Catherine wore a new dress forest green wool that she'd been able to afford thanks to the mine's success, and a small silver pendant that had been her mother's. Kieran met her at the boarding house, handsome in his best suit, a wrapped package tucked under his arm. "Merry Christmas," he greeted her with a kiss on the cheek. "You look beautiful." "Thank you," Catherine smiled. "You're quite dashing yourself." The church was filled with music and laughter as they arrived.
Children ran between the pews excited about Santa's impending visit, while adults exchanged greetings and gifts. Kathleen waved them over to where she stood with Dr. Wells, their heads bent close together in conversation. "About time you two arrived," she said. "Dr.
Wells, Michael was just telling me about the new medical supplies that arrived on yesterday's stage." Catherine noticed the use of the doctor's first name and the way Kathleen's cheeks flushed when he smiled at her. It seemed romance was blooming in more than one corner of Prosperity this Christmas. The evening passed in a blur of carols, stories, and delicious food. As midnight approached, many families with young children began to depart, leaving the celebration quieter and more intimate. "Would you walk with me?" Kieran asked Catherine as the church clock struck 11.
"There's something I'd like to show you." Bundling up against the cold, they stepped out into a perfect Christmas Eve night. Snow had fallen earlier, covering Prosperity in a blanket of white that glittered under the moonlight. Their breath formed clouds in the frigid air as Kieran led her toward the center of town. "Where are we going?" Catherine asked, curious. "You'll see," Kieran replied with a mysterious smile.
They stopped in front of a building Catherine hadn't paid much attention to before, a two-story structure that had been vacant since she arrived in town. "What is this place?" she asked. "It used to be the land office," Kieran explained. "But it's been empty for over a year since they moved to larger premises." He produced a key from his pocket. "It's mine now, or it will be once the paperwork is finalized after the new year." Surprised, Catherine followed him inside.
The front room was dusty but spacious with large windows facing the street. "I thought it could be an office," Kieran continued, leading her through the building. "For the ranch and the mine, the Silver K Enterprise." "Silver K?" Catherine repeated. "For Catherine and Kieran," he explained with a smile, "if you like the idea." "I do," she nodded. "But why do we need an office in town?" "Because I thought we might want to live above it," Kieran said, leading her up a staircase to the second floor.
The upper level contained several rooms, a large living area, a kitchen, two bedrooms, and a small study. Though unfurnished and in need of cleaning, Catherine could immediately see the potential. "It's perfect for a family," she said softly. "That's what I thought," Kieran agreed. He set down the package he'd been carrying and took both her hands in his.
"Catherine, these past months have been the happiest of my life. When you stepped off that stage, a coach in your tattered dress, I knew there was something special about you. I just didn't know you'd come to mean everything to me. Catherine's heart pounded as he sank to one knee before her, still holding her hands. "I don't want to wait for someday anymore," he said.