The Most Wonderful Gift by @karilemor #RomanceGems

 

It was thirty-four years ago, Christmas Day, when I drove to see my then boyfriend, and we went to church where he lived. After, we strolled around his neighborhood just walking and talking, and he seemed kind of distracted. Walking around his neighborhood wasn't something we ever did, so it was strange (and because it was near Boston, kind of chilly). 

Shortly after, we drove back to my place where I lived with my mom (I was only 23 at the time). As I pulled off the highway, he instructed me to go down this side street to a little place near the river. Occasionally, we would go walking through the fields down to see the water.

At this point, I had a pretty good idea what was going on. We’d been dating for a few years and had spoken now and then about getting married. Nothing had been discussed further than that.  I’d been waiting patiently (well, kind of patiently) for him to officially pop the question. But I’d only been out of college for a little over a year and he’d graduated just a year before me. Still young. But we had good jobs and I certainly was ready for the next step.

We got out of the car and walked around a bit, but I was wearing a skirt and nice shoes and there was snow in the field. He didn’t say much, and I wondered what was going on in his mind. When we got back in the car, I was so disappointed. I thought for sure he’d be proposing.

I was about to start the car up again, when he pulled out a small gift-wrapped box. “I wanted to give you your Christmas present.”

I took a deep breath, possibly relieved. But what if it wasn’t a ring? I’d been waiting for what seemed like forever (I know it wasn’t, but when you’re young, time doesn’t mean as much). The thought running through my head was ‘If those are earrings, they’re going up your nose.’

Lucky for him, it was a diamond solitaire. I actually made him say the words and then told him, yes, I’d marry him. Within six months we were wed. (Did I mention the impatient part?) He’d been trying to get up the courage all morning to ask me, and it had taken hours. I’m not sure why. I can’t imagine he thought I’d say no.

This Christmas, we are in our little southern home, enjoying the warmer weather, while our three children and two grandchildren are ensconced inside their New England homes. With technology, seeing them is possible any time we want. But the hub and I are still together, still making it work.

What was one of the best presents you’ve ever gotten at Christmastime?

 

I love writing proposals in my books and the one in Broken Dreams is a favorite. Nathaniel screwed up the first time, asking Darcy as a business arrangement. The second time was slightly better. Here’s a little peek of Nathaniel telling his family what he’d done:

~~

 

“Um…so I proposed to Darcy on Friday.” Yup, rip that Band-Aid off.

All eyes flipped to him.

“Darcy,” Tanner yelled and banged his fork on the table

Amy was the first to speak. “You guys are getting married?”

“She didn’t say yes.” His voice was rough.

Kevin made a face. “She turned you down? That’s cold.”

“She said she needed to think about it.”

His dad looked perplexed. “It’s kind of sudden, isn’t it?”

His mom, Amy, and Kevin all gave Dad the side eye.

Kevin smirked. “You never noticed the looks Nathaniel gives Darcy.”

Amy chuckled. “It’s pretty obvious you’re hung up on her.”

Had he been that transparent?

“How did you propose?” His mom asked. “Roses? Champagne? Down on one knee in a romantic setting?”

Amy’s eyes opened wide. “What’s the ring look like? Is it huge?”

“Uh, I didn’t get a ring. I just told her I thought we should get married.”

His mother’s mouth hung open, and Amy made a face. “God, you suck at proposals.”

His sister had a point. Even Darcy had mentioned it.

~~

I currently have 4 Storms of New England novels available with a Christmas novella (that's only 99c just until the end of the month). More Storms will be released next year!

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I'm wishing all of you an absolutely merry and bright holiday season!

Kari