance of this moment and arranging the words I want to say to him in my head.
Finally, I just speak my heart. “Ah shit. Look, man. We didn’t know each other all that well, and I know that if you were given a choice, I’d probably be the last asshole on earth you’d have chosen to spend the rest of his life with your girls. I’ll admit, I wasn’t worthy. Hell, I’m still not worthy, but I love them, Mike. Anna doesn’t know it yet, but I bought a ring. Two actually. One for her and one for Kaela. Because I know they come as a package deal. Love them both so much that I can’t breathe when I imagine my life without the two of them in it. They make me a better man, and I swear on my life that I will do everything in my power to deserve their love and be that better man for them always. I’ll protect them, make them laugh, chase off any little asshole like you and me that comes sniffing around Kaela, and most importantly, I’ll love them as you would love them. I promise. You can trust them to me until you meet again. So, I guess I came here to ask your permission.”
As I speak the last word, the wind rustles through the branches of the holly bushes that line the walkway nearby.
And then, as if in response to my plea, a flash of crimson catches my eye. A red cardinal lands on a branch, its brilliant feathers standing out against the green of the leaves.
It stares at me with a curious, almost-knowing gaze.
I smile at it, and it takes flight.
Cardinals have always been Mom’s favorite bird—a symbol of hope and love, sent by our loved ones in heaven to watch over us.
It feels like a message, a silent approval from the man who once held Anna’s heart.
“Thanks, man,” I say through the lump in my throat.
I stand to make my way back to our girls, but stop and add one last thing. “Oh, and I did purchase the plot right over there. So, when the time comes, Anna will be between the two of us because I’m a good man, but not so good that I wouldn’t be jealous if you got to have her laid to rest with just you for all eternity. Thank you again … for giving your life to save my home and for bringing those beautiful girls to Balsam Ridge. You’ll always be my hero, man. Merry Christmas.”
The entire ride back to the cottage, I plan how I’m going to ask Anna to marry me.
I don’t want to overwhelm her. Her emotions have been all over the place as she said good-bye to the cottage, but I don’t think I can wait. I purchased the rings weeks ago, wanting to propose on Christmas. Asking her to move in before wasn’t part of the plan. It was a spontaneous reaction to having to send them off into the cold night again. So, screw plotting and trying to pick the perfect time and setting.
Spontaneous it is.
When I pull up to the cottage, my mother’s car has joined the rest. I jump out and make my way into the warmth of the living room, where Mom is sitting with Leona, Kaela on her lap.
“Weston,” she greets.
“Hi, Mom. Where’s Anna?” I ask distractedly.
“Right here.”
I turn to see her standing in the hallway. A box in her arms.
“Come here,” I request.
She walks toward me, and I take the box from her and set it to the side.
“What’s going on? Is something wrong?” she asks.
I clear my throat and reach into my pocket. Beads of sweat forming on my forehead.
She eyes me curiously as Erin, Taeli, and Brandee appear behind her.
I take a deep breath and sink to my knees.
Anna gasps, and Mom lets out a cry.
I open the box, where two diamond rings are nestled in velvet.
“Anna, I bought this ring a while ago because I’ve known for a long time that I want you to be my wife, and when I asked you to move in, the last thing I intended was for you to think I wanted to be roommates. I want to be a family. A committed family. You, me, and Baby Duck for as long as the good Lord allows us. Will you marry me and make me the happiest asshole in Tennessee?”
Her hand covers her mouth as she stares at the rings.
“Please,” I plead.
“There are two,” she murmurs.
