Page 53 of Whiskey Kisses For the Mountain Man
"I love you too," I reply, meaning it more than any words I've ever spoken.
When we finally break apart, both breathless and grinning, I gesture behind her. "I have one more surprise."
She turns, confusion giving way to delight as she spots Tomlin and Densel pushing through the crowd, both dressed in matching elf costumes.
"Bitch, you've finally found a good one," Tomlin calls, arms outstretched. "Merry Christmas!"
Lettie squeals, racing toward them and throwing herself into their arms. The three of them laugh and cry, speaking over each other in their excitement.
I hang back, giving them their moment, content to watch the joy on Lettie's face. Ezra appears beside me, clapping a hand on my shoulder. My eyes catch the tablet Laurel holds up with Ezra and Zoe’s faces. He just gives a nod, a slight smile only he and I could decipher.
"Never thought I'd see the day," Nash says, looking at me in the Santa suit. "Not bad. Now try not to disappear on us this time. Okay?."
"I'm not that man anymore," I say, realizing it's true. The man who earned that reputation—silent, haunted, half-alive—is gone. "Just Owen now."
"Owen McKenna," Nash corrects, "soon-to-be husband of the Christmas Queen."
I smile, watching as Lettie shows her ring to her friends, her face alight with happiness. "Has a nice ring to it."
Lettie looks back at me over Tomlin's shoulder, her smile so bright it could outshine the star atop the tree. She disentangles herself from her friends and makes her way back to me, sliding her arms around my waist.
"You," she says, "are full of surprises, Mr. McKenna."
"Get used to it, future Mrs. McKenna."
"I like the sound of that." She rises on her tiptoes to kiss me again, then whispers in my ear, "But you do know what this means, right?"
"What?"
Her eyes dance with mischief. "Christmas is going to be our engagement anniversary. You're never escaping it now."
I laugh, a full, deep sound that still feels new but increasingly familiar. "Wouldn't have it any other way."
The tree lights twinkle above us, the town celebrates around us, and Lettie is in my arms where she belongs. For the first time since I was eight years old, I'm looking forward to Christmas—this one and all the ones to come, with Lettie by my side.
I've spent most of my life believing Christmas was the day that took everything from me. Now I know it's the season that finally gave everything back.
EPILOGUE
LETTIE
Eight Months Later
“I’m actually rootingfor Mavis this year,” Daniella grins.
“Competition builds character,” Nora replies. “I love Mr. Jenkins, but he can’t win biggest pumpkin every Fall Festival.”
“I’m thinking Mr. Jenkins doesn’t mind so much. He is the one who’s been guiding her through the planting and growing phase,” I smile.
“They’re absolutely crushing on each other,” Nora smirks. “Ten bucks, Jenkins plays off being mad if she wins.”
“And them running home to passionately…wrestle about it.”
“Daniella!” I exclaim, laughing.
Nora laughs along but cringes. “I do not need to picture old man Jenkins’ wrinkling balls getting it on.”
“Nora!” I cover my eyes. “I did not need that visual.”
