Clean Inspirational Romance: Escape to Paradise (Inspirational Happy Sweet First Love Second Chance Romance) (Contemporary New Adult Love Inspired Holiday Short Stories) by Johanna Jenkins

through the gate so she could see Butch and Cassidy before they headed into dinner. The calves were big enough now to stick their heads over the stall door where they were penned during inclement weather. Mercy smiled as they snorted and grunted as she pet their heads.
    They left the barn and headed inside. Mercy stepped into Kale’s home and inhaled the scents of Thanksgiving. The turkey was still cooking away in the oven and it smelled divine, and made her mouth water.
    “This is amazing.” Mercy beamed. “I’ve never seen so much food.”
    “My mother always cooks for an army,” Kale teased. “Feeding a few growing boys, however, will do that to you I suppose.”
    Mercy grinned. “Is there anything I can do to help you Cynthia?”
    “Sure honey,” Cynthia Preston said with a smile. “I need this dressing mixed up. Then we can pop it into the second oven.”
    Mercy dove into helping Mrs. Preston with the meal preparation. She eventually donned an apron and went to work slicing vegetables and other tasks. She was loving every minute of it. She approached Kale and stood beside him. When his arm wrapped around her waist, Mercy instinctively rested her head on his shoulder.
    “Let’s say grace,” Josiah Preston said. “Kale I believe, since this is your home that it should be you who asks the blessing over the food.” Everyone around the table joined hands and bent their heads.
    “Thanks Dad.” Kale agreed. “Heavenly Father, this family comes before you today to ask that you bless the food we’re about to partake of. Thank you always for abundance, for your constant provision. Thank you for helping us see the treasure we have right in front of us. Thank you, as always, for family, friendship, and the future. We’re forever in your debt and please help us to manage our time wiser so that we may better serve the less fortunate. May this coming year bring even more blessings.”
    Everyone gave a resounding “Amen.”
    The table became silent as everyone helped themselves to the multiple offerings spread over the table. Mercy filled her plate and smiled as everyone began eating and smiling at each other as they enjoyed the delicious food. She truly felt blessed.
    Mercy watched as Kale stood up and scooched his chair out of the way and lifted his glass. She lifted her glass to his and smiled. “To family, faith, and friendship. And to Miss Mercy Thompson, who changed my life from the moment she stepped off the train.”
    Mercy watched in awe and surprise as Kale made eye contact with her and slowly slid down to one bent knee in front of her. Her heartrate started beating a lot faster. The small box he pulled out made from his inside coat pocket made tears prick her eyes and she couldn’t keep the watery smile off her face. “I’ve never been surer of anything in my life than I am that God brought you to me. I prayed for his provision in my personal life and he delivered on the best woman possible. If you’ll have me Mercy Thompson, I promise to work every day to fulfill my promises to you. I promise to cherish you. To lavish attention on you and to share this wonderful life God has blessed us with. Will you marry me Mercy Thompson?”
    Mercy watched Kale open the box in near slow motion. A wedding set winked out at her, the simple gold band and its matching engagement ring. It was a gold ring with a large opal set in the center. Around it were tiny, deep blue lapis lazuli stones. “It was my grandmother’s ring,” Kale said when Mercy still hadn’t answered.
    “I’ve never been so honored in my life,” Mercy whispered, choking back the tears that threatened to keep her from speaking. “God has seen fit to bless me beyond any of my imagining’s. I will gladly marry you Kale Preston. I’ll work every day to be worthy of you, of this ranch, of the love we have between us.”
    ***
    Kale and Mercy married two weeks later with Kale’s parents, younger brothers, and many friends attending to wish them