Homespun Christmas (22 page)
“That’s an incredibly generous offer,” Joshua said, looking around and seeing everyone nodding their heads, except Will, of course, whose face was completely unreadable.
Only one problem remained. Staying, to him, meant a future with Myka. He needed to show her what was in his heart and see how she felt about a serious commitment. If she pulled back, he’d have his answer and wouldn’t stick around.
Seeing Joshua hesitate, Mayor Allen quickly added, “We know there are a few loose ends in the package, so feel free to give us your answer later. We just wanted to put this on the table so you knew where you stood with our community.”
Joshua saw the mayor glance at Daniel, who nodded. That one look spoke volumes. Somehow, word was out that he intended to talk to Myka tonight. Maybe Mr. Driscoll had given Grandma the details. Keeping a secret in Independence was impossible.
“Come on, people, stick to the schedule. We need to get back for the lighting of the tree,” Robyn said. “There’s a network TV crew and reporters coming in from Albuquerque to film this event!”
Myka remained behind with Joshua as the others hurried to their vehicles. “Is it just me, Joshua, or are people acting really peculiar tonight?” Myka asked. “I’m not talking about the offer. I think that’s terrific.”
“It is, but we’ll talk about that later,” he said. “Let’s get over to the town square.”
“Why the hurry? The tree ceremony doesn’t start for another forty minutes. The luminarias will have to be lit first.”
“That’s exactly why we have to get there early. Come on, you can ride with me,” he said, urging her outside.
“Oh, you want to help light the luminarias?”
“Yeah, I was hoping you would, too. Walt Driscoll’s back is giving him some trouble, so I offered to help him put the candles out.”
“Sure. It’ll help us get into the Christmas spirit.”
* * *
T
HEY
ARRIVED
AT
the town square less than ten minutes later. To Myka’s surprise, almost everyone was already there, but the crowd was standing back. “Why isn’t anyone helping Mr. Driscoll? What’s the matter with everyone?” Myka paused. “Wait a minute. Why is everyone looking at
us?
”
“Maybe they’re trying to figure out what my answer to the mayor will be,” he said, thinking fast.
“Yeah, that must be it. Come on. I’ll help you light the luminarias. I’ve always liked that part.”
“I know,” he said with a smile. “I remember how you’d get our entire neighborhood to line the streets with them every Christmas Eve.”
“We still light the town square on the twenty-fourth. These luminarias are just to remind everyone that our traditions are a blend of old and new.”
As they approached the small paper sacks, Myka saw the TV crew up ahead. “Our town’s in the spotlight,” she said. “We’ve come such a long way!”
As the mayor announced the beginning of the festivities, Joshua moved off and returned a moment later, a box of votive candles in his hand. “Come on. We’ll start in front of the tree and work our way around.”
Moments later, Myka took the candle Joshua gave her and went to the sack closest to her. As she reached in, she saw a white box atop the layer of sand within.
“Oh, someone’s left—” She saw Joshua smile.
“Look inside the box,” Joshua suggested.
It was too large to hold a ring. Excited and curious, she did as he’d asked. Nestled in a bed of cotton was a gold heart-shaped locket.
“Open it, then you’ll see what’s in my heart,” Joshua whispered, coming closer.
Scarcely breathing, she opened the locket with trembling fingers. Inside was the drawing of a ring—a carved band with an inscription that read Everlasting.
“Those will be made for us, matching wedding bands...if you say yes.” Joshua went down on one knee. “Will you be my bride?”
Tears filled her eyes. “Yes,” she whispered past the lump at her throat. “Yes, yes, yes!”
As Joshua helped her fasten the locket around her neck, their friends began lighting the luminarias. The tree lights came on minutes later, and pinpoints of light danced in the darkness. The townspeople began to sing “Silent Night.”
Joshua pulled her gently into his arms. “We belong to each other now,” he whispered. “Merry Christmas, Myka.”
She rested her head against his chest and listened to the steady beat of his heart. “Merry Christmas, Joshua.”
* * * * *
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ISBN-13: 9781460322055
HOMESPUN CHRISTMAS
Copyright © 2013 by Aimée and David Thurlo
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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.
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