Finding Peace (Love's Compass #1) (20 page)

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“You should have brought your gloves.” Tuck gathered both of her hands in his. “How are your hands this cold and not blue?”

Laurie grinned and raised an eyebrow at him. “I don’t need gloves, I have you.”

He stopped their progress around the pond and turned to face her, his shoes thumping softly on the packed dirt at their feet. “That’s why you suggested I come along for a walk. You forgot your gloves and needed a replacement.”

“Something like that.” She giggled. “That, and you’re an amazing windbreak.”

He stood up as tall as he could, checked for the wind, and shifted his position slightly. “There we go, that should be more effective.”

She was laughing now, her green eyes sparkling. Tuck couldn’t have torn his gaze from her if his life depended on it. He must have been watching her longer than he thought, because Laurie looked concerned. “Is something wrong?”

“Not a thing. In fact, I was thinking I’m the luckiest man in the world.” He slipped a hand into his jacket pocket, closing it around the small box he had hidden inside.

“I don’t know about that.”

“I do. And when the luck starts running out, I can recharge it.” He moved quickly to place his other hand on top of her head, rubbing his fingers back and forth in the curls.

“It’s not red; it’s copper.” She ducked out of his reach good-naturedly.

“It’s beautiful.” He caught her hand and pulled her close. “You’re beautiful.” He kissed her softly, enjoying the fruity scent of her shampoo. “Are you planning on forgetting your gloves frequently during these cold months?”

“Most likely. Why?”

Tuck withdrew the box and held it in the palm of his hand. Slowly, he opened the lid and presented the engagement ring to her. “I thought I might apply for the position. Permanent hand warmer.”

Laurie’s breath caught as she looked at the ring and back up at him. “Do you think you can handle helping the fine citizens of Kitner, and keeping my hands warm, at the same time?” There was no mistaking the mischief in her eyes.

He shook his head and grinned at her. “Laurie Blake, with you by my side, I can handle anything.” He cupped her chin in one of his hands. “I want you to be the first thing I see every morning and I want to fall asleep with you every night. I love you, Laurie, with all of my heart.” He took the ring out of the box and held it out to her. “Will you marry me?”

“Yes.” There were tears in her eyes as she smiled up at him. “I love you, too.”

Feeling as though his heart could beat out of his chest, Tuck slipped the ring onto her finger. Tugging Laurie into his arms, he leaned down and kissed her. He looked forward to doing that every day for the rest of his life. 

Melanie D. Snitker has enjoyed writing fiction for as long as she can remember. She started out writing episodes of cartoon shows that she wanted to see as a child and her love of writing grew from there. She and her husband live in Texas with their two children who keep their lives full of adventure, and two dogs who add a dash of mischief to the family dynamics.
In her spare time, Melanie enjoys photography, reading, crochet, baking, archery, camping, and hanging out with family and friends.

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