Page 31 of Wild Claim

“Right, because nothing says romance like your boyfriend turning into poultry mid-waltz.”

He wrapped an arm around my shoulders, tugging me closer. “Tough shit. You knew the deal when you found out I’m a shifter, not cursed.”

I snuggled into his side. “Oh, I knew what I was signing up for, but at least I wasn’t fooled by a B-list actress in a pointy hat.”

He spun me around, a playful growl rumbling in his chest. “Hell, how was I supposed to know I was a late shifter, and she was just rehearsing for the local theater? She had a goddamn glowing wand. And you’re really testing me tonight, aren’t you?”

I couldn’t help but smile at him. “What can I say? I enjoy living dangerously.”

“Dangerous, huh? I’ll show you dangerous.” He dipped me suddenly, making me yelp in surprise. “How’s that for a B-list performance?”

“Not too shabby, big guy. Got any other tricks up your sleeve?”

He took my hand as he led me down the steps of the porch. “I’ve got an entire repertoire. Care for a private showing?”

Twilight had settled over the farm, casting a serene, blue-tinted hue on the fields. The horizon was a watercolor smear of orange and pink, the last traces of the sun giving way to the night.

Rory guided me along a path that wound through the garden. At the end of the path stood the gazebo, its wooden latticework encrusted with ice crystals that glittered in the moonlight. Rory had strung white lights and red roses through the lattice, their red petals a burst of color against the winter backdrop.

My breath caught in my throat. The gazebo had been my grandmother’s favorite spot, and seeing it dressed up like this brought a rush of cherished memories. “It’s beautiful,” I said, squeezing his hand.

“Not as beautiful as you.”

“Charmer.”

He didn’t respond, but I could see a softness in his eyes, an anticipation that made my heart quicken. We stepped into the gazebo, and I turned to him, about to ask why he’d gone to such trouble, when he took both my hands in his.

“Mina,” he said, and there was a gravity in his voice that made me stand up straighter. “You mean so much to me. More than I can ever express.”

A lump formed in my throat. I tried to speak, but he continued before I could find the words.

“Every joy, every sorrow, I want to share them by your side. Sweetheart, you are my world. I want to share every sunrise, every twilight, every breath with you. And I want to give you something in return. Something that shows how much you mean to me.”

He let go of my hands and reached into his pocket. Time seemed to slow as he pulled out a small blue velvet box and sank to one knee. My hands flew to my mouth, and I felt a rush of warmth and disbelief wash over me.

“Will you marry me?” he said, opening the box to reveal a diamond ring that sparkled like the newly arrived stars.

My heart felt like it might burst from sheer joy. I stared at the ring, then at Rory, as a flood of memories swept through me—the first time I saw him shift, the nights we spent talking in each other’s arms, the unforgettable Thanksgivings just like this one. Every moment had led to this: him asking me to be his forever.

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. “Yes,” I said, my voice breaking with emotion. “Oh, yes.”

He slid the ring onto my finger, and it fit perfectly, as if it had been waiting for me all along. Rory stood up, pulling me up into his arms. Our lips met in a kiss. The world melted away, leaving the two of us in our little bubble of happiness. I closed my eyes, letting the sensation wash over me.

A soft white flake floated down from the sky, the first of many. More followed, swirling gently like confetti in a quiet celebration. We pulled apart to watch, and Rory slipped his arms around my waist from behind. I leaned back into his chest, letting the moment surround us.

“This is only the beginning,” Rory murmured, his breath warm against my ear. “We’re just getting started.”

“I know, and I can’t wait to experience every moment by your side.”

The snow fell faster, blanketing the ground in a sparkling layer of white. I turned in his arms, looking up into eyes that had once seemed distant and guarded but now held nothing but love. We kissed again—slow and deep—a kiss that sealed every promise and dream we shared.

“Let’s go back inside,” he said.

Hand in hand, we walked back to the farmhouse. The cold nipped at my nose and fingertips, but I was too wrapped up in the moment to care. When we reached the porch, I paused, glancing back at the gazebo. The snow and ice had transformedit into a crystalline palace, shimmering under the moonlight like something out of a fairy tale.

“You’re stuck with me, sweetheart,” Rory said, pulling me closer. “For as long as you’ll have me.”

Every twist and turn of our story played out in my mind like an old film reel, flickering with memories. And ahead, our future stretched out—a path winding through seasons and years, filled with moments like this.

Simple. Beautiful. True.

“Forever,” I said, my hand warm in his. “Always forever.”

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