Page 10 of Bah Humbug Mate

“To be honest, we had an argument of sorts, and I’m planning a romantic evening to make amends.”

“What did you do?” she asked.

“I’m not sure, but whatever it is, I’m really sorry, and want to make it up to her. You’re good at this kind of thing and seem to be able to make things happen that no one else can.”

She laughed. “I do love a good challenge. What do you need?”

“Two things. The first I think you can probably accomplish pretty easily. I’m taking Noel for a moonlit sleigh ride. I want to have some nice goodies to munch on.”

“Tonight?”

“Yes.”

“Men,” she snorted. “I can make that happen, but it won’t be cheap as someone is going to have to bring it directly to you as soon as I get it put together. What’s the one you don’t think will be easy?”

“A ring. It occurs to me we’re telling everyone we’re getting married, and she doesn’t have a ring. I want something amazing for her, but Noel isn’t a flashy ring kind of girl.”

“Oh, you’d be surprised. She might not go for colored stones and the like, but that girl of yours loves sparkle. I can probably do that in less time but with a whole lot more money. I take it you want to give it to her on your romantic sleigh ride.”

“That’s the plan.”

“What’s my budget?”

“I haven’t a clue. I think you know I’m fairly well off—not Colby-rich…”

“Dash, nobody is Colby-rich.”

He chuckled. Nicole was a true gem. “Can you help me?”

“I think I can. In fact, I may know just the ring. Not huge or colored, but it sparkles like there’s no tomorrow and has a vintage feel. I think there may be matching wedding bands for you and her, also. It’s a gorgeous round-cut diamond set in a nature-inspired platinum setting with a swirling pavé diamond bypass.”

“You do know I have no idea what any of that means.”

Nicole laughed. “It means the ring is stunning and she’ll love it.”

“Sounds good.”

“Best news is that it is here in Kodiak, and I can send it with the gourmet goodies.”

“Nicole, you are a lifesaver.”

Sleigh Ride Snacks: Check.

Ring: Check.

He realized the tree-lighting ceremony in the town square was tonight. They’d have the sleigh ride. He’d give her the ring up at the firepit, and they could end the evening there. God, he hated the holidays, but the true wooing of his mate was about to commence.

CHAPTER 5

NOEL

When the last of the customers left, she closed up the shop, turning the sign over, locking the door and turning out the lights. When Dash arrived, she’d go out to meet him, arming the alarm system and relocking the door.

She took a deep breath. He was right; they needed to talk. He hadn’t deserved her running off like that. That kiss had scared her to death. She’d been kissed before, but nothing had prepared her for what it would be like to be kissed by her fated mate or, for that matter, Dash Samuels.

Word of her engagement had made it back to the mainland and her herd. To say they were not happy might just qualify as the understatement of the year, if not decade.

“Have you lost your mind? Dash Samuels?” her father had shouted while her mother wailed.

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