Chapter 439: Are You Plotting Something?
The sound of cheerful chatter and clinking cutlery filled the dining hall. The aroma of food mingled pleasantly with their laughter.
Candles flickered in the jars, lined atop the long oak table. Their lights were reflected off crystal glasses and silver plates.
After finishing her potato soup, Lorianne grinned from ear to ear. She asked, eyes wide with excitement, "Can we open presents after this?"
All gifts were already piled under the giant Christmas tree in the lounge, waiting to be unwrapped. Most of them were for the little one, chosen with love by her parents and grandparents.
Diane chuckled, handing the little girl a slice of ham, "After dinner, darling. Santa told your grandpa already. He gave permission to open the gifts early. No need to wait until tomorrow."
The other elders hummed in approval. They didn’t have the heart to let their only grandchild wait any longer.
While some families only unwrapped the presents on Christmas morning, they decided to do it after Christmas Eve’s dinner.
"Yay~" Lorianne cheered, swinging her short legs under the table, "Lorrie saw many boxes under the tree! The one with a big golden ribbon is mine! Right?"
Leonard laughed heartily, "You’ve got quite the eye, darling."
"Lorrie is a good girl," Russell chimed in, "Santa will surely give you lots of gifts."
Elsie and Nathaniel exchanged a look before sharing some chuckles. Their daughter was indeed a well-behaved child. They had also prepared a meaningful present for her.
The dining room brimmed with warmth as they enjoyed every dish.
Russell told a story of going deep-sea fishing with Nathaniel, prompting Leonard to secure an invitation in the future. Diane shared how Lorianne once tried to bake gingerbread while insisting she required no help.
As the night deepened, more love, comfort and the magic of Christmas filled the air. Snow fell steadily outside, enveloping the ranch in quiet white.
Everyone still lingered at the table even after their plates were emptied. The fire crackled softly, filling the dining hall with a cozy glow. The fireplace in the lounge was also lit up.
The elders were still chatting. Nathaniel had finished his second glass of spiced wine. His eyes trailed after Elsie, gaze softened on her as she laughed with her parents and parents-in-law.
Even after years, he had never grown tired of the way her smile reached her eyes.
’It’s time.’
Despite looking so calm on the outside, only he knew how wildly his heartbeat was. The longer he waited, the heavier the ring box in his pocket was.
When Diane suggested which desserts to try first, Nathaniel touched Elsie’s shoulder, "Accompany me, will you? I need a short walk."
She blinked up at him, "Now? Are you tipsy? Should we get some fresh air?"
Elsie noticed that Nathaniel hadn’t drunk much, but she was still worried. He simply smiled, "Just for a few minutes."
While standing up, he asked the elders politely, "Please look after Lorrie for us."
"Go, don’t worry about her," Diane smiled warmly, "She’ll forget everything once she gets desserts."
The other exchanged knowing looks, hiding smiles behind wine glasses and cups of tea. Lorianne puffed up her cheeks, trying not to giggle and arouse any suspicion from her mommy.
Elsie stood up while buttoning her cardigan, the pale green fabric complementing her fair skin. She reminded Lorianne not to eat too much before reaching for Nathaniel’s hand.
"We should get coats. It’s freezing outside," she said while walking down the hallway.
He shook his head gently, "No need. Let’s go to the indoor garden. I just need a short walk."
Elsie said nothing else. As she tilted her head, she gazed at Nathaniel. For a reason, his quiet demeanor right now seemed to hold an unspoken tale.
"Niel, are you plotting something? Wanna give me a surprise gift?"
The way he froze for a moment was telling enough.
Awkward chuckles escaped his lips. He said, "Maybe. After all, it’s Christmas Eve."
One of the most magical times in winter.
Elsie arched her brows playfully, "Okay~ Let’s see what kind of surprise you wanna show me."
Nathaniel smiled, finding comfort in his beloved’s belief in him. Before they reached the glass doors leading into the indoor garden, he stopped and turned to her.
"Close your eyes for me," he whispered, "No peeking, okay?"
Already anticipating a surprise, she did as she was told. Tilting her head with her eyes closed, she laughed softly, "Sounds so suspicious."
"Maybe," he grinned, then squeezed her hand, "I’ll lead you there."
After making sure Elsie’s eyes were shut properly, Nathaniel began guiding her into the indoor garden.
Their home slippers grazed the stone path, and the air was still warm as they stepped into the glass-roofed garden. The scent of damp earth and flowers filled the air, notably the lavender.
Nathaniel’s pulse quickened as he recalled everything he had prepared, laced with anticipation for this moment. He led her until they reached the center of the garden.
After casting a quick look at the surroundings, Nathaniel stood before Elsie, now holding both of her hands. He took a deep breath, trying to stabilize his emotions.
"My love, you can open your eyes now."
"Okay~"
Elsie slowly lifted her eyelids, and then she froze.
Before her stretched a glowing path of flickering candle jars on both sides of the stone walkway. Their soft golden light cast gentle reflections against the glass walls. Dried rose petals surrounded each jar.
The flowers and vines glistened faintly under the candlelight. Beyond the glass ceiling and wall, the soft snow shimmered like stars fallen from the night sky.
Elsie’s lips parted as she looked around the indoor garden. She wanted to say something, but was too stunned to speak smoothly, "Niel... What..."
Nathaniel exhaled a shaky laugh, "I’ve rehearsed what to say. But my mind’s gone entirely blank now."
Elsie turned toward him, her glistening eyes reflected the golden light, "You’ve done this before, but I’m still surprised. The ever so romantic Nathaniel."
Even before their separation years ago, he often surprised her with candlelight dinners or anything as romantic as in the movies. She sometimes teased him for being cheesy, but appreciated his every gesture.
Upon hearing Elsie’s calm tone, Nathaniel’s worries eased slightly. His palms were slightly cold as he held her hands, but his touch was steady.
"Elsie," he began quietly, "I have over a thousand things I want to thank you for, but none of them will be enough."
She said nothing, only smiling softly to encourage him to continue. Her gentle gaze was reflected in his eyes.
"Thank you for coming back into my life, even when I didn’t deserve it. For taking care of our child, for loving her as passionately as you do. For forgiving and loving me again, after everything."
His voice faltered slightly, but he quickly steadied himself. He still had a lot to say.
"You’ve filled every part of my life with something warm and bright. After all my mistakes before, I never thought I’d have this again. You... you made me believe in beginnings again and again."
Elsie’s eyes brimmed with tears. Her heart thumped rapidly as a thought flickered in her mind, but she only squeezed his hands.
And then, without another word, Nathaniel slowly went down on one knee. For a heartbeat, Elsie forgot to breathe.
He looked up at her, showing her the same gentle and steady gaze that once broke through her defenses and thoroughly charmed her.
"Elsie Winslow," he breathed, "Would you honor me by being my wife?"
His words lingered in the air, trembling with his sincerity.