Page 25 of One Weekend in Vienna

The scent of pine fills the house, mingling with the sugary warmth of baked treats and the spicy-sweet glühwein Anna has simmering on the stove.

Anna insisted on a real tree this year, and she wasn’t about to settle for anything less than the fullest, most majestic tree Las Vegas Valley had to offer. Now, it stands in the corner of the living room, its branches a riot of sparkling lights, delicate glass ornaments, and ribbons she painstakingly tied herself.

I lean against the doorframe, watching her fuss with the topmost strand of tinsel. She’s on her tiptoes, brow furrowed in concentration, her sweater slipping off one shoulder, revealing the smooth curve of her skin. She doesn’t notice me yet, too busy mumbling to herself about balance and symmetry.

Michael Bublé croons in the background, something about “baby, please come home,” and the fire crackles softly in the hearth. The Christmas music has been on a continuous loopall day and Anna even convinced Brian, my chef, to throw the nutrition plan out the window for the holidays.

The kitchen smells like butter and sugar and the counter is piled high with shortbread, fudge, and even an incredible gingerbread house that my teammate Owen had shipped to everyone in the Titanium organization from his family’s bakery in Canada.

The whole scene should be relaxing—perfect, even—but Anna’s been acting weird all day. Nervous, jumpy, and it can’t just be that her brother Felix is arriving to spend the holidays with us tonight. Things aren’t perfect between us, but we’ve come a long way, and no blood has been shed over the last year, even when our teams face off against each other, so I call that a win. Felix seems to realize I’d do anything to make Anna happy, and other than a warning to break my legs and beat me over the head with them if I ever break her heart, he’s accepted that we’re together.

She steps back to survey her creation and shakes her head, chewing on a nail.

Something is wrong and I have no idea what it is, but it’s starting to get to me.

I slide my hands into my pockets, my thumb brushing the small box hidden there. My plan was to wait until tomorrow morning to give it to her, to make the moment as perfect as she deserves. But watching her now, twisting a piece of ribbon like it holds the answers to the universe, I’m starting to second-guess everything.

What if she’s unhappy? What if moving in together was too much, too soon? I thought we were in sync, that this was it for both of us. But what if I’m wrong?

She adds the ribbon to a branch, tilting her head to assess her work. The lights reflect in her eyes, making them shine even brighter.

“I don’t know,” she mutters, half to herself, half to the room. “Something’s missing.”

I can’t take it anymore. Pushing off the doorframe, I walk toward her, pulling the box from my pocket. “Maybe this will help.”

She turns, startled, and I see her eyes flicker to the small package in my hand. Her nervousness deepens, and my heart does a funny twist in my chest.

“What’s that?” she asks, her voice soft, reaching out to touch the sprig of holly.

“Just something I thought might finish the tree.” I hand it to her, letting my fingers brush her fingers. Her touch steadies me, even as my pulse pounds like a drum.

She unwraps it carefully, her movements slow, deliberate. “It looks like it’s from Vienna.”

“It is,” I say. “Who knew Ernst made a great elf?”

She chuckles. “Only you could get that man to run errands.” Then the paper falls away and she gasps.

It’s a delicate music box ornament, hand-painted and gilded with tiny stars. Anna lifts it reverently, her fingers tracing the intricate details. Then, with a glance at me, she opens it.

The melody of *Silent Night* spills out, soft and sweet, and nestled inside is the ring I bought three months ago—a stunning solitaire set in a simple platinum band.

Her breath stutters out, and she lifts her eyes to mine, her lips parting in surprise.

“Anna,” I begin, my voice hoarse, “I love you. I can’t imagine a life without you. You’ve taken this house and turned it into a home. You’ve made Christmas—hell, every day—feel magical. I never thought I’d want gingerbread and carols and mulled wine, but with you, it’s all I want. Forever.” I swallow hard, this risk the biggest one I’ve ever taken in my life. “Will you marry me?”

Her golden eyes shimmer with tears, and she presses a hand to her mouth, shaking her head.

“Max…” she whispers, her voice breaking.

Then the tears spill over, and I panic.

“Did I—did I mess this up?” I stammer, my heart sinking. “If it’s too soon or?—”

“No!” she exclaims, stepping closer and grabbing my face with both hands. “No, you didn’t mess it up. I just—God, Max, I love you so much.” Her voice wobbles, her lips trembling as she adds, “Yes. Of course, yes.”

Relief floods me, and I pull her into my arms, holding her tight as the world rights itself. She laughs against my chest, her tears dampening my shirt, and I don’t care.

“You’ve been acting so strange, and I was worried,” I say. “Is everything okay?”

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