Big Man for Christmas - Penny Wylder Page 0,60

to remember this forever.

The music for the cows at the barn is on a timer, so it should be starting right about now, and one of the farmhands volunteered to watch the cows to make sure that they don’t spook anyway.

New music starts, pumped through speakers all around the field, and the first firework explodes above our heads. I watch, spellbound for a moment. It’s been forever, and they’re so beautiful. Gold and silver falling sparkles cascade over the trees. Absolutely gorgeous.

Casey squeezes my hand and pulls me away. I follow him. The sound of music and exploding fireworks are the backdrop for us picking through the forest to the same spot we went last time. A clearing surrounded by blackberry bushes, just branches in the winter.

It’s crazy déjà vu. We’re painted in glowing colors, washed over as every starburst appears. And I hold my breath as we sink to the ground, worried that it might not be the same.

But it’s so much better than I remember.

We come together with the same passion that we had as teenagers. The same way of barely removing our clothing enough for him to squeeze inside me. The same fervent kisses to the rhythm of exploding stars.

I love him so much I can’t breathe, and when we come, we come together, shuddering in pleasure. And this time nothing will come between us after.

“Maybe we should do this every year.”

“Maybe,” he says with a smile. “It’s a good tradition.”

I sigh, staring up at the sky and watching the colors dance.

“I promised you your present today, remember?”

The memory comes rushing back. “Oh my God, I was so sleepy that I forgot! You brought it with you?”

“I did.”

Casey pulls me up off the ground so that I’m sitting, and he reaches inside his jacket. It’s only a second later that he’s kneeling in front of me. On one knee. “Oh my God.”

“Carley Farrell,” he says. “I know you just got out of an engagement. So if you’re not ready for this, I understand. But I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and I’ve wanted that for as long as I can remember. No matter how long it takes, I’ll be there. I’m telling you now that I want you forever, no matter what.” He opens the small box that’s in his hand. “But I’m asking you now to marry me. Whenever you’re ready.”

“Yes.” The word flies out of my mouth almost as soon as he’s done speaking. “Yes, I’ll marry you. I don’t need time. I want you forever too.”

I launch myself at him, and he catches me, kissing me hard. And then I’m laughing. This is the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. Bar none.

“That’s the best fucking Christmas present you ever could have gotten me,” I say. “You’re never going to top this.”

He smiles and slips the ring on my finger. “That doesn’t mean that I won’t stop trying.” I look down at the ring, a small cluster of diamonds on a silver band of flowers and swirls. “It belonged to my mother,” he says softly. “And my parents were the happiest couple I knew. I’m hoping that we’re as happy as they were in that house for the rest of their lives.”

Tears fill my eyes, and he kisses me one more time. “Should we go watch the rest of the fireworks?”

I nod, and he leads me back through the woods, out into the field and nearby where my parents are both standing. I’m still smiling, and I can’t stop. My mom sees us coming and looks at our joined hands. She freezes when she sees the ring on that finger.

Slowly, she comes toward me, and pulls me into a hug. No words. Nothing. But she holds me fiercely before retreating and tucking herself under my father’s arm.

I’m trying not to cry. I’m overwhelmed with emotion and the perfection of this moment. This wasn’t the trip that I had planned, but it’s exactly the trip that I needed.

Casey wraps his arms around me from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder. We sway to the music and watch the lights fill the sky. For a moment I close my eyes, leaning back into his embrace. “I love you,” he whispers in my ear.

I smile. “I love you too.”

Epilogue

Carley

One Year Later

I curl up on the swing on the porch, wrapped up in our thickest quilt. It’s been a particularly cold winter so far, and even with the heater