A Snow Country Christmas (The Carsons of Mustang Creek #4)(41)

“You have chosen wisely.” Stephano sounded delighted as he announced, “I will wipe your socks off.”

Mick almost mentioned that “knock your socks off” might be the more appropriate description, but he refrained. Stephano’s English was sometimes as creative as his cooking. “I look forward to the meal.”

“You should.”

He hung up with an inward shake of the head and a grin. There was nothing wrong with self-confidence. Mick normally had a decent dose of it himself, but lately he couldn’t count on it.

It didn’t help that the front desk called and said a special delivery had arrived for him via special courier, and as he went down and signed the confirmation of delivery he knew that his life had just changed forever. Raine had turned down Slater flat. At the moment Mick was decently hopeful that that wouldn’t happen to him. Although she’d pointed out how different they were, an observation he didn’t disagree with, they’d then discussed marriage, even children and some future plans, so he took that as an encouraging sign. But he hadn’t actually asked yet.

He’d implicitly trusted Ingrid to choose a stunning ring and he wasn’t disappointed. Nestled in the satin lining inside the small box was a chocolate diamond exquisitely cut and anchored on a platinum band. The name of the jeweler making him lift his brows. The assumption she’d spent quite a chunk of his change on it was a given, but he planned on only doing this once in his life.

He felt Raine would love it. He sent off a quick text to his brother. Tell Ingrid I’m smiling. Thanks.

Ran texted right back. Good luck, loverboy.

He went back to his room, wondered what a man wore to propose at a haunted cabin at night, and finally decided maybe he should go shopping at some point because the best he could do was dark, tailored slacks and a white shirt along with his infamous loafers. Definitely vintage Mr. Boardroom, but then again, he was living out of a suitcase at the moment. He hadn’t known exactly what to expect from this visit to Mustang Creek.

More writing was out of the question. Instead he paced, tried to watch the news and turned it off since it was the wrong night to hear about what was awry in the world, and instead turned on a classical music station and checked his email. Not much going on during a holiday week and he was enjoying the respite from his normally hectic schedule, so that was just fine with him.

It was ridiculous, but he was nervous. Like he was seventeen and about to pick up his first prom date.

But he was far from seventeen, he reminded himself as he clicked off the computer screen. And he needed to get a grip. He took a calming breath, deep and slow.

He could handle this. Ask the question, hopefully get the right response, and if she chose to be as pigheaded as a feisty mule—a description he’d undoubtedly picked up from Red somewhere along the line—he’d reconsider his tactics.

The elegant bag with Stephano’s latest masterpieces was delivered right on time and he was more than ready to make the call. “I’ll be there in a few minutes with the requested dip in tow.”

“I’ll be ready.”

I’ll have the ring and the question.

He didn’t say it, but he certainly thought it as he left the resort and got in his car. He did make one stop in town before he drove to her house, and when he pulled up the light was a warm, welcoming glow in her window.

He knocked and walked in when he heard her call out a welcome. Jangles of course went in for the kill, but by now Mick was ready for it and dodged away. Raine was smiling. “Nice move for a city boy. But he’s going to mope. Give him a couple of treats to make him feel better while I grab my keys.”

Of course, the cat understood every word. He followed Mick into the kitchen and stared unwaveringly at the correct jar on the counter.

Message received.

He got out a handful of treats and put them in the bowl. Jangles devoured them in about two seconds. Mick had an impulse to deal out more, but Raine came in then and said, “No, that’s enough, he’s playing you. He does that. Let’s go.”

She jiggled the keys.

He wasn’t positive he was composed enough for this evening, but he decided to take his cues from Jangles, who had collapsed into a relaxed sprawl on the floor, his eyes half closing. His pose screamed: stop worrying.

Mick escorted Raine out the door. “Let’s go while the food is still at least semi-hot. It smells like heaven.”

“What is it?”

“No idea.”

“You ordered it, right?”

He held her elbow as they made their way down the snowy sidewalk. “I gave Stephano carte blanche, though I did specifically request the dip you wanted. He promised I would be impressed—at least I think that’s what he was saying.”

“He does have a way with words, doesn’t he?” She pushed a button to unlock the vehicle. “One of the many things I love about him.”

He set the bag in the back and got in. “You don’t mind driving in this weather?”

“No.” She didn’t, he could tell. “Wow, it does smell amazing in here.”

“That man loves you right back. Whatever is in there is because I mentioned your name. I can take zero credit.”

She backed up the car and they tackled the street. “I’m already starving. The cabin, huh? I appreciate your enthusiasm but you should be forewarned this could be an interesting journey. The snow has somewhat melted off, but it’s blowing around more than a little. Luckily this little buggy can handle just about anything.” She patted the steering wheel. “I’ve been there a thousand times. I think I could find it blindfolded.”