The Quietest Shop on Main (Shops on Main #3)

Christmas

CHRISTMAS

Two weeks.

Two weeks of basking in the knowledge that she was going to marry Dalton, that Grandpa was content to go live where he could get the help he needed, and that Analiese was willing, eager even, to have Skyla as a sister-in-law.

Skyla sighed in contentment and leaned back, snuggling into Dalton’s chest. They were on the ground in front of the tree, watching Grandpa open his gift, and Skyla was very cozy in Dalton’s lap.

She couldn’t wait for the day this happened every day, rather than once in a while.

“You two are still sickeningly sweet,” Analiese drawled from her chair in the corner where she was flipping through a book that Skyla had given her.

“How do you get through this confounded paper?” Grandpa muttered, fumbling with the edge of the wrapping paper.

“Do you want some help?” Skyla reluctantly inched away from Dalton, but Grandpa waved her off.

“The day I can’t open a gift is the day I’m done,” Grandpa snapped.

Skyla smiled and relaxed again. She didn’t care if it took Grandpa another half hour to open that thing. She was perfectly happy where she was and would be happy to stay there forever.

“Want to visit the mistletoe?” Dalton whispered in her ear.

Skyla looked back, scowling. “It’s freezing out there.”

He ran his nose along her nose. “I can keep you warm.”

“Naughty,” Skyla whispered, but her smile gave her away.

“I thought we had already established that you like me naughty.”

“Shhh…” Skyla glared. “We’re in company.”

“I suggested we visit the mistletoe,” Dalton said innocently.

Skyla smiled and shook her head. It had become their little meeting spot, the mistletoe on the porch. Despite being engaged, they still rarely got time alone. So, Dalton had begun sneaking her out on the porch at least once a night. It was definitely cold, but Skyla was willing to endure much more than a frozen nose if it meant having Dalton to herself for ten minutes.

“What is it?” Grandpa asked, studying the box.

“It’s a video monitor,” Skyla explained. “I bought one for myself as well, and we can connect them. All you have to do is tell it to call me, and we can video chat any time you want.”

Grandpa smirked. “Anytime?”

“Visiting hours apply,” Dalton called out.

Skyla slapped his arm that was looped around her waist. “He’s family.”

Grandpa chuckled. He’d become almost…happy in the last couple of weeks, and Skyla’s original guilt about him moving into a home had all but dissipated. Grandpa seemed ready for this change. He needed physical help she couldn’t give him, and he was looking forward to having people to talk to during the day, especially peers his age.

Skyla was happy for him, but the moment was still bittersweet. Maybe more sweet than bitter, since the change with Grandpa brought her own shift.

“I think that’s it!” Skyla said, clapping her hands together. “Does anyone want hot chocolate? Or cider?”

“Not quite.”

Skyla frowned and looked over her shoulder. “Hm?”

“Hang on.” Dalton pushed Skyla out of his lap and guided her to sit on the couch. Then he immediately knelt at her knees and pulled a box out of his pocket.

Skyla gasped.

Dalton gave her the smile she loved most. “I promised you a better moment than in the bookstore.”

Skyla shook her head. “Dalton…”

He opened the box and lifted out a small velvet box, then held it out to her on his palm. “I know we’ve said it a thousand times in the last couple of weeks,” he began, his voice cracking slightly, “but, Skyla Saunders…I love you. I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone and anything.”

Analiese snorted.

Skyla didn’t even look because she was too focused on Dalton’s proposal. She’d assumed they’d go to a store and find a ring, she truly hadn’t expected him to give her a full proposal, not when they’d already agreed to get married.

“I love your smile, your hair, your eyes…” Dalton smirked. “I love your mouth.”

“TMI, bro!” Analiese shouted, and Grandpa grunted.

“You’re beautiful, but most importantly, you’re beautiful here.” He tapped Skyla’s sternum. “And that’s why I want to be your partner for life. I want to spend our days building dreams and our nights building a family. I want to hang mistletoe in every room in the house and catch you every time we walk through.”

Skyla laughed softly.

“I want to watch you fight for your book and see it published, and I want to stand side by side in the kitchen cooking family dinners and doing dishes.” He chuckled. “Honestly…I want to do anything as long as it means doing it with you.” He flipped open the box, showcasing a beautiful silver ring with three diamonds in a row. “Will you marry me, Skyla? Will you join me in those adventures, whether mundane or extraordinary? Will you build a life with me?” Dalton gave a quick glance to Grandpa. “Will you build a legacy with me? One of books and boats and most importantly…family?”

Skyla nodded, her words stuck in her throat. “Yes,” she finally croaked. “Yes, yes, absolutely yes!”

Dalton’s shoulders relaxed, and he smiled, then pulled out the ring and reached for her hand, slipping it on her ring finger.

Analiese and Grandpa were both clapping, but Skyla ignored them, cupping Dalton’s cheeks and leaning in for a kiss. She wanted to linger, but they were still in public, so she restrained herself. “I have many things to say in return,” she whispered against his lips. “But they’re for your ears alone.” Another kiss was followed by a few groans. Skyla smiled, breaking the kiss. “Meet me under the mistletoe, and I’ll whisper them to you.”

“If I meet you there, there will be no whispering,” Dalton teased.

“Naughty.”

“Beautiful,” Dalton shot back.

Skyla closed her eyes and rested her forehead against his. “Ridiculous.”

“Beautiful,” Dalton said again, shifting for another kiss. “Always…always…beautiful.”