by Jaycee Ford
My phone rang on the nightstand. I released my grip on Ellie, and reached over to answer it. The display screen read, Dad.
“Hey, Pop.” I heard the click of another line and added, “And Merry Christmas, Mom.”
“Merry Christmas, honey,” Mom said. “Are you with Ellie?”
“Yes, ma’am. She’s right here.” I glanced at her. She smiled sadly.
“Give her a hug for me and tell her that I can’t wait to see her shop when we thaw out of this snow.”
I pulled the phone away and whispered, “Mom said she can’t wait to see your shop.”
Ellie snatched the phone from my hand. “I’m thinking of painting it.”
I rolled my eyes. These two had been on this kick lately where my mom called me and then talked to Ellie for an hour.
“I’m not sure which color though.” She let out a gasp as she glanced at me. “I never thought of that color.”
“Dad’s on the phone too, ya know.”
“Oops, Merry Christmas, Mr. Harris.” She hadn’t seen my parents in six years, and it was as if she saw them yesterday. “No, the Panthers have it in the bag.”
God, I loved that woman.
“Yes, we will see y’all soon. Merry Christmas.”
She handed the phone back to me, and I asked into the phone, “Who’s on the line?”
“It’s me, son. I wanted to give you a heads up to relay to your brother.” Dad had put on his sheriff’s hat. I had always known Caleb would follow in his footsteps, and I had my hand in it a bit. I just preferred the idea of spending the rest of my days on the back of a horse. “If this guy has money, you need to check out the secluded resorts in the mountains. Y’all may have exhausted your search in the foothills. I just really think y’all need to look up.”
“Yes, sir. That’s not a bad idea. I’ll let Caleb know.” A long silence spaced out our conversation.
“Did you ask her yet?”
I glanced at Ellie as she fidgeted with the drawstrings on my pajama pants.
“Not yet.”
“Grab her while you can, son.”
“Yes, sir. I will.”
After the phone call ended, Ellie and I decided to depart for downstairs. The sun was rising. Bundled up in our winter finest, we hit the landing on the stairs, where Lance and a girl met us. I stopped with Ellie as we looked at each other, and then back at this unknown woman. Her light brown eyes were tired, yet they were warm and comforting. Her auburn hair hung down her back. She looked as if she had just stepped out of a fashion magazine. Lance had not smiled in seven days. I had never seen him grin bigger.
“Y’all, this is Jordan’s friend, Katherine.”
Ellie gasped and threw her arms around Katherine. “Katherine, I can’t believe you made it.”
I stared at my girlfriend as she hugged a woman she had never met, and I shook my head in amazement.
“It’s so good to finally meet you, Ellie.”
“Y’all talk on the phone too, huh?” I asked as my eyes shifted between the both of them. They separated at my question.
“Of course.” Ellie responded as if this was a normal occurrence.
“Let’s go, city girl,” Lance said as he guided her upstairs. I eyed him as he passed. If he thought he was going to get this one in the sack easily, he was sorely mistaken.
• • •
The search was on in Yancey County near Mount Mitchell. With my father’s suggestion and a lead from the area, we all split up on our search. Ellie and I rode on a single four-wheeler completely covered from head to toe in our winter wear. It was still freezing, but we had to find her. Ellie’s arms squeezed me, and I couldn’t bear it any longer. I slowed the four-wheeler to a stop and held her hands, which rested on my stomach.
“Why are we stopping?”
I pried her hands apart and stood; she remained on the back end of the four-wheeler. I knew this wasn’t the best time, but it was the right time.
“Over ten years ago, you walked into my life, and my life was never the same again. I was a coward and didn’t fight for what I wanted. I should have fought for you when I was a teenager. I should have fought for you before you left for New York after graduation. I have been a coward for so long that I nearly didn’t have the courage to fight for you when I lost you a few months ago. I watched you walk out of my life, and I just stood there and watched you go.
“Seeing Tom go through what he has been, I realized that, when you have something precious, you don’t ever let it go. I have waited ten long years to call you mine. I’m not waiting any longer to share my life with you.” In a foot of snow and ice, I reached for her hand and fell to my knee. Her eyes widened in shock. “You are and always have been the love of my life. I have never deserved you, never deserved the chance to be with you, but somehow, you are here with me. Be with me forever. Will you marry me?”
She stilled in that spot. Her breath didn’t freeze in the air. Her hands didn’t shake within mine. She was frozen. Her eyes watered and then frozen tears dripped down her cold cheeks. I remained on my knee, and refused to move until she answered. I would stay on bended knee for the rest of my existence and wait for her answer. I had waited for her forever. I would wait as long as it took.
“Yes.”
My lips found hers in an instant, my tears matching hers. Ellie would be my wife. How long have I dreamt of this? I had nothing to offer her; I was a near-penniless farmer, but she said yes. Oh my God, she said yes. I pulled out of our kiss, and wiped her tears with my glove-covered thumbs.
“I don’t have anything to give. I’m sorry. I will though. I’ll save up and buy you the most—”
She silenced me with her kiss.
“I have you, baby. That’s all I have ever wanted.” She pressed her lips to mine again, and then added, “Let’s keep it between us for a bit, just until we find Jordan.”
I nodded in response. I wanted to tell the world, but she was right. We had to find Jordan first.
• • •
The cold day turned into a dreary night. We all sat in front of Tom’s fire, huddled together to find a sense of warmth. We hadn’t found her. I held Ellie, promising myself I would never let her go again. I promised her that today. I promised her forever, and she promised forever back.
I glanced at Tom, and the emotions pulsing through me were too much. I had to get out.
“I’m going to call my brother and see what our next course of action is.” I could barely keep it together. I kept picturing myself in Tom’s position and I didn’t know what I would do. I squeezed Ellie’s hand, and wrapped her with my portion of the blanket. Her sad eyes looked up at me. I kissed her forehead and forfeited her touch for the cold of winter.
The wind was brisk with the upcoming storm. I patted the top of my head, wishing I had brought my hat, but I only needed a moment to collect myself. The amount of dread around that fire was too much right now. If I were to help my brother, I needed a clear head.
I pulled out my phone, and as I attempted to dial, the signal cut out. I stepped off the porch in search of a few bars. I lifted it in the air, and as my eyes shifted, a figure caught my sight. I pulled down my arm and I squinted into the night. The person moved with a limp and slowed upon his or her approach. Oh my God. I ran back into the house.
“Tom! Get up! Help!” I ran back out as fast as I could, the snow crunching under my boots. Tom zoomed past, screaming for Jordan. She crumbled into his arms. I pulled out my phone, thankful for a signal.
“Caleb, she’s here. Send an ambulance.”
It was finally over.
ONE YEAR AGO today, I left the safety of Manhattan, after ringing in the New Year, for the country. The smallest shred of hope lingered, but I knew that nothing would come of it. Exactly one year later, I lay in the arms of Paul Harris, my fiancé. I crawled up his naked body and kissed his cheek. He smiled in his sleep and I rested my head on his chest. The drumming of his heart soothed me. I never wanted to leave. I glanced aroun
d his room and made a face. It needed a lot of work. It was structurally sound; it was just dull. The stark white blinded me. Pink was out as a color, but maybe a muted shade of lavender or perhaps a pale yellow. The closets were big enough for my clothes, but we needed another dresser. That one wouldn’t do. A headboard would be good.
“Your thinking is loud.” His voice startled me.
I giggled and kissed his chest. I peered up at him as his gaze caught mine. I scooted up again to get closer to the lips I hungered for.
“Good morning, fiancé.” I didn’t wait for his greeting; I grazed my tongue against his lip. He easily opened up as I straddled him. He released a groan, his lazy hands caressing my curves.
“I can’t believe I have you.”
I moved slightly at his words and stroked him. His mouth slacked when I slid him inside. I stilled to accommodate all of him. His hands roamed my chest as I moved in an easy rhythm. He matched my beat, holding my hips within his firm grip. Sensations bloomed in the pit of my stomach. My head fell back, the wave consuming me. He shifted in order to lay me down. I pressed my hand against his chest as I stared into his eyes. I rolled my hips, electricity popping through my entire body. His hands gripped my thighs, squeezing until he groaned. My body tore apart as he pulsed inside of me. My hips came to a stop. I laid my chest to his, our hearts pounding together.
“Good morning to you too.” He sucked my bottom lip as I wrapped my arms under his. My hair fell around us, and as he brushed it away, he said, “Do I really get to marry you?”
“Yep.”
“And I get to wake up like this every morning?”
“Yep.”
“Really?” His face lit up in excitement. I paused for effect.
“Well …”
He started tickling me. I wiggled out of his grip, but he pinned me underneath him. He playfully nipped my jaw.
“Just for that, we’re painting the room today.”
“Which room?”
“This room.”
He looked at me as if I had grown another head. “What’s wrong with this room?”
I glanced around with an exaggerated look on my face. “Um, it’s plain.”
He paused, his eyes narrowing on me.
“So, this is what I get to wake up to every morning.”
A smile eased up my cheeks; he was finally realizing what he was getting himself into.
“Yep!” I pressed my lips to his, and he smiled that crooked smirk that I love so damn much.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
• • •
The cold blasted against my face as Paul and I walked out of my apartment. We headed down the street to Dixie’s—wrapped in our heavy coats, yet thankful it wasn’t snowing—for a New Year’s gathering between friends. Everyone was safe and sound, and we could finally tell everyone about our engagement.
Paul opened the door for me, and we walked into the warmth of Dixie’s. I caught a glimpse at the rest of our party, but not everyone was safe and sound. Lance was as close as one guy could be to a girl, and Katherine was having none of it. The womanizer had finally met his match.
Paul placed his hand on the small of my back as we wormed through the crowd. We arrived at the table, and Paul helped me out of my coat.
“Does this dress look okay?” I whispered. He looked at me as if I was a complex algebra problem.
“What do you mean, does it look okay?”
“Do I look all right in it? I’ve gained a bit of winter weight.”
He took a step back as he let his eyes roam over my body, his eyebrow cocking up in appreciation. Paul pulled me close and bent down to my ear.
“If you gained weight, it went all to your boobs, which I’m really enjoying right now.” His stealth hands copped a feel without any prying eyes. His stare caused everything to pool in the pit of my stomach, and he added, “I’m on top later.”
Was I really marrying this man? Oh, thank you, God.
“Hey, y’all made it! Ellie, come and sit right here.” Katherine patted the chair right next to her with forced enthusiasm. She needed saving from Lance, but I wasn’t too sure I wanted to save her.
I sat facing the wall and Lance. I gave him a look that suggested that he behaved. He proceeded to roll his eyes and added a wink. My ensuing glare made him move his chair into its proper position.
I glanced at Jordan and Tom. Peace surrounded them. He wouldn’t let her go, keeping an arm wrapped around her shoulder almost protectively. I glanced at Paul as he sat down next to me. He would be the same as Tom if all of that happened to me. He poured us a couple of beers from the pitcher in the middle of the table, and as I took a sip, he held my left hand, rubbing my naked ring finger. It was time to share the news, but I wanted to get settled first.
“Lance!” I turned my head to see Katherine equally flustered and flirty. She groaned and turned back to me. “You really dated him?”
“Yep, you get used to it.”
Lance caught my eye and I winked at him. This one was way better than Angela was, so I didn’t mind helping him out. He leaned over and whispered something in Katherine’s ear. She nudged him in the stomach.
“They just got here,” she said, but he whispered something in her ear again, causing the blush to rise to her cheeks. She pushed him away again and groaned, “I should have never kissed you.”
The table gasped, and Tom said, “That’s it. It’s over.”
“What? What is?” Katherine asked as she glanced around the table until she found my eyes.
I leaned in close and said, “He’s a goner.”
She gasped, shaking her head. Lance leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms with a smirk spreading across his face. Yep, he was a goner. Paul nudged me again as the table grew silent. I smiled with a little nod.
“So, we have an announcement.”
“We have something to tell y’all.”
Jordan and I spoke at the same, and we stopped the instant our sentences were finished. She squealed and held out her hand.
“Oh my God!” Katherine stood and ran to the other side of the table, squeezing Jordan in a hug. I glanced at Lance. He nodded with a warm smile. It allowed me to breathe easier, knowing everything was going to be okay between all of us.
“Ellie! Let me see!” Jordan said as Katherine came back to this side of the table.
“Oh, I don’t—”
The chair scraped beside me as Paul pulled a box from his pocket. The music stopped and I turned around to see why. Everyone in Dixie’s Tavern was staring at me. I guess it isn’t a secret anymore.
“Ellie.” His voice echoed from every speaker in the bar. My head shot around to all four corners until they found Paul’s eyes, standing in front of me … with a microphone.
“I know that I already asked you, but that was a spur-of-the-moment thing. I like planning, you see, and I had told you that I would tell the whole town that you were my girl. So …” He glanced around the bar and continued, “This is my fiancée, Ellie. I have been in love with her my whole life. I asked her a week ago to marry me, and she said yes.”
I covered my smile from the hoots and hollers, the happiest of tears rolling down my face. He knelt before me again and I bit my quivering lip. This was about the most public you could get.
“I have never lived until your fire awakened me. I never want to be parted from you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Ellie Caldwell. Will you make me the happiest man in the all-knowing world and become my wife?” He cracked open a box and I couldn’t believe the size. My eyes widened in disbelief. He pulled the microphone away and added, “It was my aunt’s. I would like it to be yours.”
I wrapped my arms around his neck, and whispered faintly, “Yes.”
“What’d she say?” a voice hollered from the back, which sounded exactly like Caleb Harris. I grabbed the microphone and sat on my fiancé’s bended knee.
“I said, yes, Caleb. I get to be your annoying sister for th
e rest of our lives.”
“I don’t want it,” he hollered. The crowd laughed and clapped for us. Paul pecked my lips.
“I told you I would tell the world.”
“I never doubted you for a minute, baby.”
He kissed me again and stood us up as we joined the rest of our table with full pitchers of beer.
“What about two summer weddings?”
A smile rose up my cheeks at Jordan’s question.
“Nope.”
I looked at Paul, my brow wrinkling in confusion. “No?”
“You have until March. I’m putting my foot down.”
I folded my arms across my chest. “Oh, are ya now?”
“Yep. I just painted my bedroom walls purple today. You have your two bridesmaids and I have my two groomsmen. March is the latest I’ll go.”
I smiled at his southern dominance. I loved it when he put his foot down.
THE SCENIC VIEW outside my suite would have been wonderful even in this cold February winter, except for the dreariness of rain. A robe covered me as the central heat kept me warm. I couldn’t help my pouty lip. I was so looking forward to pictures outside, even in the brisk cold.
“Into each life, a little rain must fall.” Mrs. Harris sat next to me as I twisted back around in the chair, forfeiting my view of the rainy mountains. “Paul’s aunt told me that on my wedding day. It stormed. Most of the people didn’t even come.” She tucked a strand of loose hair back into one of the hundreds of pins in my hair. “But we did have the most important people there, and a few wedding photos with Teague’s pants rolled up.”
“Where did you and Mr. Harris get married?”
“Right here at The Inn actually. It was a lovely wedding. We redecorated the foyer and dining room instead of having it outside.”
I couldn’t help but smile at the family I was marrying into. “You’ll have to show me the pictures sometime.”
“Ellie, darling. Are you ready to put your dress on?” my mother asked.
Jordan and Katherine peeked into the bedroom from the hallway, each wearing deep golden yellow dresses that hit their knees and a pair of cowboy boots. I knew it was the dead of winter, but I liked the color.
