A light snow fell as a local band played a Kid Rock song that had become something of an anthem in Northern Michigan. Gathered near the gigantic Christmas tree on Front Street in Traverse City, the entire crowd joined in singing. Kellie sang, too.
Ryan glanced at her and smiled.
“What?”
“I love hearing you sing.”
Kellie laughed. She practically screamed the words, but whatever.
They’d been dating ever since Dorrie’s open house. They’d spent the Christmas holidays visiting both his and her parents and now, here they were with Dorrie and her girls celebrating New Year’s Eve.
Ryan bounced Gracie on his shoulders to the music and she laughed. Her breath made little white puffs in the cold air.
At the conclusion of the song, the announcer shouted out to get ready for the cherry to drop. Cheers went up and then the crowd chanted the number countdown as the red ball of lights made its descent.
Ten.
Nine.
Kellie glanced at Ryan. He was yelling the numbers out, too, right along with Gracie. He was so good with Dorrie’s girls. Warmth spread through Kellie at the thought he’d make a good father. Ryan was good with her, too. He was patient and easy and she could tell him anything. She closed her eyes and thanked God for bringing them together. To think she’d almost tossed away this chance at happiness.
Five.
Four.
And then Ryan put Gracie on her feet and nodded. The kid grinned then pushed past her toward Dorrie.
Kellie tipped her head, ready to ask why he’d done that, but it was time.
Two.
One.
The crowd cheered “Happy New Year,” and folks hugged each other as fireworks burst to life overhead with crackles and booms. Ryan reached for her mitten-clad hands.
“Kellie?” He looked very serious and then went down on one knee.
Kellie’s breath caught in her throat. “Oh.”
The crowd around them inched away, giving Ryan room. A couple of folks poked each other with elbows and watched. Kellie glanced at Dorrie, who smiled and wiped at a tear.
Slowly, as if in a dream, Kellie focused her attention back on Ryan kneeling in the icy street.
“I promised to wait, but since it’s a new year, I thought it’d be okay to finally ask if you’ll marry me.”
Kellie laughed. They hadn’t been dating three weeks. Three weeks or three years, her answer would remain the same. “Yes! Yes! Now get up before you freeze.”
He stood and pulled her into his arms. “Happy New Year, Kel.”
She lifted her face. “Happy New Year.”
He kissed her then, sealing their promise.
She felt a hug from someone small. Breaking apart from Ryan, Kellie looked down to see Gracie grinning up at them. “You knew, didn’t you?”
“Yup.” Gracie nodded.
“And she didn’t tell. That was a big present in itself.” Ryan pulled off Kellie’s left mitten.
Kellie gasped when he slipped a beautiful diamond engagement ring onto her finger. “Whoa, when’d you get this?”
Ryan smiled. “At Christmas. Hannah and Gracie helped me pick it out. They said it had to be super special for Aunt Kellie.”
Kellie’s eyes filled with tears. It was. Even more so because her family shared in choosing it. Despite their problems, she had a family that loved her. And now, she’d become part of a new family who’d love her, too. The truth of that blessing humbled her.
She stared at the ring glittering in the light cast by streetlamps and Christmas lights and then she looked at Ryan. “Thank you.”
He smiled. “Thank you for saying yes.”
She laughed. “As if there would be any other answer.”
He nodded his agreement and then they were pulled into more hugs from Dorrie and Hannah and even the folks watching nearby as they wished each other a Happy New Year.
This year promised to be a very good year, indeed.
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from HER UNEXPECTED COWBOY by Debra Clopton.