Chapter 27: The Christmas Dance and…
Mitch spent the next few days working on his project for Amy. He made sure he always covered it when not working on it just in case she should show up at any point. With each hour he progressed on it, he grew more excited about giving it to her.
He also took time to go into town and scope out the area around where the dance would be held. There were double doors that opened out onto a veranda, and around to the side was an alcove just right for the two of them. It should provide some shelter, but he was hoping for a beautiful, starry night as there were no trees blocking the view of the sky from there. He could hardly wait for his plan to unfold!
Amy decided to ask Lisa to help her find a dress for the dance. Lisa was very pleased that Amy asked for her help. Something told Amy it should be special, and she remembered the beautiful dress that Lisa had gifted her for the prom she never got to attend with Ty. And heels – she was so much more comfortable in boots, but for Mitch, she would wear them, but they would be low enough to be comfortable. She also knew she would need long sleeves or a warm wrap in case it was cold. They found a beautiful teal V-necked, beaded sequined cape gown. It had a fitted drop bodice with beads in rows that accentuated the curves of her figure and fell into a sparkling full flowy skirt. The sheer, lightly sequined fabric of the cape formed partial, long split sleeves that fastened at the elbow allowing her free arm movement along with a degree of warmth. Amy decided on silver, closed-toed shoes with a teal and silver beaded design on the toe. The sheer outer layer of her dress extended and flowed cape-like, falling elegantly along her mid-calf sweeping toward the hem of the dress, yet dramatically ending about ten inches above the hemline, drawing attention to her stunning metallic beaded heels. Underneath the cape, the back of the dress was V-cut to her lower-back. She decided the white wool coat she already had would work fine to get her to and from the dance, and Lisa found a beautiful hair clip with the same colors featured in her heels to accent her hair. Lisa had some simple diamond earrings and a sterling diamond pendant necklace* she offered to loan Amy that would help pull her heels and hair clip together with the ensemble. She was already anticipating it to be a magical night. What night wouldn't be when on Mitch's arm!
Amy had asked Parker to keep Lyndy, since Katie was also going to the dance with a boy from school as were the rest of the Bartlett household. As Saturday drew closer, the ladies of the household were especially looking forward to the night out.
The greatly anticipated evening finally arrived, and Amy decided to wear her hair wound up in the back with soft, flowing curls down one side over her shoulder. The hair clip softly pulled it away from her face. When she was completely ready, she felt radiant, and Lyndy said, "Mama, you look sooo pretty!"
"Thank you, Sweetheart! I feel pretty," she sweetly smiled at Lyndy and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "You be a good girl for Parker, go to bed on time for her, have lots of fun, and I'll see you in the morning."
Mitch had arrived and greeted those who were in the kitchen when he came in. As Amy came into the room, his beautiful blue eyes danced and twinkled as his breath caught and his lips slightly parted and curved into that famous crooked smile. He exclaimed, "Amy, you are stunning!"
Her heart fluttered at his compliment as she walked over to him to give him a welcome kiss. "And you're mighty sharp this evening yourself!" Amy said softly as she took in Mitch's handsome frame in a blue pinstripe suit which he'd paired with a light gray shirt and teal colored tie with silver threads running through it as Lisa had put a bug in his ear about Amy's color of dress. His eyes stood out more than ever, and Amy was enchanted!
Lyndy ran into the room to hug Mitch, and said, "Doesn't Mama look beautiful?"
"She surely does, Lyndy! And I hear you're going to have a big time with Parker tonight."
"Yep! And Mitch, you look really handsome! I hope you and Mama have fun tonight!" and she gave them both another quick hug and ran off to find Parker.
Mitch took Amy's coat and started to help her on with it when Lou excitedly said, "Wait, wait, I need to get a picture!" Mitch and Amy turned and leaned into each other for Lou to snap some pictures, then he helped Amy into her coat and offered his arm for them to walk out together.
The night temp was just below freezing, but it was also very calm and still. Mitch was pleased the weather was cooperating. When Mitch opened the door for Amy, he knew that maneuvering getting into the truck was going to be difficult for her, so he swooped her up into his arms lifting her as if she were as light as a feather, and she let out a little gasp. Before he could gently place her into the passenger seat, she gave him a most deliberate kiss that sent electricity shooting through him. Tonight was going to be special, but little did Amy know how special. Mitch had made sure the heater was blowing on a blanket as he drove to Heartland. It was still mostly warm, and he tucked it around Amy to be sure she stayed warm on their way. His thoughtfulness continued to amaze her! As Mitch walked around to the driver's side, he felt his pocket just to be sure.
The rest of the Heartland clan loaded into their vehicles, and they all headed to the dance caravan-style. After parking, Mitch walked around to open the door for Amy, untucked her from the blanket, and again whisked her out of the truck and gently set her down. When they walked in, many eyes turned in their direction and comments were whispered about what a beautiful couple they were! When all the family arrived, they were happy to see that the dance was well-attended, and everyone was having a good time. There were plenty of eats, a really good band playing all genres of music throughout the evening, and plenty of mistletoe scattered throughout the décor that was being taken advantage of by some.
Throughout the evening, Lou kept a pretty close eye from afar on Katie and her date. Peter did too, every so often, but they also enjoyed some sweet dances together, as did Jack and Lisa as well as Tim and Jessica.
Dancing with Mitch was beyond what Amy had imagined. He framed her perfectly and was a really good dancer. Their wonderful dancing didn't go unnoticed. Amy felt like she was floating in Mitch's arms as he led her around the floor. But the slow dances were her favorites – to be so close to each other, smelling his aftershave of bergamot and leather, and hearing the beating of his heart that at times she noticed was racing and often matched her's. Mitch was experiencing similar feelings. They both felt chills anytime he pulled her close and happened to connect with her skin open to his touch beneath the cape of her dress. He'd danced with a few girls throughout his lifetime but holding Amy in his arms felt like nothing he'd ever experienced. They were just so right, the perfect fit. She completed him in a way no other ever had. And he loved the feel of her resting on his heart and his chin resting on her silky hair with the smell of vanilla and musk sending pleasant sensations through him. He thought, 'Now is the time. I can't wait any longer!' When the dance ended, Mitch looked her in the eyes and said, "Take a walk with me?"
Amy nodded, "Sure, I could use some air."
He led her out the double doors onto the veranda and continued on around the corner to the more secluded alcove. Mitch was really grateful there was no wind, and they felt warmed by each other. In the alcove, they were even further shielded from the cold. Mitch had a Henley on underneath his dress shirt, so he took off his jacket and put it around Amy. He took Amy into his arms and held her a few moments, not just for the closeness, but also to be sure she was warm enough. Then he pulled back from her and with a somewhat shaky voice began to speak, "Amy, from the moment I saw the article months ago about Lyndy, something stirred in me. I didn't really recognize it at the time until we hugged that day that we ran into each other in Calgary. You gave me hope that day that I'd not felt in a long time, and I'm pretty sure I began falling for you as we ate lunch together. These last few months, getting to know you, falling in love with you, and most of all, being loved by you, have been beyond my wildest dreams! You build me up in my weaknesses and you draw out my strengths. I'm a better man with you! You complete me like no other. As I told you the day of our first kiss, you are my home. I can't imagine living my life without you."
At that point, Mitch paused long enough to pull the ring out of his pocket and drop to one knee. Amy let out a soft gasp as her hands covered her mouth and her eyes began to mist. Mitch opened the box as he said, "Amy Fleming Borden, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife and building a home together with me? Will you marry me?"
As a tear from each eye rolled gently down Amy's face, she smiled through the tears and answered, "Yes…yes, Mitch, I'll marry you!" and she reached for Mitch's hands to urge him to stand as he carefully and lovingly slid the ring** on her finger. Mitch was grateful that he'd guessed correctly on her size as it fit perfectly. It was a simple, solitaire diamond with swirls hugging it on both sides. Very Amy, as it wouldn't get in the way of her working with her beloved animals, yet it shined beautifully and simply just as she did every day!
Mitch placed one hand at the nape of her neck sending a shiver through Amy's body, and with the other, he tilted her chin up and ever so tenderly met her lips in a gentle kiss. As they responded to each other, Amy reached up craving more, and their kiss deepened as Mitch picked her up and twirled her around. And before he sat her back down, she whispered in his ear, "I knew there was something between us that day in Calgary, too. I love you, Mitch Cutty!"
"And I love you so very much!" Mitch replied as they embraced in another kiss. They were starting to feel the cold just a bit, but not wanting the moment to end just yet, Mitch moved around behind Amy and slipped his arms around her as she leaned back into him. Mitch had hoped for a starry night, but as they looked up, they got an even greater show! Mitch said, "Amy, look! Ice Pillars!"*** They were treated to a rare phenomenon as the streetlights were reflected off ice crystals that appeared suspended in the sky as pillars shooting upward.
"Icing on the cake," Amy responded as her arms tightened around Mitch's holding her. She couldn't be happier, nor could he!
Reluctantly, they decided they needed to get in out of the cold. Once inside, they sought out the family to share the news. They found them all gathered around one table, and as they walked toward them with huge smiles on their faces, Amy held up her left hand. Lou was the first to spot the ring and shouted, "You're engaged!" And everyone started congratulating and hugging them. Lou made sure another picture was taken that included the engagement ring to mark this special night for them.
As they left the dance for the trip back home, Mitch lifted Amy both in and out of the truck again, much to her delight! And before they parted, he asked Amy if she might have time to come to Saddle Road the next day for a little while, alone if possible? Amy was intrigued but didn't ask more and said she'd make time.
Mitch kissed her one more time and said, "Good night, my love! Sleep well."
And Amy replied, "Til tomorrow, I'll see you in my dreams," and she blew him a kiss before walking through the door.
A/N: *Jewelry, **Ring, and ***Ice Pillars – Photos of the necklace and earrings, Amy's ring, and the Ice Pillars are posted on the following three Facebook groups: Kevin McGarry Fan Page Home of #McGarries and SuspendersUnbuttoned Podcast; Nathan Grant Fanfiction! Home of Sunday Night Serge; and The Heartie Analyzers: All things Kevin McGarry, KEVLA and WCTH.