I spliced the blinds with my fingers and glanced.
Dark skeletal trees edged in white.
Frost swirls coated the windows,
creating a rime on the ledges.
Icicles hung from the eaves.
I prayed Milly didn’t slide over black ice.
I shut the blinds to turn off the thought
and returned to place wrapped presents under the tree.
I decorated this cabin for Christmas
silver and gold, a wreath, and stockings
hung above the fireplace.
Miserable played on the stereo.
The song played in between
soft rock Christmas songs.
The flame in the cherry candle danced
as the aroma spread throughout the living room.
The wax puddled beneath its wick.
I had the windows open
as a brisk breeze separated the blinds.
The fireplace crackled over oak logs.
I blew the brim and took quick sips
of coffee from a cup that released steam.
I chopped the Christmas tree down myself.
Maybe to impress Milly.
Milly had the key to my heart
and would soon have a ring
if everything fell into place.
I met Milly at a diner three years ago.
She served me pancakes for Christmas.
I was going through it with my ex-wife.
Milly’s alluring smile and soft shoulder touch
comforted my tired soul.
I wasn’t the type to sit at a diner
for Christmas.
I glanced at other people
in the eatery.
The cancer stick smoke stuck to my clothes.
I got the impression that other guys
had a woman like mine.
I took a sip of water
and set it on the table.
Milly’s shift ended, but she sat with me.
My loneliness leaked across my face.
I finished my meal, and she finished
her coffee.
She grew up in Texas and had a southern draw
to prove it.
Milly grew up riding horses and attended a community college
before making the mistake of settling down with a man.
Milly’s parents loved the man, but she didn’t.
Being a people-pleaser, she thought she’d give it a try
until he gave her a black eye.
I came from wealth, but she didn’t hold it against me.
And I wanted to share it all with her.
I encouraged her to finish her nursing degree.
She did.
I’m proud of her.
And we’ve become a support system
for each other.
Always there for one another.
I divorced my wife and even left her the house.
I found a new life, a new wife, and a new reason
for what people call hope and faith in a God,
who works it all out in the end.
Headlights strengthened their beams as Milly’s car approached.
My heart thumped against my chest, vibrating against my ribcage.
I straightened my collar.
I opened the door before she reached the porch.
I helped her with her bags.
I rubbed her tense shoulders.
“This is the best day of my life.”
I paused her back rub. “What, babe?”
“It’s yes,” Milly said, placing her hand over mine. “I’ll marry you.”
A smile massaged her eye before a tear reached her lips.
I dropped to a knee and placed the ring on her finger.