Page 32 of Declan (Men of Clifton, Montana #53)

Elise sat cross-legged on the living-room floor, the soft glow of the Christmas tree reflecting off her wide eyes as she nervously chewed her bottom lip.

Across from her, Declan tore into the gifts she’d thoughtfully wrapped, one by one, colorful paper fluttered to the hardwood floor around Tank, who was busy gnawing a bone by the hearth.

Each time Declan’s smile grew, Elise felt a warm flutter in her chest.

“Now, open yours,” he said, as he raked his fingers through his hair.

Elise tilted her head toward the towering pile of packages. A faint scent of pine and cinnamon filled the room, and the low crackle of the fireplace made it feel like a snow globe world outside. She shook her head with a soft laugh. “Santa went a little overboard.”

“Not for you.” Declan handed her a neatly wrapped box, its ribbon a perfect crimson bow against metallic green paper.

Her fingers trembled as she peeled back the paper and lifted the lid. Beneath lay a black felt cowboy hat, with a turquoise band around it. Elise plucked it from its bed of tissue paper and perched it on her head.

“Do I look like a cowgirl?” she asked, tilting her chin with a grin.

“You look like my cowgirl.” Declan rose and pressed his lips to hers in a soft, lingering kiss. Pulling back, he nudged another gift toward her. “Open more.”

She moved through each present, a set of hand-knit wool socks, candles and homemade soap, a leather journal stamped with her initials, until she reached the last large box.

Inside was a sheepskin coat, tan with a soft fleece lining that whispered against her skin when she held it up to her face.

She tugged the collar up around her neck and inhaled the rich scent.

“I love this. I bet it’ll keep me warm when you can’t,” she whispered.

“Damn right it will. Try it on.”

“It’s so soft,” she murmured, pressing her cheek against the plush wool, then she slipped it on. “It’s perfect.”

“I love mine.”

Elise laughed and slid her hands into the deep side pockets. Her fingers brushed something small and square. Startled, she pulled out a neatly wrapped parcel. Her heart hammered.

“What’s this?” she asked, looking up at Declan.

He bit his lip, amusement dancing in his eyes. “I have no idea. You’ll have to open it.”

“No.”

“No? What do you mean, no?”

She shook her head, breath catching. “I can’t. What if it’s not what I’m hoping for?”

Declan chuckled, then knelt beside her. He took her hand, warmth flooding her palm. “Elise, I love you. I want you in my life forever. Please, open it.”

With a trembling breath, she tore away the paper and stared at the black velvet box. The tree’s twinkling lights reflected in her tears as she stared, stunned.

“If this isn’t what I think it is, you’re in a lot of trouble, Declan Cavanaugh.”

He smiled. “Just open it, baby.”

She stared at him for a few seconds, took a deep breath, and looked at the black velvet box, then opened it.

Inside nestled a platinum setting holding a single, sparkling diamond solitaire. Her hands shook so fiercely she couldn’t lift it from the box. Declan removed the ring and lowered himself to one knee on the soft rug.

“Elizabeth Irene Ramsey,” he began, voice steady and full of love, “you are my heart, my home, my forever. Will you marry me?” He held the ring just above the tip of her left ring finger.

Tears spilled down her cheeks as she whispered, “Yes. Yes!” She flung her arms around him, and they tumbled onto the floor. Declan slipped the ring onto her finger.

“Wait. How did you know my middle name?” she asked.

He grinned. “I called your parents for their blessing. Your mom told me.”

Elise stared at the diamond, its facets catching the light. “She never told me.”

“She wanted it to be a surprise.”

“It’s beautiful,” Elise breathed.

“If you want to pick another—”

She shook her head. “No. This one’s perfect.”

“Wait. I forgot. Take that off.”

“What?”

“Just for a second. Elise, I love you,” he said. “I’ll put it right back, I promise.”

She handed him the ring; bare-fingered, she missed it on her finger already.

He turned the band to her. Etched inside were their names joined by an ampersand and the word Forever.

“I love it,” she whispered.

He slid the ring on her finger again. “Now let’s get dressed. I want to show you something.”

“I’ve seen it,” she said as she snorted out a laugh.

Declan shook his head. “And you can see it anytime, but that’s not it.”

After dressing in her new coat and hat, they stepped out into the sharp December air.

The sunshine painted frost patterns on the barn doors as he unlocked them.

Inside, the scent of hay and horses warmed her.

Declan guided her to a stall, and Elise peered in.

A sleek Paint mare with blue eyes lifted her velvety muzzle and nickered softly.

“Oh, my goodness,” Elise murmured, running a hand along the horse’s broad forehead.

“She’s six years old and all yours,” Declan said. “I picked up a saddle too. How can you wear a cowboy hat if you don’t have a horse?”

Elise laughed and threw her arms around his neck. “You’re going to spoil me rotten. I love her.”

“When the snow stops, we’ll go riding. I love riding in the snow.”

Later, back home after a visit with Declan’s family, they nestled on the couch beneath a quilt of colorful stockings and fairy lights. Elise gazed at the Christmas tree, its ornaments gleaming like captured stars.

“I love your family. I want you to come with me to New York to meet mine,” she said, snuggling closer.

“We will, I promise, once the weather clears. Then your parents can visit here, and they’ll meet mine. We’ll all get together in spring.”

“Sounds good, cowboy.”

“Everything sounds good as long as we’re together.”

“We will be, just like the ring says; forever.”

“I believe that” Declan whispered, leaning in for a tender kiss beneath the softly flickering lights.

* * * The End * * *