Page 47 of Cowboy Friend Zone for Christmas

“It’s so beautiful!” She settled in her chair, clutching the gorgeous box. It was almost too pretty to tear into. The lovely vintage watercolor wrapping paper was tied with a green velvet ribbon and a few narrower strips of white beaded ribbons.

She untied the ribbons first and let them drape against her lap. Then she oh-so-carefully pulled open the first tab of wrapping paper.

“We’re going to be here until Christmas,” Flint groaned. Ames elbowed him back into silence.

When she finally got the package open, she was enchanted by the hand-carved box that lay inside. “Oh, wow, Nash!” She lifted the wooden box, surprised by how heavy it felt. What could possibly be inside it that weighed so much?

As she tipped up the lid to take her first peek, the tinkling sounds of a classic Christmas carol filled her ears. It was The First Noel.

My name. She instinctively knew it wasn’t a coincidence.

She lifted the lid higher and stared, mesmerized, at the nativity scene unfolding before her. Intricately carved shepherds, sheep, and wise men spun and danced around Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, and the angel hovering behind them. The figurines were painted in such intrinsic detail that she was certain it was the Lee sisters’ work.

Something round glinted like fire from the angel’s hand. It had been tied there by an ultra thin, nearly translucent metallic thread.

A ring? “Nash?” She looked at him to confirm that she was seeing what she thought she was seeing. You bought me a ring?

He took a knee in front of her. “Our friendship means the world to me. I don’t ever want to give it up. But I think we can set a few new ground rules and make it even better.” His voice grew husky with emotion. “Will you marry me and be my best friend…for life?”

“Yes!” Her hands flew to her heart. “I would be honored,” she whispered. She watched through a haze of tears as he gently moved the heirloom music box from her lap to the table. He deftly untied the engagement ring and reached for her left hand to slide the square diamond onto her ring finger.

“It’s stunning!” She reached for him. “I love it. And you.” She cupped his face in her hands and leaned in to touch her lips reverently to his. A wistful sigh rose from a few of their friends.

Nash curled a hand around the back of her neck and slanted his mouth over hers, deepening the kiss. Their friends started to clap and cheer. The kiss went on and on.

Flint cleared his voice loudly, unable to go long without being the center of attention. “Is it just me, or does it look like these two very good friends have done this before?”

His words were met with knowing chuckles.

Nash drew back to run his thumb over Noelle’s lower lip. “Guess we weren’t fooling too many people.”

She felt smiles spilling out of her like sunshine. It was possible his brothers had figured out they were in love before they’d figured it out themselves.

Though nobody seemed in a hurry to leave, Noelle didn’t want to wear Shelly to a ribbon. As soon as she finished opening her birthday gifts, she started hinting about leaving.

“I want my baby fix before I go, though, pretty please.” She folded her hands beneath her chin in a pleading gesture, loving how her diamond engagement ring caught the rays of the setting sun from the nearest window.

“I was about ready to go check on the babysitter.” Chad Hofstetter disappeared from the room and returned a few minutes later, proudly cuddling their latest squirming bundle against his shoulder. Baby Landry looked so tiny against his tall lumberjack frame. His brown beard brushed the infant’s nose as he pressed a kiss to the top of his silky head.

His expression was one of enormous pride as he handed his son to Noelle. “Fair warning. He’s got a pretty good left hook on him.”

“Oh, and don’t let him get too close to your earrings.” Shelly winced and touched one of her earlobes. “I made that mistake once.” She buzzed around Noelle like a happy bee. “You totally want one,” she hissed.

“I totally do,” Noelle sighed, burying her face against the baby’s powder-scented neck. “He smells so good.”

“At the moment,” Shelly chuckled. “Like every other male, he can get pretty raunchy at times.”

“That’s my boy!” Chad, who’d clearly overheard her comment, slung an arm around his wife’s shoulders. He bent his head to nuzzle her cheek. “Thanks for giving me another son.”

She pouted up at him. “You’re just glad that the boys outnumber the girls in our family now.”

He dove in for a quick, hard kiss on her lips. “I’m game for evening up our numbers anytime you want, darling.”

“Chad!” She snorted out a laugh. “We have company!”

“It’s okay,” he assured her with an unholy wink. “I was about to run them off, anyway.”

After that, their friends flocked over to say their goodbyes to both Noelle and their lovely hostess.

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