Springtime in Montana and the purple-pink beauty of the bitterroot flamed against the backdrop of green ponderosas, deep blue mountains and a sky so blue Amy could almost taste it. Saws buzzed and sawdust churned into the sharp, clear air around the site of the home they were building. In the distance at the back of the property, trout leaped and danced for joy in the cold, clear stream running full of icy mountain water.
Amy’s feet sank deep in yellow arrowleaf while at her side Ginger quivered with eagerness to run free in the country. All the pups had found loving homes, and their big brindle mother had found hers, too, with Amy and Rafe.
Amy turned her head to watch a mountain bluebird flit and dart in his search for a suitable place to build his nest. The little male bird was a metaphor, she thought, of the basic male instinct to provide a home for his future family.
She stuck her hands inside the pouch of her sweatshirt. Rafe was doing the same for her and for the children they’d someday have.
The thought made her smile, and filled her with a joy she could not express in words.
That terrible day when she’d gotten lost had changed everything. She knew now that not only was Rafe a man to love and trust, he was a man of action. He would always be a giver, a hero to those in need. True to his word, he’d delivered generators to restore the town’s light displays, and Christmas in Snowglobe had gone off without another hitch. And if his country called, he’d serve with strength and commitment and the promise that she would be proudly waiting for his return.
Beside her, Rafe rolled up the house plans and put his arm around her waist. “It’s coming along.”
“I love it.” She leaned into him. “And I love you.”
“Does this mean you’re ready to set the date?”
Amy held out her left hand. The beautiful diamond he’d given her on Christmas sparkled in the sunlight. “I’ve been ready. You were the one who wanted to wait for the house to be finished.”
Do things right this time, he’d said, and she’d agreed. They’d build first, and after the wedding, they could start life together in their dream home.
“The builder says he’ll be done before the snow flies again.” He turned to her, smiling and confident. “Want to marry me today?”
“Actually, yes. Today. Right now. We can live in the back of my shop.”
He shook his head and laughed. “Don’t tempt me. Waiting is hard even when I know it’s for the best.”
And that was the way Rafe was and one of the many things she loved about him. He would always do what he thought was best. He always had. Now she understood how very important that was. This was a man who would always have her best interest at heart.
“One wedding at a time,” she said. “Let’s get Mom and Jeffrey married first.” For indeed, they’d set the date for midsummer and Amy had come to love the gentle man who loved her mother.
“He’s a good guy. They’ll do great.”
“I know. I’m so happy for Mom.” The Snowglobe Gift Shoppe was hers now and thriving, as was Rafe’s rental business. They would build a good life here, a life that would carry into future generations of sturdy, winter-loving Montanans.
Her joy surged, a great wave that reached out and pulled in everything and everyone around her. God had answered her prayers. He’d sent Rafe when she’d needed him most, and He had taken away her fear. Somehow, through Rafe’s act of Christmas courage, she’d let go of her anger and unforgivingness and embraced the love and goodness that had been waiting for her all along.
“A Christmas wedding would be nice,” she said, touching his beloved face with her fingertips. “Christmas brought us back together.”
“The only thing better than Christmas in Snowglobe is a Christmas wedding in Snowglobe. Especially if it’s our wedding.” He took her cheeks between his hands and kissed her with all the love in his big hero’s heart.
“It’s the busiest time of year.”
“Doesn’t matter.” He gestured at the house. “Another Yuletide homecoming sounds perfect. This one as man and wife.”
“Yes.” She smiled, gazing into his rugged face. “We’ll be coming home again, and this time, it’s forever.”
Ginger leaped up to chase a butterfly. Birds twittered in the towering pines. Amy and Rafe joined hands and started across the yard where someday their children would laugh and play. Together, as man and wife, they’d face the future, knowing as they leaned on their faith and on each other, life would be as beautiful as a Christmas in Snowglobe.
* * * * *