The Tree Keeper's Promise Part 28

Angela tiptoed away from Caroline's room after confirming she was asleep. With all the miles the nine-year-old had hiked with Papa around the trees, calling it her best Christmas Day ever, Angela suspected she was sound asleep.

The fire dwindled to a few glowing embers. Mark sat on the couch facing the lighted tree. Angela joined him, sitting close enough that he could put his arm around her. She tucked her legs up under the blanket.

Christmas night always provided relief. The stress of the holiday was mostly over. Tonight she felt more than that. Peace and contentment and, yes-joy.

"Do you have any more pain in your leg?" she asked as she gently rested her hand on his knee.

"It's healed fine. Can hardly see the scar."

Mark lifted her hand and examined the ring. "Do you like it?"

"Of course I do!"

"Are you sure? Would you like a new ring?

She sat up to face him, not sure he could be serious. "Thank you for the offer, but don't you know what this means to me?"

He sat up a little straighter and shook his head.

"Every time I look at this ring I'm reminded of not one, not two, but more miracles than I can count. Maybe when the next one happens I won't be so surprised," she said as she twirled the band on her finger. "But you know what? Maybe I will."

"Why is that?" he asked, touching her cheek with his hand.

"The trees and you-this life and our love-will always be a glorious wonder to me."

The End.

Acknowledgments.

Thank you to the readers of my first book, The Christmas Tree Keeper, who cared about the characters and story and asked for more. Their enthusiasm and confidence kept me going through countless rewrites and revisions.

I give sincere thanks to Anna DeStefano of Precision Editing. To Heidi Brockbank, Sabine Berlin, and Michele Preisendorf of Eschler Editing-the skilled editors who worked hard to help this story come to life. I am in awe of their expertise and wisdom.

I offer heartfelt thanks to Valerie and Peggy, my allies in the whirlwind, for their indispensable support. And to all of the fabulous members of ANWA, my writing group, for continued feedback and friends.h.i.+p.

To my beta readers and those who aided my research, for their vital insights: Cathy, Valerie, Peggy, Jorie, Sofia, and Spencer.

To Laura J. Miller for her gorgeous cover work and E. A. Smart III for another lovely and fitting ill.u.s.tration.

I owe the most grat.i.tude to my family for their love and support. To Steven for tireless tech support. To Marissa for celebrating the milestones with me. To Lauren who, when I was so close to the finish line said, "You can do it, Mom." And to Grandma Johnson who advised, "The book could have a little more kissing."

And to my husband Steve, for making room, not just for a room full of books but for a girl who likes to write them.

About the Author.

Tamara Pa.s.sey, author of the #1 Amazon bestseller, The Christmas Tree Keeper: A Novel, loves crafting a story. She was born and raised in Ma.s.sachusetts around a large family, one that has served as inspiration for most of her writing. She was named Arizona Young Mother of the Year in 2013 and contributes marriage and family articles to FamilyShare.com. She loves most creative endeavors and when she isn't writing, you can find her reading, baking, or cross-st.i.tching. She lives with her husband and children in Arizona.

Visit Tamara and sign-up for her newsletter online at www.tamarapa.s.sey.com.

Other Books by Tamara Pa.s.sey.

The Christmas Tree Keeper: A Novel.

Mothering through the Whirlwind.