She stiffened slightly, then let out a shaky breath. “Jacob, I…” Her voice caught. “I’m just not sure how this works. You have your life in Chicago, your big cases, your reputation. I’ve been focused on my career too, but Seattle… it’s always been home. We’re on different paths. What if trying again just leads to another heartbreak?”
I turned to face her fully, my hand lifting as if to touch her shoulder, but pausing at the last second. “I’ve thought aboutthat,” I said. “I don’t want to lose you again. So, what if we reinvent the rules? What if we create something together that neither of us could have alone?”
She looked at me curiously. “What do you mean?”
“Open a law practice here,” I said, the idea spilling out with surprising confidence now that I’d made the decision. “In Wintervale. We combine our talents, and we help this community thrive. We pick our cases, we set our hours. And maybe we help your father too. You’ve mentioned he’s been struggling since your mom passed, and I know how important family is to you. We can give him stability, let him be a part of our new life.”
Her eyes went wide, shimmering with unshed tears. “You…you’d give up Chicago for this?”
I managed a half-smile. “I’m not giving up anything I truly value. Chicago gave me success, but it didn’t give me happiness. You did that. And I realize now that success without you is hollow. I want to build a future together. Right here, if that’s what it takes.”
A tear escaped down her cheek, and she laughed softly, an incredulous, relieved sound. “Jacob, this is…I don’t know what to say.”
“Say yes,” I whispered. “Or at least say maybe. Just don’t shut me out.”
Before she could answer, we heard familiar voices approaching. Edna and Theodore stepped onto the balcony, arm in arm, looking unexpectedly radiant. Edna wore a sweeping dress in mulberry, and Theodore looked more relaxed than I’d ever seen him. I almost didn’t even recognize the man; it was as if years had fallen off him and he appeared lighter, freer. They smiled to see us together.
“Don’t let us interrupt,” Theodore said with a grin that seemed ten years younger than I’d ever seen it. “We just wanted to share some news.”
Edna patted his arm fondly. “We’ve decided to drop all those pesky lawsuits and claims to the Barrington property. We realized that holding onto old grudges or illusions of grandeur does nothing for either of us.”
Theodore nodded. “The property deserves fresh energy, someone who can cherish it for what it is and restore it. Edna and I…we’ve agreed to sell it. Together. It seems we’ve rekindled something special. Why waste time fighting?”
My heart warmed at their announcement, and I felt Bailey’s shoulder relax beside mine. The joy on Edna’s face, the softness in Theodore’s eyes—in them, I saw our future if we dared to embrace it.
Bailey’s smile was radiant. “That’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you both.” She then glanced at me and added, “Actually, I have an idea. My friend Rory Lancaster has been looking for a new start. She’s had a tough time lately, but she’s resourceful and loves old properties. I think she might be the perfect buyer for Barrington Manor.”
Edna beamed. “Oh, that sounds promising! A new chapter for the old place. Perfect.”
Theodore chuckled. “Who would have guessed this Christmas would bring so many second chances?”
As they left us to return to the gala, soft music drifting out onto the balcony, Bailey turned back to me. The sky was now a deep sapphire, stars winking into existence overhead. The town below glowed with holiday lights, and laughter from the ballroom hummed in the background.
She reached for my hand. “Jacob…I can’t say I’m not scared. But I’m also excited. You offering to build a life here, with me, it’s…” She swallowed, words not quite enough to capture her emotion. “I want that. I want us.”
My heart soared. I pulled her close, pressing my forehead to hers. “We’ll figure it out,” I promised. “Together.”
She smiled up at me, and I dipped my head to kiss her lightly, a promise sealed with the taste of peppermint and forgiveness.
“Merry Christmas, Bailey,” I said softly.
“Merry Christmas, Jacob,” she whispered back, eyes shining. “To new beginnings.”
