“We did this show together.It’s only right that we find out the results together.”
“Every day you blow me away.Come on, let’s do this.”
They sat at the table, their knees brushing against each other.Tilly grabbed Zach’s hand, and with her other, clicked the email open.
There it was in black and white.The results.They hadn’t won.They’d come in third overall.
She sat staring at the screen, not sure what she felt about the result.
“I’m sorry, Tulip.I know this meant a lot to you.I’m sorry you didn’t win.”Zach brushed his thumb across her cheek and her stomach dipped at the touch.
She smiled up at him, the love she had for him washing over her.“It meant a lot to you too.”
“True.But I was just the assistant.You were the director and creator.It has to hurt a little.”
“You’d think it would, but I’m okay with third.I’m proud of what we achieved and how everyone in Marietta pulled together to make it happen.”
“They really did, didn’t they?”The wonder in his voice was evident.He’d seen firsthand what his new hometown could do.
“I also couldn’t have done it without you and your mom.I know I said it at the time, but thank you.”
Zach had swallowed down the hurt his mom had inflicted on him after the wildfire rescue to ensure that she didn’t fall flat on her face only made her love him more.
“I would do anything for you.I love you.”
She would never tire of hearing him say those three words to her.“I love you too.And you said that I didn’t win, but you’re wrong.I did win.I won you.”She leaned over and pressed her lips to his.
Her very own Christmas dream come true.
Epilogue
Tilly nursed aglass of champagne and watched her family laughing together, getting excited for the fireworks, which would be starting at the stroke of midnight.They were all bundled into their winter coats on Tilly’s front porch.From there, they would be able to see the display from the town square.
Newlyweds Chrissy and Ryder were wrapped in each other’s arms, and Tilly didn’t think they’d be looking at the fireworks.They were so engrossed in each other, and she loved seeing her sister so happy.
Sunny stood in the far corner of Tilly’s small porch.Her hands were tucked into her jacket pockets, and from the look on her sister’s face, Tilly knew she was calculating how soon after midnight she could disappear.She wished Sunny would break out of her shell.She was beautiful and deserved to be as happy as she and Chrissy were.But as much as she wanted that for her sister, Sunny had to be the one who took the first steps, and if she wanted to stay single all her life, then Tilly would support her in that decision.
Her gaze drifted over to Zach, who was chatting with her mom.For the first time in many years, she had someone she could welcome the New Year with.Warmth stole over her every time she thought about him or looked at him, unable to believe that someone as wonderful as Zach loved her as much as she loved him.
“I don’t think I’ve seen my son look so happy.Thank you for making him smile and laugh, Tilly.”Kathryn stood beside Tilly.She had a glass of sparkling water in her hand.She had an early-morning charter flight back to Los Angeles.
“Trust me when I say it’s mutual.”She took hold of Kathryn’s hand and gave it a squeeze.“You know he means the world to me, and I love him with my whole heart.”
Tilly didn’t know why it was important to say that, but she wanted to reassure Kathryn that her son’s heart was safe in her hands.
“I know.This is where he’s meant to be.With you.”Kathryn tapped her glass to Tilly’s.“I expect a wedding invitation soon.”
Tilly laughed.“We’ve only just gotten together.Marriage is a little way off yet.”
“It may be closer than you think.”After delivering that cryptic line, she wandered off to go stand with Tilly’s mom.The two women had hit it off, and the way they’d laughed together on Christmas morning, anyone would’ve thought they’d been friends for years instead of hours.
After the events on Christmas Eve, the whole town now knew Zach’s connection to Kathryn Lancaster, and they didn’t treat him differently.Something she knew he was glad about.
“You good, Tulip?”
A shiver ran down her spine, and it had nothing to do with the cold winter weather and everything to do with the man standing behind her.She turned and placed her hands on his chest.“Better than good.I love you.”
Zach brushed his knuckles down her cheek.“I love you too.”
