by Ellie Hall
By the time they got to the fifth round, half the room was in hysterics with laughter. A couple of Ryan’s brothers and the football players weren’t as amused, likely because they had to sing the silly lyrics, but their effort and Ryan’s sentiment was like a warm hug. Even though her mother wasn’t there, she felt less alone. And she wouldn’t be alone on Christmas because Sheila was being released on Christmas Eve. They still had a long way to go for her to fully recover, but Rachel was filled with promise.
The guys continued. “On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love rescued for me, six chickens after they escaped the coop, seven inches of snow shoveled, and an eight-a.m. breakfast delivery.”
By then Rachel could hardly contain her laughter and even Thistle chuckled a bit.
They paused, drawing their breath then went on. “On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave nine hundred care packages for soldiers, ten thousand dollars in donations to the animal shelter, and served eleven homeless families dinner.”
Despite JJ’s professional skills and natural talent leading them they were all a little off-key and out of breath by the time they reached the twelfth day. “On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, twelve men singing carols at Honey Bea and Thistle’s part-ee!”
The room erupted in clapping, but they weren’t done. They went all the way back through the song until they reached the first day of Christmas line. “And an engagement ring under the tree.”
Ryan stepped forward and took Rachel’s hand, leading her over to the tree. He got down on one knee and produced a box. It was wrapped in the same paper covered in cats who wore Santa hats and tied with a red ribbon as the present JJ had insisted that she open from under the tree at KB Ranch. Ryan stood and passed the box to her. It was heavier than she expected.
Their eyes met and he nudged his chin for her to open it. Her hands trembled and the edges of the room took on a fuzzy quality. She knew what was coming and her heart raced to keep up with her anticipation. Everyone gathered fell into a hush.
She tore the paper and pulled out a Boston Bruiser’s hat. Under that was a pair of brand-new running sneakers.
Ryan smirked then plunked the hat on her head. “If we run, we run together.”
She glanced down at his feet and realized instead of dress shoes or boots, he had on his trainers too. He took her hand in his and then lowered onto one knee. From under the tree, he pulled out another, much smaller velvet box.
His eyes shone as he lifted the lid. A traditional Claddagh ring inlaid with a diamond rested inside. “The symbols on this ring represent what needs to be present in a relationship. The hands represent friendship, the crown means loyalty, and the heart, love.” Ryan drew a deep breath.
Rachel had nearly stopped breathing.
“Rachel, please say yes to our relationship, to everlasting friendship, loyalty, and love. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?”
Tears sprung to her eyes. She finally found her breath and burst out, “Yes, yes I will marry you.”
Ryan slipped the ring on her shaking finger and then lifted to his feet. He spun her around as the music started to play again. They danced a jig that time and everyone gathered in. As they moved round and round the room, Rachel spotted the local pastor. He smiled and waved.
“Glad to see you here,” she said.
“I’m sure glad to hear about your mother’s recovery and wouldn’t have missed this shindig. The Christmas parties at the Honey Bea and Thistle are legendary. Even more so now. I think this is the first marriage proposal at one of them. Congratulations.”
Rachel felt like her smile reached her ears. “I think you’re right. In fact, wait. Would you perform the service?” It was perfect, everyone was in town, her mother would be home the next day, and it was nearly Christmas.
“Right here? I couldn’t.”
“I meant tomorrow at the church.”
“Christmas Eve is a busy time. But a hopeful one as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. I suppose we could squeeze you in.” He smiled.
Ryan was in deep conversation with Niles and she gestured they come over. Rachel explained her idea. Ryan brightened. “That would be perfect.”
Niles nodded. “Well, I guess you honored your father’s wishes after all.”
Ryan’s shoulders relaxed.
Niles clapped him on the back. “He’d be proud. Your mother too.”
They made arrangements then danced a bit more, getting the pastor out there with them. Old friends and new offered them congratulations. Ryan announced when the wedding would be and invited everyone to join them. “Consider this the reception.” He laughed.
As the music played on, Rachel and Ryan found a quiet corner by the fire.
“Thank you for sharing your mother’s journal with me.” She laced her fingers in his.
He gave her hand a squeeze. “Did she ask a question that helped you come up with your own answer?”
Rachel nodded.
“What was it?”
“My question was what if I gave you a second chance.”
“And what was your answer?” He smirked.
“I think you know. I said yes.” She lifted onto her toes and kissed him. “How about you? Did your mother’s entries help you?”
Ryan nodded, “My answer was to turn it all over to God. To let him take the wheel and whatever happened, well, that was up to Him.”
“And?”
“And you said yes.” He dipped his head and kissed her.
She smiled, lifting onto her toes and wrapping her arms around his neck. The brim of the baseball hat bumped him on the forehead.
“I hope the sneakers fit because, as I said, if we run, we run together. In sneakers, on the trail, under the sun, in the snow, and hand in hand.”
“Always.” Rachel’s eyes blinked shut.
Once more, Ryan pressed his lips gently to hers.
Her heart lit up brighter than the nearby tree decorated with twinkle lights.
After a moment, Ryan said, “After everything that happened, I was afraid I’d never be able to feel joyous at Christmas again.”
Rachel turned her gaze toward the window where the stars shone in the night sky.
“But now I do,” he said, beaming with a smile.
“That makes sense. After all, this is the season of hope,” Rachel said, squeezing him tight in a promise never to let go.
Thank you for reading, Her Football Star Billionaire Groom, if you want to read more of Ellie’s books, sign up for her newsletter HERE!
Also by Ellie Hall
The Only Us Sweet Billionaire Series
All I Want for Christmas Novella (Book .5)
Only a Kiss with a Billionaire (Book 1)
Only a Night with a Billionaire (Book 2)
Only Forever with a Billionaire (Book 3)
Only Love with a Billionaire (Book 4)
Only a Date with a Billionaire (Bonus Book)
♥
The Rich & Rugged, the Hawkins Brothers Clean Romance Series
Second Chance with a Firefighter (Book 1)
Wedding Day with a Rancher (Book 2)
Resort Getaway with a Bodyguard (Book 3)
Falling in love with a Police Officer (Book 4)
Christmas with a Mountain Man (Book 5)
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The Blue Bay Beach Reads Romance Series
Summer with a Marine (Book 1)
Summer with a Rock Star (Book 2)
Summer with a Billionaire (Book 3)
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Football Billionaire Romance Series
Read more about the Boston Bruisers boys!
Starting January 2020
In Love with the Football Billionaire (Book 1)
Swooning Over the Football Billionaire (Book 2)
Forever Always with the Football Billionaire (Book 3)
Finally Together with the Football Billionaire (Book 4)
About the Author
Ellie Hall loves puppi
es, books, and the ocean. She writes sweet romance with lots of firsts and fizzy feels. Oh, and cookies are her favorite—chocolate chip warm from the oven are her fave. She believes in dreaming big, working hard, and lazy Sunday afternoons spent with her family and dog in gratitude for God's grace.
Social media links:
Website: http://www.elliehallauthor.com
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