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and auld lang syne?

“And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere!

and gie’s a hand o’ thine!

And we’ll tak’ a right gude-willie waught,

for auld lang syne.”

He frowned, uncertain of his conclusion. If this were a mere conjuring in his dream, Caroline would sing the English lyrics he was familiar with—not the original Scottish lyrics, which he did not know.

The door swung open, and there she was. His sunshine.

She stood illuminated by firelight and moonlight alike, her green cloak dusted with frost at the hem, her cheeks pink with cold. Her hands were clasped before her, but her eyes—those luminous hazel eyes—shone with emotion.

“Caroline?”

“You should repair your back door,” she said with a small smile, her voice trembling only slightly. “Since it is gone midnight, I believe I may wish you a happy Old Year’s Day.”

He took a step forward, drinking her in with his eyes. “Is it truly you?”

She nodded. “I was thinking about what you did. Visiting Her Grace on Saint Stephen’s Day … it was no small gesture. I thought perhaps you might like to hear what came of it.”

“I would. More than you can know.”

“I have nothing grand to offer in return,” she said, removing her cloak and laying it across a chair. Beneath it, she wore her night rail, modest and familiar. “But there is one thing I could give you. If you still want it.”

He stilled. “What is it?”

She met his gaze. “Me.”

The firelight crackled, casting golden light upon her determined face. William was speechless.

“I must return home before dawn,” she continued. “But … once the banns are read … if you still wish it … I would like to become your wife.”

The words took a moment to register. And when they did, his heart surged with joy so fierce it nearly brought him to his knees.

“You are accepting my proposal?”

“I am.”

He reached for her, pulling her into his arms, embracing her tightly. “You have no notion what this means to me,” he whispered against her hair.

“I believe I might,” she murmured.

They stood before the hearth, wrapped in each other’s arms, the world narrowed to this one precious moment.

She lifted her face to his. “I would like to remain here for a little while. To talk. And to be held.”

“There is nothing I should like more.” He kissed her, slowly, reverently, sealing the promise of their shared future.

When they finally parted, her cheek resting over his heart, he said quietly, “I shall have to make a display of courting you come morning if we are to wed soon.”

“Tomorrow, or rather later today, I shall close my shop early for Old Year’s Day if you wish to spend some time with me in the afternoon.”

“Aye, we will make a show of it for our neighbors.”

“And you can accompany me to church services on New Year’s Day.”