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“Wow,” Remi says “Merry Christmas, babe”

I bury my nose in her hair and breathe her in “Merry Christ else to show you”

She turns back to look at me “More?”

“Over here” Magic takes us closer to the tree, and I point to the freshly carved heart with initials inside

SK

RC

“Oh, Seth”

“I was happy here, before you” Rethis land, caring for the ani more than that Before you”

I take her hand and kiss it

“This ranch, and the people on it, saved , and I didn’t even realize it So puzzle piece just clicked into place You are the best part of ree to stay here, with acy that Clifford King started all those years ago Will you marry me, Remi?”

A tear slips down her sweet cheek, but she doesn’t wipe it away She presses her lips closed, and then she smiles and nods “Of course, I will I love it here on the ranch so much I love your family But more than any of that, I love you Every bit of you, the dark places, and the funny ones I’”

I kiss her forehead softly, overcome with emotion and love

And then, I pull back to offer her the ring ave me last week

“This was olden sunlight on this incredible Christ “It’s a Montana sapphire, and I had a halo of diamonds added to it”

“Holy shit, Seth, this is stunning”

“I hope it fits”

When I slide it on, it’s a perfect fit

“Thank you I’ll treasure it always”

“You’re welco, and finally, I adjust Remi back into the saddle so we can ride back to the house to celebrate Christmas with the family

When we ride past the cerandpa’s headstone

Don’t worry, Graot this

The bird of prey hoots and then flies away, gliding in front of us before disappearing into the trees

“Did you see—?”