Melissa couldn’t believe Nate was being discharged on Christmas morning, but she wasn’t going to complain, either. With help from his teammates, his father and Amelia, Melissa and Hailey decorated Nate’s house for the holiday, using everything he had stored in the basement.
She’d purchased a gift for him and was nervous about whether or not he’d like the gold watch she’d picked out.
Waiting for Jenna to pick up Nate and drive him home was nerve-racking. Christmas music wafted through the house, and one of Nate’s teammates, Isaac had built a fire in the fireplace for them. She’d cooked a hearty chicken soup from scratch in deference to Nate’s recent injury. Hailey had been thrilled to find video games stored in the basement, too, and Melissa knew she should feel guilty for using them to keep her daughter distracted.
When Jenna’s SUV pulled into the driveway, she took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She opened the door, watching as Nate insisted on walking into the house under his own power.
“Stubborn man,” Jenna muttered loudly enough for Melissa to hear.
She couldn’t help but smile. Nate’s face brightened when he saw her standing there, and he pulled her in for a quick hug. “You’re an amazing sight to come home to,” he said. Then he swept his gaze over his fully decorated house, including a bright Christmas tree in the corner. “Wow, you’ve been busy.”
“Santa’s elves helped,” she teased, taking his hand in hers.
Jenna rolled her eyes and crossed over to place a few gifts beneath the tree. Melissa assumed they were gifts from Nate’s teammates and was glad they’d remembered him. Jenna moved toward the front door. “I’m heading out since I’m on duty tonight. Call if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Jenna.” Melissa closed the door behind her, appreciating the female deputy’s wry humor.
Nate made his way to the sofa, sitting gingerly in the corner. “My house has never looked this wonderful,” he said. “I’m in awe of how you transformed it.”
“I wanted you to have a merry Christmas,” she said, coming to sit beside him. “Are you hungry? I have soup simmering on the stove.”
“Food can wait,” Nate said, reaching over to take her hand in his. “Where’s Hailey? I think it’s time we opened presents, don’t you?”
Melissa was surprised but nodded in agreement. “Sure, I’ll get her. She found your old video games in the basement. Hope you don’t mind.”
“Of course not,” Nate said, sitting back against the sofa cushion with a sigh. “Man, it’s great to be home.”
It didn’t take long to convince Hailey that opening presents would be more fun than playing video games. The little girl ran into the living room and headed straight for Nate. “You’re home!” she said, crawling up beside him and easing herself into his arms, mindful of the injuries Melissa had warned her daughter about.
Melissa’s eyes misted as Nate hugged Hailey close, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “I sure am. It’s good to see you, Hailey.”
“Mommy said we’re opening presents,” Hailey announced. “I have one for you.”
“I have one for you, too,” he said. “It’s the one with the snowman wrapping paper.”
Hailey didn’t waste any time scooting down from the sofa and running to the tree. She picked up her gift and quickly pulled off the gift wrap. “Look, Mommy, a Bible!”
“That’s wonderful, Hailey. We’ll read the story of Christmas after lunch, okay?”
“Okay.”
“Hailey, bring the other present over here, the one with the Christmas tree paper,” Nate said. “That one’s for your mom.”
Melissa glanced at him in surprise. “When on earth did you get that?” she asked, taking the gift from Hailey.
“Open it and I’ll explain,” he said with a smile.
She opened the small box. Her breath caught at the sight of the small diamond heart necklace nestled inside. “Oh, Nate, it’s beautiful.”
“That was my high school graduation gift for you,” he said. “I’m hoping you’ll let me use those diamonds as accents in your engagement ring.”
“Engagement ring?” she echoed, wondering if she’d heard him right. “Oh, Nate, are you sure?”
“Come here,” he encouraged her, reaching out for her. She scooted over and took his hand in hers. “Melissa, will you do me the honor of being my wife? I promise to love you and to be a good father for Hailey.”
“Yes,” she whispered, her heart lifting with joy. “Oh, yes, Nate. Of course I’ll marry you.”
As he kissed her, Melissa knew with a sigh that she was home at last.
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from YULETIDE FUGITIVE THREAT by Sandra Robbins.