Facing Calgary's Dream

by Anne Stone

  “Hey there.”

  “Well, it’s true, isn’t it?” He reached for her hand. “I brought you out here to do just this— Jennifer Steele, you are my everything. I love you more than life itself. I don’t think I’d survive if anything ever happened to you— or us. I want to be by your side when you shine with your new career. I want to grow old with you, have kids that will know not to text and drive.” She glared at him. “Seriously, I love you with all of my heart. You are my soulmate. I became the luckiest man on this earth when we met on that parking lot. Will you have a family with me, grow old with me? Will you marry me?”

  By the time he finished his proposal, tears were streaming down her face. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a box. Reaching out to her, he opened the lid. And there, on a bed of red velvet, sat the most beautiful ring she’d ever seen. In complete shock, she raised her hands to her face and blew out her breath. “Jen, will you become one with me and marry me?”

  Overcome with emotion she couldn’t put words to her thoughts, so instead she nodded her head.

  “Honey, don’t cry.”

  He removed her glove and slipped the ring onto her finger, then wiped her tears. The three-carat diamond ring caught the last rays of sunlight. He ran his hand along her face and then cupped the back of her head. Leaning in he gathered her close and pressed his lips to hers. This was their time to rejoice and be happy. Just as he started to pull away his eyes caught the sunset. “Look at that,” he pointed to the deep rose and orange colors as they dotted the winter sky. An airplane’s contrail was streaked with the deep colors. He whipped out his cell phone and took a picture of the two of them with the sunset in the background. He never wanted to forget that moment in time.

  When she was finally able to get her voice back, she said, “Ask me again?” They’d never talked about marriage per se and his proposal took her off guard.

  “Ask you what?” She gave him the look that he’d become accustomed to over the last several months. Kneeling down again, he reached for her left hand. Brushing a kiss across the diamond, he looked at her directly. “Jen, my love, will you marry me?”

  “Yes, yes, I’ll marry you.” She kneeled down beside him and wrapped her arms around him. “Here you planned this perfect proposal, and I almost ruined it baking cookies.” He roared with laughter. “Well, I almost did ruin it.” And then she remembered the cookies.

  Reaching into her pocket she withdrew the bag. “Let’s celebrate.” She opened the bag and pulled out a sugar cookie. It was an angel that she’d cut out, baked, and decorated. For a moment she thought the angel was her mom looking down on her from heaven. It was ironic that she’d been thinking about her earlier, and Jacklynne had packed the angel cookies for them.

  He took one bite of his cookie and asked, “So, when should we tell everyone?”

  “Tomorrow, after all of the presents have been opened.”

  “Do you understand why I wanted to talk to you?”

  “I do. I know you’re concerned about me leaving my home, but the way I look at it, you are my family now, and I’ll follow you anywhere.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Etienne and Philippe made it home just in time to celebrate midnight mass with the family. Jacklynne insisted she was the happiest she’d been in a long time. All of her children were home safe enjoying the holidays.

  Christmas morning, Jen was surprised to find Jacques in the kitchen. “You’re up early,” she said.

  “Yep! Up with the chickens. I like to prepare Christmas breakfast for the entire family,” he said. He’d just started to mix the biscuits.

  “I love homemade biscuits. My mom used to make them all the time.” A look of sadness crossed her face. Jacques immediately picked up on that and went to her side. He slid his arms around her. “Jen, my dear, I’m so sorry you lost your parents. I know how difficult these last years have been for you. Jacklynne and I would love it if you would consider us as your parents. We’ll be here always for you, even if you and Ryne don’t work out.” She gazed up at him. “I don’t mean it like that…I know you’re going to be together, but if something happens and you don’t get married…”

  She chuckled. “Jacques, I think you should stop while you’re ahead. I completely understand what you’re saying, and I’d love to think of you as my parents too.”

  He kissed her forehead. “Well, now that’s over with, let’s knead these biscuits.”

  By the time the biscuits had been cut, the kitchen was filled with hungry men. Philippe, Etienne, and Rafael had joined them in the kitchen. Jules and Ryne weren’t far behind. “Dad, it smells good in here.”

  “It does, but we can’t eat until your mother and the girls come down.”

  “We’re right here, Daddy,” exclaimed Emma. “I’ve been up for a while. I had to make sure Santa came.” Everyone howled with laughter.

  “Well, did he?” asked her father.

  “He did.” She could hardly contain herself, hopping from one foot to the other. “So let’s hurry up and eat so we can open our presents.” She ran to the table and reached for the bowl of scrambled eggs.

  “Em’s, what did I tell you? You need to wait for everyone to sit down before you can begin eating.”

  “Dad, I know.” She dropped her head and started to pout.

  Jacklynne smiled at her daughter and shook her head, then looked at Jen. At least the girl still believed in the magic of Christmas, and Jen was happy to see it. Children grew up way too fast these days and she hated for them to lose their innocence. She knew the boys would make over their Santa gifts because it made them feel like kids.

  It seemed like hours had passed since Emma first sat down at the table to eat. “Dad, are you almost done?” she whined as Jacques finished off the last of the biscuit on his plate.

  “Em’s, I’m still eating.”

  “But there’s nothing on your plate.”

  He winked at her and reached for another biscuit. “Dad…”

  “Em’s, you need to have a little patience here. You know the rules. Breakfast and then presents.”

  “I know…” She dropped her head into her hands. All the while Jen watched the exchange between father and daughter. She hoped that someday she’d be sitting right where Jacklynne was, watching Ryne and their daughter banter back and forth about the opening of presents. It brought a smile to her face.

  With a crooked grin, Ryne leaned over and ran his hand across his face. “Whatcha smiling at?” She motioned her head towards Emma and Jacques.

  “That’s nothing new. According to Mom, Emma’s the worst one of the bunch when it comes to opening Christmas gifts. You’re lucky. This year’s she’s been pretty mild. Normally, she’s throwing a hissy fit. I can remember quite a few years she ended up in time out, and it extended the time before we could open our gifts. It’s pretty comical to think that she gets that worked up, but Santa does only come once a year, and he does bring surprise gifts.”

  “Surprises, huh? Do you have a surprise for me?”

  “I guess you’re going to have to wait and see.”

  “Oh boy, should I egg your dad on to get him to eat faster.” He shrugged. “I guess I’d better behave or I’ll end up in time out.”

  “Yeah, but I’m sure we could think of something to do in your time out.” He waggled his eyebrows at her causing her to chuckle.

  “What’s up with you two,” chimed in Rafael. “You’re a little cozy over there.”

  “We are not,” Ryne said as he leaned in closer, to her laughing the entire time. “I certainly hope you’re not keeping track of us. Don’t you have other things to worry about?”

  “Not right now I don’t.”

  While Jacques lingered over one last piece of bacon, Jen convinced Emma to help clear the table. “Emma, since you’re just sitting there, why don’t you help me clear the table? I’m sure by the time we’re done, your dad will have had his fill.”

  Emma dragged herself out of her chair and
helped Jen and Olivia clear the table. Jacklynne had already started cleaning up the mess in the kitchen. By the time all of the dishes were rinsed, Jacques was on his last cup of coffee and was getting up from the table.

  “Finally,” Emma said marching towards the Christmas tree. “I’ve already gone through the presents.”

  “Emma.”

  “Well, I did. There’s a stack for me, Olivia, Rafael, Philippe, Ryne, and Jules. And take a look at the huge one sitting here for Jen. It’s so big I could hardly move it.”

  “What about my stack?” asked Etienne.

  “Oh, yours is here somewhere.”

  “Well, since you know where everything is why don’t you hand it all out,” her mother said as she sat down beside Jacques.

  “Okay…” Emma was so excited to open her gifts she practically threw everyone their presents. “I can’t carry Jen’s since it’s soooo big.”

  “I’ll get it,” Ryne said winking at Jen.

  “Now remember, we take turns opening gifts. That way we can see what everyone receives.”

  “That takes too long.”

  “Emma…” Jacques was losing his patience with his youngest.

  “Alright, alright. Can I start first?” Jacques nodded. It seemed like it took hours for everyone to open their presents. Jen had mailed hers so she wouldn’t have to carry them on the plane. She gave Jacklynne and Jacques the print of Ryne sitting on horseback at sunset— the one that helped her make the decision to return to photography. She’d taken photographs of Etienne and Philippe on the ice when they’d played the Generals early in the season and gave them each framed copies. She didn’t have photographs of Jules and Rafael, so they received copies of her favorite prints. Jen knew Olivia and Emma liked to read, so they each got a book from their favorite series.

  It was harder for her to shop for Ryne. She’d found a beautiful Irish knit sweater at one of the stores in St. Louis. She knew it would look great on him and showcase his broad chest. She couldn’t wait to see him in it and loved his expression as he pulled it out of the box. He held it up and looked at it closely. “This is beautiful. I love it,” he leaned over kissing her cheek.

  Jen hadn’t expected to receive any presents but was overjoyed when she saw the stash of gifts at her feet. She was overwhelmed by the kindness everyone had shared with her. It brought tears to her eyes, especially knowing she had gifts to share with everyone. Emma’s excitement at one of her gifts sent Jen over the edge, and she jumped from her seat. “Excuse me,” she said as she hurried from the room. All eyes were on Ryne. He had no idea what was going on, so he followed her.

  He’d seen her hurry up the stairs and found her in the bedroom that she was using. Softly he knocked, then opened the door. Her back was to the door as she looked out the window. He knew she was crying for he saw her shoulders shaking.

  “Sweetheart, what’s wrong? Why the tears?” He drew her close and nuzzled her neck. She didn’t say a word. “Talk to me. What’s got you so upset?” She spun around, flung her arms around his waist and buried her head into his chest.

  “This is all so much. Everyone has been so nice to me. All of the gifts and all— I never expected to be accepted so into your family.”

  “Hey there, look at me.” With his index finger he raised her chin. “Of course my family accepts you. They love you. I can’t wait to see how they’ll react when we tell them we’re engaged.” His comment drew more tears. “Honey, come on now. Tell me, what’s the real reason for the tears?” He ran his hand up and down her back comforting her in the only way he knew. He placed his hands on either side of her face and rested his forehead against hers. “Whatever it is, I want you to know that I’m here for you. I can’t help you if you won’t talk to me.” She sniffled as she listened to him. “I love you and I’m here for the long haul.”

  In a wobbly voice, “I know and I love you, too.” As she pulled away from him, she folded her arms about herself and walked across the room. She didn’t know what had overcome her.

  “I’m sorry I ruined the day.”

  “Honey, you didn’t. They just thought you needed to use the restroom.”

  “I’m not so sure about that.’ She rubbed her hands over her arms. “But you knew.”

  “Of course I knew something wasn’t right. Out of nowhere I felt a change in you. I saw how you were fighting back the tears. Do you want to call your grandparents? Is that it?”

  She shook her head. “No, that’s not it at all.”

  “Then what’s got you so upset?”

  She made her way to the bed and sat down. She closed her eyes and when she opened them again found Ryne kneeling before her. He took her hands and raised them to his lips. “Are you sad because your parents aren’t here to share in our day?” He hit the nail on the head as the tears started to flow again. “Honey, I don’t know what to say. I wish they were here too. I really do, but they’re not. Try to imagine them. I know they’d be thrilled that you’re marrying me.” He jokingly said and then heard a little chuckle come from her as he dried her tears. “Seriously though, my family is going to be your family soon. I know they can’t replace your parents, but I hope my mom and dad can be there for you, too.”

  “Your dad suggested that to me today. Did you tell them we were engaged?”

  “No, I didn’t.”

  “A while ago, your mom offered to be there for me as well.”

  “From the moment they first laid eyes on you, they fell in love with you.” He moved from the floor and seated himself beside her. “I want to tell you something.” She raised her eyes. “When I first decided to marry you, I knew I needed to ask the blessing of your family. I couldn’t go to your dad, so instead I went to Wilford and Miles.”

  “You did? When?”

  “When doesn’t matter. I needed to know that they’d be comfortable having me in your life as your husband. I’ll be honest. I wasn’t sure whether or not I’d get their approval, but I did.” He displayed the half-crooked grin she’d come to love. “In getting their approval, I feel like your dad approved too. If you’re overwhelmed with emotion right now, I can’t even begin to imagine how you’re going to feel when we tell my family.” He ran his finger over her bottom lip. “Honey, I realize this is going to be a huge change for you. Just thinking about moving away from Wilford and Rose has to be weighing on your mind. We’ll have them visit often. I’ll build us a huge house, maybe even a guest house, just so your grandparents can visit. I want you to be happy not sad.”

  “I am happy,” she said smiling at him. “I don’t know why I’m crying. Yesterday was the happiest day of my life. When you asked me to marry you… It was a dream come true. Ryne, you’re my life.” She ran her hand along the side of his face, cupping his jaw. “I couldn’t sleep last night. My mind was going at warp speed, thinking about everything that I, we, are going to have to do. And then when I was able to breathe, I realized what if you don’t get traded. Things would remain status quo— that is except we’d get married, live together, and maybe have a family. And then, my mind started racing all over again.”

  “So maybe these are happy tears.”

  “In all actuality, what I think is I’m dead tired, and when I get this way I just get all emotional.” She ran her hands across her face. “Give me a minute and then we can go back downstairs.” She kissed him, then stood and made her way to the bathroom.

  He breathed a huge sigh of relief. He knew all along that spending the holidays away from her family weighed heavily on her. He knew how his family felt about her and believed their reaction to their engagement would turn her day around.

  Hand-in-hand they returned to finish opening their presents. “Everything, okay?” Jacklynne asked.

  “Everything’s fine.” Smiling at his mom, she said, “So, where did we leave off?”

  “We’re all done here, but Jen, you’ve got that huge gift over there.”

  “I do, that’s right.”

  “Who’s it from?”


  “I don’t know. There is no tag, just to Jen. I wonder who it could be from.” She looked about the room and no one claimed it. “Maybe there’s a clue inside.” She opened the box and discovered a smaller wrapped box. Inside that box was another box. “Still no clue.” She unwrapped that and found two smaller presents. She opened the first and discovered a camera lens. “Oh wow, I can really use this.” She leaned over to Ryne, “I guess this present is from you since you’re the only one here that knew I needed this lens.”

  He shrugged his shoulders. “Who knows? There still isn’t a name.”

  “I know it’s from you,” she slapped at his arm.

  “Open the next box.”

  She slipped the ends of the paper aside and discovered yet another smaller box. “Ryne, this is insane.” Everyone laughed as she kept opening box after box after box. When she got down to one the size of a jeweler’s box, she knew what he’d done. Ripping open the last box, she looked up at him. He reached for it and withdrew the ring box.

  His family sat in awe as he dropped to his knee. “Oh my gosh, is he doing what I think he’s doing,” cried Jacklynne as she clapped her hands.

  “I think he is,” Jacques added as he watched his son.

  “Mom, what’s Ryne doing?” asked Emma. “Why is he on the floor?”

  “Shhh,” Jacklynne scowled at her daughter. “Quiet, I want to hear this.”

  Ryne glanced over his shoulder at his mother. He snickered at his sister’s comment. “Only from the mouth of a ten-year-old,” he said smiling up at his intended. The night before, he’d tried to decide the best way to tell his family they were engaged, so he came up with this elaborate gift scheme. He’d searched the house trying to find boxes of various sizes and with a stroke of luck he came across his mother’s stash. Painstakingly, he wrapped box after box. He thought Jen would get a kick out of it, and after her little crying fit, he knew he’d made the right decision.