by Joyce Alec
Mrs. Cummings agreed, "I will bring my bread pudding."
CHAPTER 6
Laughter filled the air as the two families enjoyed a festive celebration. They shared memories and made new memories with the first of many Williams-Cummings Christmas dinners.
Annie and Helen were already friends from school. Thomas confessed to his mother that he would often visit the Cummings's ranch, along with his pa, to help with needed chores after Mr. Cummings died. Aunt June was shocked that her entire family had already ended the Williams-Cummings feud without her knowledge. Aunt June and Mrs. Cummings picked up the friendship where it had left off and decided to forgive all past grievances.
As the women started to gossip, even Thomas had something to add, "Did you hear that James and Rebecca are engaged?"
Michael squeezed Laura's hand under the table. Laura was grateful for Michael's willingness to stand up to James and defend her. Her initial interest in James seemed like it happened years ago. Realizing that Michael had always been God's plan for Laura, she lifted up a silent prayer of gratitude to Him.
Michael excused himself from the table and asked Laura's uncle to join him in the parlor. The women continued to laugh as Thomas helped himself to a third piece of pie.
Within minutes, Uncle Robert returned and announced, "Laura, there's someone waiting for you in the parlor. Why don't you join him?"
Aunt June and Mrs. Cummings exchanged hopeful glances.
Laura walked into the parlor and instinctively placed her hand over the heart necklace that Michael had given to her. Michael walked over to Laura and took a few seconds to find the courage to speak.
"My world has turned upside down since we met. You're all I can think about, and to be honest, you're all I want to think about. I want to spend every night together. I also want to spend every morning with you, never missing a sunrise. I want to hold you in my arms when you're sad, and I want to hold you in my arms when you're bursting with joy. I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy. I talked to your Uncle Robert, and…" Michael paused and got down on one knee, "Laura Brooks, will you marry me?"
Laura clasped Michael's hands to stop his fidgeting. Obviously, he was nervous.
"Yes, Michael. Yes."
Michael placed a ring on Laura's finger and stood up to seal the engagement with a kiss.
"A wedding! I can't believe it!" exclaimed Aunt June as she rushed into the parlor with Mrs. Cummings.
The two women embraced the newly betrothed couple. Uncle Robert, Thomas, Annie and Helen joined the group hug.
Michael had once told Laura that God worked on His own timing. Laura knew that Michael had been right and she needed to trust in God, even when everything seemed to be falling part. Because in moments like this, everything was right. As she looked around, Laura knew her father was looking down on her from heaven and would be pleased that she had found a family to care for her. Her father would have loved Michael. God had given her the Christmas blessings of family and love. Laura was confident she was exactly where God wanted her to be. Laura was home.
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THE END
