Page 64 of A Match Made in Montana

“Do what?”

“Save every last dance for me?”

“Of course.”

“Remember I said we have to talk?”

Her smile slipped a notch. “When are you leaving?”

“I told you I never want to be without you again.”

“With you working in Portland, it’s not practical, silly.” She smiled. “We’ll figure it out as we go along.”

“I’ve already figured it out. I’m never leaving my wife.”

Her steps faltered, she stilled. “Wife?”

With his eyes on her, he took out the small box that had been burning his pocket for the last six days and dropped down on his one knee. The band stopped playing, everyone stopped talking and moved around them in a circle.

Annie’s eyes widened. “Craig?”

“Annie Miller, I want to be with you, marry you, make babies with you, and I always, always want you to save the very last dance for me. Will you please marry me?”

One after the other, emotions flitted over her face—surprise, worry, wonder.

With a laugh, she pulled him up, her eyes never leaving his face. “I’d love to marry you, Craig,” she said, holding out her hand.

Under whistles and laughter and clapping, he slipped the ring he’d bought in Bozeman last Sunday on her finger.

Her eyes wet with tears, she held up her hand. “Diamonds forming a small heart—you know me so well. I love it.”

“I was thinking about all those romances you love to read.” He grinned.

“You’re sure about this?” she asked, her arms circling his neck. “There’s going to be lots of beading and throbbing,” she whispered in his ear.

Pulling her closer, he burst out laughing. “I’m counting on it.”

*

It was latebefore they all gathered in Annie’s kitchen for a final toast. The bride and groom were leaving the next day early to catch their flight in Bozeman to their honeymoon destination.

Smiling, Annie hugged her sister. “I’m so sorry we stole your show, but I’m so happy!”

Laughing, Vivian put down her champagne glass and grabbed Annie’s hand. “Craig wanted to wait till after the wedding, but I didn’t want to miss it. Show me your ring again.” She smiled and picked up Annie’s hand. “It’s so you, Annie, I love it. I offered to help, but he assured me he knew what you’d like.”

Over Vivian’s head, Annie met Craig’s eyes. “Yeah, he does. I’m a lucky girl.”

“I’m the lucky one,” Craig insisted as he walked over and pulled her close. “So, if you’ll excuse us…”

“Wait a minute.” Aunt Janice stopped them. “We haven’t talked about the when and where of your wedding.”

“The where is easy,” Craig said. “We do what Vivian and Aiden have done, have it in the Graff Hotel. They throw a nice party. Baby? Do you want something else?” He looked down at Annie.

Annie nodded. “I’m happy with that.”

“When?” asked Riley. “What about a Christmas wedding?”

Craig was shaking his head even before she’d finished talking. “There’s no way I’m waiting that long.”

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