I hadn't proposed yet, but Connie was no fool.
I hadn't proposed because I was still waiting on the ring. I realize proposing four months after meeting Scarlett was pretty fast. At least on paper. To me, it felt like an eternity. I'd been ready to marry her after two weeks, but with the kids to consider, it felt better to let everyone settle in before throwing them into another big change.
Anyway, having a ring custom designed took time. Scarlett had been making jewelry, mostly lampwork earrings, for a shop on Main Street that specialized in local artisans. The owner had taken to Scarlett immediately, instantly in love with her work. Every time I'd accompanied her to the shop, I'd noticed Scarlett's eyes straying to a specific display of rings, her gaze lingering over the twists and turns of metal, the intricate settings.
When it was time to find a ring for Scarlet, I knew it had to be something unique. She has the heart of an artist, and she needed a ring as unique and visionary as she was. Unfortunately for me, the designer's schedule was packed with commissions. I managed to persuade her to work me in after talking to Griffen about finding exactly the right stone.
We went through the family jewelry and unearthed a ring that had belonged to Lady Estelle Ophelia Sawyer, the English bride for whom William Sawyer had built Heartstone Manor. The ring itself was heavy and outdated. Nothing any modern bride would want to wear, but the stones had been remarkable. A perfect, emerald-cut ruby with a handful of smaller diamonds whose fire set off the ruby to perfection.
I slid the ring onto Scarlett's finger one night after I'd made love to her as we lay in my bed under the covers, our heads close on the pillow, whispering in the dark, stretching out the time before she went back to her own room.
I wasn't marrying Scarlett so we could share a bed in front of the kids, but that was definitely a perk I was looking forward to. She lay beside me, an orgasm-induced smile curving her lips. I lifted her hand, kissing her palm before sliding the ring into place.
I hadn't expected the tears that filled her eyes, her kiss tinged with salt, her eyes bright with love. "Yes. A thousand times, yes."
"What do you think about a Christmas wedding?" I asked, hoping she wasn't going to suggest a long engagement or a wedding so big it would take a year to plan.
Even knowing she wouldn't want something big and splashy, she surprised me. "Christmas Eve, here at the house, in the library. Just family. My parents and Connie and Bill are already coming for the holiday, so it'll be perfect. And I don't want to wait any longer."
I kissed her, taking her hand in mine, the feel of the ring on her finger filling my heart with fierce joy. I wanted them to be mine. Officially. I wanted to claim Scarlett, claim her boys, in front of both of our families.
We had our first kiss in the library. It felt right that we'd marry there, in front of the big fireplace, our family surrounding us, a mile-high Christmas tree filling the room with festive light.
Thatcher and August walked their mother down the makeshift aisle. Thatcher looked uncomfortable in his tuxedo while August strutted as if he'd been born in a bow tie. Scarlett was incandescent, her champagne silk gown skimming her body to fall in a glowing pool at her feet. She'd left her hair loose and wild, the way I loved it best.
Flanked by her boys, she was the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen, a goddess of love, and she was about to be mine. Holding Scarlett's hands as they escorted her to my side, they each gave her a kiss before taking their positions. August moved beside me, standing as my best man. Thatcher took his place beside his mother as her man of honor.
When it was time, Scarlett said, "I do," her voice solemn, a brilliant smile beaming from her face, her eyes shining with happy tears. I promised to honor and cherish her for the rest of my life, and I knew our adventure together was only beginning.
That night, as I lay my head on the pillow beside my wife, my Scarlett, my love, my heart was full enough to burst. She turned her head to face me, her eyes dancing with amusement.
"As far as Christmas presents go," Scarlett said, "you're going to have a hard time topping this one."