Page 48 of Holiday Haven

He swallowed hard, panic threatening to choke him. “I know I've held myself back from you, and I’m sorry. I can't prove it, but I was planning to talk to you the day I found out about Alec and Jillian. I've had so many regrets but turning around to see you standing with that devastated expression on your face was the worst.” He tightened his grip on her hand. “I'm sorry I hurt you. You're a beautiful, kind, generous person. Will you please give me another chance to prove how much I love you?”

A slow smile broke across her features, and she nodded. “Yes, Adam. Because I love you, too.” He couldn't hide his elation, even when she held up a hand and added, “But I want you to share everything with me. I want you to tell me what you're thinking and feeling, even if you're afraid it might upset me.”

It sounded easy, but he knew it wasn't. His happiness faded and his gaze turned serious. “I will try, Krista. I swear to you I will try.” And he would do his best, but hiding his emotions deep inside had become an ingrained habit, especially over this past year. He needed to be honest with her. “Old patterns can be hard to break. I need you to know I might slip up on occasion.”

“At least you're being honest.” She read his thoughts easier than Danielle ever had. “I understand you've hidden your emotions for a long time. I don't expect perfection, I just need to know you care.”

“I do care, more than I can ever say”. He reached out and drew her close. “I love you, Krista. I can't imagine my life without you.”

“Oh, Adam.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, holding him tight. “I love you. I think I’ve always loved you since the night you came to rescue me from that terrible date.” She gazed up at him from dark eyes bright with tears. “I just didn't want to settle for being second best. Or for anything less than having your love.”

“You could never be second best.” He gently took the box from her hand, opened it and took out the diamond engagement ring. “And you will always have my love. Will you wear my ring? Will you marry me?”

“Yes. I will marry you, Adam.”

He slipped the ring on her finger with a sense of relief. “Thank heavens. My mother was ready to disown me for hurting you. And I was afraid Austin was going to ask you to marry him, just to make me mad.”

That made her laugh. “He wouldn't do that.”

“Yes, he would, because he knows a good thing when he sees it.” He arched a brow. “I hope you know what you're getting into now that you've agreed to become a part of the Monroe family. My parents are going to expect a lot of grandchildren. I think I'd like to oblige them.”

“I'm not worried.” She smiled. I’ll love being a part of your family.” She stood on tiptoe to kiss him.

He met her halfway, kissing her with a need born of desperation. Only knowing that they were still standing in the waiting room at Children's Memorial held him in check. He broke off from the kiss while he still could.

“Merry Christmas, Adam.” A hint of remorse shadowed her eyes. “I don't have a present for you.”

“You've already given me a gift, by forgiving me and agreeing to marry me. I love you.” He drew her toward the elevator, knowing God had once again blessed the Monroe clan.

Thanks to Krista, Christmas had just become his favorite holiday.

EPILOGUE

Krista smiled as Adam's family surrounded Nancy and Joy Williamson, cooing over the baby while drawing them firmly into the living room, making them feel welcome at their Christmas family gathering.

She was so happy they'd agreed to come.

Nancy smiled and handed Joy to Krista so she could take off her coat and scarf.

She gazed into Joy's tiny face, until Nancy came back for her. As she handed Joy to her mother, she was pleased at how Joy’s bright eyes widened at all the attention.

“Having regrets?” Adam murmured near her ear.

“Not a single one.” During the commotion with Nancy, Shirley had briefly mentioned that Krista had been approved to be a foster mother. She was thrilled when Adam had agreed to take a part in the process too. He liked the idea of helping kids in need as much as she did. “It was nice of you to invite them. And to pick them up from the hospital to bring them here.”

“It was the least I could do, considering Joy helped to bring us together.” Adam’s smile warmed her all the way down to her frozen toes.

“Yes.” The baby would always hold a special place in her heart for that same reason. Joy was a miracle baby.

“What can I get everyone to drink?” Abe asked beaming at the family gathered around him. “Hot cider, anyone?”

He handed a cup to Nancy who tentatively tasted it before grinning and nodding. Everyone made a point of speaking slowly and distinctly to Nancy to help ensure she could understand them.

And if not, Nancy always had her notepad handy.

Alec and Jillian seemed to be doing better, despite their recent loss. Jillian smiled and took Joy's tiny hand, her eyes revealing a hint of longing. Shannon didn't venture far from Jillian’s side. She suspected that Alec and Jillian were doing their best to put the miscarriage into perspective by focusing on their beautiful daughter.

As the Monroe family gathered in the living room, near the giant, brightly decorated tree, Krista couldn't imagine being any happier than she was right at that moment.

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