A Thunder Canyon Christmas (17 page)

Her hair brushed his chin as she shook her head. “Not true. Part of me has always loved it here. And tonight while you were down clearing the road and we were up here waiting for Holly to have her baby, I…I can't explain it, but I was part of something. Something bigger than me, bigger than any of us.”

She smiled. “It was wonderful. Really wonderful. Everyone was so concerned about each other and I realized how very much I have missed that in my life, being part of a community. I have enjoyed living in Billings but it's never felt like home. Thunder Canyon is home and it always has been. I want to stay.”

His arms tightened again and he kissed her with a new intensity, his eyes filled with emotion. He had been willing to leave the town he loved for her, and his willingness to make that sacrifice meant all the more to her now, when she could see how very much her words meant to him.

“What will you do?”

“I thought I would see if Haley needs more permanent help at ROOTS. I was also thinking about opening
a bookstore. Somewhere roomy and welcoming, with plump couches for people to stretch out in.”

“It sounds wonderful, El.” He nuzzled her neck. “I know a good builder who might be willing to give you a good deal.”

“I may take you up on that.”

“What about San Diego and the Castros?”

She shrugged. “Maybe I can go spend a few weeks with them once everything settles down a little.”

He was quiet for a long moment. When he spoke, his tone was one of studied casualness as his fingers traced the skin at the small of her back, just below her sweater

“You know, San Diego would be a great honeymoon destination.”

She stared at him, her heart pounding. “Honeymoon?”

“Maybe not next week or even next month, but that's what I want. I figured it would only be fair to warn you.”

She gave a disbelieving laugh, even as her heart continued to pound. Marriage. With Matt Cates. A future with his teasing smiles and tender kisses, with that strong sense of honor and goodness. A future with him watching out for her—and then transferring that strong protective streak to any children they might have.

She pictured Holly and Bo and the tiny baby they both loved. She could easily picture a little dark-haired version of Matt chasing after them, riding in the backhoe with him, skating across Silver Stallion Lake.

A few snowflakes blew into their cozy shelter and
one landed at his temple. She kissed him there, letting the cold melt against her mouth.

“Now,” she murmured. “Now everything is perfect. I love you, Matt. Merry Christmas.”

And as he held her, more stars peeked out through the clouds to glitter above the quiet peace of Thunder Canyon.