Page 78 of Carpenter's Christmas Bride

“And no more boot on your foot,” Grandma Lee said. “How does it feel?”

“So far, it feels almost perfect,” Kenzie said, looking down at her leg in wonder. In all the commotion, she’d honestly almost forgotten about it.

“That’s great,” her grandmother said. “You really have choices then.”

“It doesn’t feel that way,” Kenzie said, shaking her head.

Grandma Lee wrapped an arm around Kenzie’s shoulders, and they looked out over the little town together for what felt like a long time.

“I guess we should go back in,” Kenzie said at last.

“Well, they can’t start without me,” Grandma Lee whispered.

Kenzie giggled at that.

“There is no wrong choice, my girl,” Grandma Lee told her. “But I do have one bit of advice, if you want it.”

“Always,” Kenzie said, turning to her grandmother.

“Choosing a partner to share your life with is the biggest decision you’ll ever make,” she said simply. “No matter what else you want to do, knowing that the people at home have your back is your foundation. Your partner at home is even more important than your partner on stage.”

Kenzie nodded slowly.

“I’m ready to go back in,” she said.

“Let’s go put on the second half of a ballet,” Grandma Lee chuckled, her eyes twinkling again.

By the time they reached the end of the second act, Kenzie was feeling much more like herself.

Walt had relocated to a spot on her lap and his warm weight felt so good in her arms. She whispered the names of the dances in his ear and at times he was watching to raptly she thought he would start quivering.

She made a mental note to mention those preschool ballet classes to Aidan again. She had the feeling Walt would really shine in them, if he had the chance.

Beside them, Aidan was alternately watching the ballet and watching Kenzie. She tried to ignore him, knowing it was best to focus on Walt and the dancers, so as not to lose this moment to her thoughts. But she couldn’t help smiling every time their eyes met.

When the lights dimmed and came up again for the reprise dances and curtain call, Aidan shot to his feet.

“Kenzie,” he said with a rare smile. “I’ve thought about it a little more. And we’ve spent a little more time together. Will you marry me now?”

He went down on his knee again, ring pop held out for her.

“That was really fast,” she whispered.

“I waited until the ballet was over,” he said, shrugging. “I don’t think I can wait any longer.”

“It’s not over,” she whispered.

“It isn’t?” he asked, looking stunned.

She gestured to the stage. All the dancers in the whole ballet were in the wings, peeking out.

The audience began tittering again.

“Yes,” she said quickly.

“Yes?” he echoed.

“Yes, absolutely,” she told him.

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