Page 59 of A Gingerbread Romance

“I want you back, Greta. I want us to be together. I want to figure this out, because I can’t lose you again.”

She smiled, and he saw the tears that glistened in her eyes. She nodded. “I want that, too, Jonathan. I missed you so much.”

His heart soared. He pulled her in close and wrapped his arms around her. This was what he’d been missing for so long—that one person he could trust without question, that one person who could wrap her arms around him and instantly soothe him. Greta was that person. Greta was the only person.

He lifted her face gently and brought his lips to hers, then he kissed her, their mouths tangling in a brief but passionate exchange. He hadn’t realized how much he’d missed the feel of her mouth on his.

Heat surged through him, and he deepened the kiss, every inch of his skin full of longing. Finally, he dropped his arms and pulled back, gazing into her eyes.

He smiled at her, and her lips curled with a warm, contented glow.

This was the moment. Jonathan took a step back and reached into his coat pocket, then brought out the leather box and dropped to one knee. He opened the box and held it up to show her.

* * *

Greta’s eyeswidened as a gasp escaped her lips. “Are you…?” She let the question fade away on the soft winter breeze as the gentle sun warmed her face.

Jonathan’s front teeth moved to rest on his lower lip, and he offered her a slight grin from his stance on the snowy ground. He was. He was going to propose! Her heart raced.

Was it too soon? Maybe? They’d only met about a month ago. But then again, she was old enough to know that this was the man she wanted to be with for the rest of her life. Her heart was bursting to know that he felt the same about her.

She studied him as he gazed up at her, his features illuminated under the glistening brightness of the blue skies. He looked as good in a pair of snow pants, boots, and a black winter coat as he did in a suit. His air of strength and charm and charisma had returned, and she found herself lost for words that he’d come all the way out here to talk to her. Or that he wanted to be with her—like this. Forever.

Her heart sang while her thoughts raced.

He’d owned up to his actions of the past several days, and he’d explained what had made him behave in such a way, which all made perfect sense to Greta. He’d been remorseful, and he’d promised to do better. What more could she ask for?

She didn’t want to waste another minute not being a part of his life. She swallowed and waited.

“Greta Ross,” he began, his gaze tender, taking her hands, “I love you more than I can express.” She heard his words, swallowing to calm the nerves that threatened to hijack her tongue for good. “I’ve loved you since the night I met you, long before you told me we’d just be friends—although I never believed that part—and every moment in between.” He smiled.

Greta laughed, her heart erupting with fondness for this man.

“I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want us to grow old together. I want kids and a dog and a house and a bakery full of cookies and cakes and gingerbread houses, and I want you there with me, all the way.” His gaze burned like a campfire on a cold winter’s night, his eyes trained on hers. “Will you marry me?”

“Yes! Yes, I’ll marry you!” she said, a happy sob escaping her throat, and he slipped the ring onto her finger. She held it up. “Oh, it’s beautiful!” She still couldn’t believe this was happening. She’d barely allowed herself to imagine getting back together with Jonathan, let alone becoming engaged to him. Could someone please just pinch her right now…?

Jonathan stood up and pulled her in tight, then kissed her with a warmth and tenderness that left her catching her breath.

“What’s going on over here?” It was Luke, walking hand-in-hand with Chloe toward them across the snow, both of them overcome with curious smiles. “You guys just get hitched?” Luke said.

“Sure, did!” Jonathan answered, tugging Greta closer.

Greta held up the ring as Chloe came in for a look.

“Oh, my gosh!” Chloe said, her eyes bulging. “Congratulations, you guys! I can’t believe this!”

Greta couldn’t, either. Chloe grabbed her and hugged her tightly. “Thank you!” Greta squeezed her back.

“This means we’re going to be sisters!” Chloe said a few moments later. A sister? That was true, and this was pure icing on the cake. She’d have a big family of her own now.

She couldn’t wait to share the news with Jean and Abby and everyone at work. Her heart fell so full she thought it might burst.

Luke bear-hugged his brother with a congratulatory slap across the back. “Mission accomplished, dude! But you didn’t tell methiswas your plan!”

Jonathan laughed, thanking him for his help in getting out here to the falls. “Didn’t want to be overconfident. Wasn’t sure if she’d say yes.” They laughed.

Greta smiled at Jonathan, and he came closer and wrapped his arms around her again, her heart bursting with joy. She’d spend the rest of her life showing him what it meant to trust and be trusted. “Never doubt me. I mean that,” she said.

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