A Snow Country Christmas (The Carsons of Mustang Creek #4)(43)

Amusement lit his eyes. “Now there’s a rare compliment. Because you made a really good call on the dip.”

“I always make good calls.” She shamelessly took another helping. “But lucky for you, there’s plenty. Even I can’t eat all of this. Stephano must like you.”

“I’m starting to believe that. Just try the pasta salad. I want that at our wedding.”

She was still mid-bite when he slid a small box across the tiny table. His smile was wry. “I would be on bended knee, but have a feeling that part isn’t as important to you as the question itself. I would love it if you would agree to marry me, Raine. You’d have the last vote on the pasta salad being served at the reception, of course. The dip is a given.”

“Yes.” She didn’t even hesitate, which spoke volumes to her.

And to him, which was reflected in his expression.

“You’re sure.”

“I didn’t sound sure just now? What about you?”

“Absolutely. Now that’s settled, maybe you’d like to open that.” He nodded toward the box.

She complied and took in a deep breath. The ring was both gorgeous and unusual, and in the candlelight the gem in the exquisite setting winked with tones of brown and bronze. It was Mick Branson–style over the top, and she had no idea what to say.

“Mick.”

He reached over. “I take it you like it. I think I’m supposed to put it on your finger, but I’ve never done this before. If I mess it up, let me know.”

He definitely didn’t mess it up.

He must have slid the ring on the right finger and said the right words because he was engaged.

Officially.

“Wedding date...when do you have in mind? Just wondering since I’m one hundred percent certain my mother will ask that question.”

For the first time since he’d proposed, Raine looked uncertain. “I haven’t even met her.”

“Oh, she’ll consider that an unimportant detail. She’ll be so thrilled I’m finally getting married that she’ll get immediately involved. I, for one, would like something very understated. But it’s your day. I’ll just be tagging along.”

“Not so. You’ve promised to bring the dip. You’ll be the star. As for the date, I’d like mid-May. It’s so gorgeous here at that time of year.”

“Done. Stephano can cater. Perfect. That’s settled.”

“I loved Bex Calder’s wedding dress. I might count it as my borrowed item, if she doesn’t mind. We’re about the same size.”

“Food, dress, ring, date. Our work is done. As for my wardrobe, I’ll wear pants, I promise. No one will be looking at me anyway, not with you in the room. My brother as best man, Slater, and Ryder as groomsmen and I think we have a wedding all planned. Let’s keep it simple.”

“You do remember you’re Mick Branson, right?” She laughed and shook her head. “I somehow think it won’t be simple. I believe celebrities will be invited and Ryder would be the most nervous groomsman on the face of the planet, and Drake would bring his dogs. My bridesmaids would all be pregnant—”

“So how about we set the date for sooner, with just me and you instead? I’m good with that.” He was more than good with it. He’d marry her standing in a muddy field in a rainstorm. “Apply for a marriage license at the Bliss County courthouse and have it over and done?”

It was what he wanted. Simple. The fanfare held no appeal. If she wanted the big event—then of course, yes, every bride was entitled to that—but if he was given a choice...

He’d keep it low-key.

Raine put the last scoop of dip on his plate. “How offended would your family be? No movie stars, no corporate executives except you, not even them.”

That he could assuage her on. “You do realize that being Mick Branson really isn’t my agenda.”

“You know, I do. I love that about you.”

“There will be a party.” He confessed that tidbit almost reluctantly. “My mother will want to throw a reception at some point, but quite frankly, everyone in my family travels so much that getting them all together at the same time probably means planning the wedding out a year or so, and I don’t want to do that. I have zero desire to wait.”

“If you think Blythe and Harry won’t throw a shindig, you’re dreaming, cowboy. So we’re looking at two parties, and I doubt they’ll be quite the same. I’ll have to buy heels for one, and will be able to wear my favorite pair of comfortable old flats to the other. They could do that in May instead.”

“We could just not tell anyone and let them believe we’re living in sin.”

“If you think Daisy wouldn’t spill the beans, then think again, and I would tell her the truth.” She took a bite of her sandwich and after she swallowed, said, “Oh my gosh, Stephano must really like you. We might have to set the cheesecake out on the front porch to save it for breakfast.”

Raine would do that. She’d eat key lime cheesecake for breakfast without a thought.

She’d accepted his proposal in a run-down cabin in Wyoming during what he expected was now a whiteout snowstorm. The entire structure shook with the next gust of wind.

But unlike in the book he was writing, Mick mused with a private grin, he was not going to have his bedroll on the front porch this particular night.