Noel stood in the middle of the bridge, alone. Like Jake had been hoping. The trail was empty and quiet, just the way he needed it.
Despite the cold, and the thick layer of white that covered it, it wouldn’t stay empty for long. Some Christmas reveling soul would come along kicking snow and singing carols and ruin everything. He had to hurry.
She turned at his rushed footsteps, tentative smile in place, wide green eyes questioning. Blonde curls peeked out of a red hat embroidered with snowflakes and a ball on top. Her cheeks were rosy. One word: delicious.
He flexed his fingers, hoping they’d stayed warm enough to get the job done.
If only she weren’t so beautiful, so smart, he wouldn’t have to do this. She was everything he couldn’t have, and she deserved what she was about to get.
Her lips parted, maybe startled by his appearance. His flushed face, tight mouth, hands fisted in his jacket pockets.
He walked up to her, trying to control his fear, his nerves. No go. It showed in the shake of his hand on the sleeve of her jacket, his inability to form words.
She knew something was wrong. She stepped back, suddenly afraid, and made to leave. He pulled her around to face him, dropped to one knee, dug the black velvet box out of his pocket and popped the lid.
She covered the ‘O’ of her mouth with both hands, glistening eyes giving him the answer.