Page 19 of A Perfect Christmas Dance (Kringle, Texas #7)

The barn at the Double D ranch was alive with conversation and music.

Tables lay spread with Christmas cookies, pies, canapés, and mugs of cider.

The sounds of laughter, toasts, and clinking glasses resounded.

Neighbors moved between groups, exchanging holiday greetings, while the band played “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”

Nina stood near the entrance, taking in the scene. This year’s Christmas Eve party felt different, more connected. The entire town pitched in, helping to fund the event, lightening the load on Ryan and making the evening feel like a true community celebration.

She spotted her parents seated with Gee and Jean who’d married two months ago.

Her father was in full storytelling mode, his hands moving with every word, while her mother sat back, smiling quietly, enjoying the show.

Gee laughed, leaning into Jean, more relaxed than Nina had seen him in years. She was so happy he’d found love again.

Seeing them together, Nina felt a deep peace.

It had been a whirlwind year full of changes, but here they all were, celebrating together.

Gee and her parents had been there for her through every transition, from selling the bakery to embracing her new role as manager, and now, they were here to celebrate.

Not far off, Jenny chased after her son, Adam, who was on a determined mission to grab another Christmas ornament off the tall Scotch pine. Scott followed, laughing as Jenny scooped Adam up just before he could get into trouble.

Nearby, Mrs. Claiborne, wrapped in her festive red shawl, was in conversation with a group of neighbors. She had always been a constant in Kringle, offering advice whether asked for or not, and today, her approval seemed evident in the brief nod she gave Nina from across the room.

Ryan appeared at Nina’s side, slipping his hand into hers.

“Ready for a dance?” he asked, his tone easy, although there was a hint of something more in his eyes. “I asked the band to play “Christmas Cookies.”

Nina smiled. “I’m always ready to dance with you.”

The band shifted into George Strait’s holiday ditty.

Ryan led her to the center of the barn, guiding her smoothly across the floor.

His knee had fully healed, and they often went dancing on Friday nights.

His hand was steady at her back, and they danced as if they were made for each other, which, hey, they were.

When the song was over, the band stopped playing, and everyone left the dance floor. Nina started to head back to their table, but Ryan didn’t let go of her hand and instead tugged her back toward him.

The look in his eyes sent her heart skipping. “What is it?”

“This,” he said and lowered himself to one knee.

Nina put a palm to her mouth as the hand he held on to trembled.

The barn fell quiet.

From his pocket, Ryan pulled out and opened a small velvet box, his eyes never leaving hers.

“Nina,” he said, his voice strong and sure, “you’ve been my partner through everything this past year. I couldn’t imagine going through life without you. I want to spend every Christmas and every day with you for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?”

For a moment, the world around them faded and she nodded as happy tears filled her eyes. “Yes, Ryan. Of course, I’ll marry you.”

Applause broke out from the guests, along with cheers and catcalls. Ryan stood, sliding the ring onto her finger. “You’ve made me the happiest guy in the world!”

Nina glanced around the barn, catching sight of her parents. Her mother dabbed her eyes with a tissue while her father raised his glass in a small toast.

Jenn beamed at Nina and Ryan. Gee and Jean exchanged a look. Their hands were still clasped together, their own love story having unfolded this past year, too. And Mrs. Claiborne, standing off to the side, gave Nina a brief approving smile as if everything had fallen exactly into place.

And indeed, it had.