Page 36 of Daniel
“You were the Christmas wish that I always thought was impossible to come true,” she whispered.
“It’s true, Prairie. Now and forever.”
She nodded. “Forever. I like the sound of that. And instead of Christmas wishes, we’re going to make all sorts of New Year’s resolutions together.”
“Anything you say.” My hands roamed all over the body of my sweet, precious love. My breathtaking prairie girl.
My dream, once abstract like some of her paintings, had completely come into focus.
EPILOGUE ONE
MOM / MARY
* New Year’s Eve *
As much as I loved the Christmas Eve Eve Ball, I also loved the casual New Year’s Eve dance at the Holly Valley Town Hall. It was much more informal, with the large room open for dancing, and several smaller rooms set up with tables and chairs to create lounge areas.
It was a wonderful chance for the entire town to get together one last time before hunkering down for the worst of winter.
The next few months would be extra dark for me, since my boys would be gone. But knowing that they were coming home permanently soon put an extra spring in my step as I danced with Nicolas.
“It’s been a crazy season,” he said, twirling me around once more as the song ended.
“Goodness, yes. One of the best Christmases ever, I think. Plus a wonderful anniversary.”
Nicolas led me back to our table in the corner. “I’d like you to stay off your knee for a while, sweetie,” he said, kissing me quickly when he thought nobody was looking.
He gave me that sweet smile that still made my heart race even after all these years. Then he gave a nod to his friends who were gathered by the back door. “I’ll be back in a little while,” he said.
Every year he took off with his buddies for a special whiskey that one of them had discovered this year. Last time I sat around and talked with my friends for the entire evening since I could barely dance. But there was no way I was going to miss out on any opportunity this season.
As soon as Nicolas was gone, I darted over to Jacob and Sierra. “May I steal my son away for a dance?”
“Of course,” she said, with her cute pixie grin that I was already so fond of.
Jacob led me to the center of the dance floor, as we tested out a few old-fashioned ballroom moves.
“I’m afraid we’re going to have to have a little chat about Sierra,” I said as we drifted farther away from her.
Instantly Jacob looked nervous. “What? I thought you liked her.”
“I do,” I laughed. “I think she’s absolutely wonderful. I just wanted you to know that if there’s anything I can help with to keep the two of you together while you’re away for a couple of months, please let me know.”
He made a noise like an angry bear as he glared at me. “Mom, you nearly gave me a heart attack.”
“Just keeping you on your toes.”
He laughed, spinning me around. “You know, you’ve been extra saucy lately. Maybe that new knee is evil, or a bad influence or something.”
My head fell back and I laughed uproariously. “Yes! Let’s go with that. Demonic knee. I love it.”
When the song ended, I gave him a hug. “I know that you boys are going to be getting married and starting families soon.I’m right here to help with everything, so please keep me in the loop. Okay?”
Jacob’s arms tightened around me. “Okay. Thanks, Mom.”
I ruffled the back of his hair. “It’s the least I can do for the youngest and most precious.”
“Now why won’t you ever say that in front of the other two?” he chuckled.
