Page 17 of One Golden Ring

The boys jump to their feet. “Can you make the library dark and turn on all the Christmas lights now?”

Drake helps me to the floor. “What do you think? Can we give it all a trial run?”

“Absolutely.” Drake walks over to the boys. “Alright, everyone, sit on the floor and close your eyes. Don’t open them until I tell you, okay?”

The boys drop back down, giggling. “Okay, D!” They clap their little hands over their eyes. “We’re ready.”

Drake tugs me in for a quick kiss. “You, too, sunshine. Close your eyes.”

I give him one last kiss, then sit down with the boys, squeezing my eyes shut. “Closed,” I announce.

“Okay, I want you to count slowly. Ten, nine…” Drake calls out.

When we get to two, the boy’s excitement is palpable. “One!” We shout together.

“Open your eyes!” Drake commands. “Welcome to Wynter’s Wonderland!”

I look around the room, my breath catching in my throat. The lights twinkle against the darkened library, casting a soft glow over the towering bookshelves, the garlands sparkling like diamonds. The Christmas tree stands tall, the oversized star shimmering at the top like it was meant to be there all along.

It’s perfect. Absolutely perfect.

The boys erupt into cheers, their little faces glowing with excitement as they take in the wonder of it all. They bounce on their heels, pointing at the lights, the ornaments, andthe way everything seems to sparkle with magic. My heart is so full it feels like it might burst.

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, and I wipe them away quickly, but it’s no use. The overwhelming beauty of it all—the lights, Drake, the boys, the love that fills the air—hits me all at once, and before I know it, the tears are flowing freely.

“Hey,” Drake pulls me into his arms, holding me close. “What’s this?” He tips my chin up to look at my face. “Why are you crying?”

I shake my head, laughing. “I don’t even know. It’s just… so beautiful. More beautiful than I ever imagined.”

Drake wipes away my tears. “You made this happen, Wynter. It’s your magic.”

“No.” I rest my head against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath my cheek. “It’s our magic. You and me. And these boys. I’ve never felt anything like this before.”

He kisses the top of my head, and his arms tighten around me. “Neither have I, sunshine. But I know one thing for sure—I don’t ever want to let it go. I love you, Wynter.”

“I love you, too,” I whisper, the words as natural as breathing.

Before either of us can say more, Noah tugs on Drake’s sleeve, his eyes wide with excitement. “D, can we eat the cookies now?”

Drake chuckles, ruffling the boy’s hair. “Cookies? I think that’s the best idea I’ve heard all day.”

I grin. “I’ll grab the cookies and milk. You take care of turning the lights back on.”

As the boys race toward the kitchen, their laughter echoing through the library, I glance back at the twinkling wonderland we’ve created. My heart is full. And as I turn to follow Drake and the boys, I know this is exactly where I’m meant to be.

Chapter Twelve

Drake

I stand at the back of the library, watching the festival unfold. The kids are laughing, the decorations are glowing, and the air is thick with the scent of cinnamon and pine. Wynter is in the center of it all; her face lit up with pure joy as she helps one of the boys adjust his elf hat.

And I’m about to risk everything.

The ring box feels heavy in my pocket. I’ve gone over the plan a hundred times in my head, but now that the moment is here, doubt’s creeping in.

What if this is too fast? What if she says no? What if I’m not good enough for her? I’m not someone who grew up with love, with Christmases filled with warmth and magic. I’ve spent my life merely trying to survive. What if I can’t give her everything she needsor deserves?

Sweat starts to trickle down my spine.

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