“How in the world?” I can’t even remember a time I’ve left Ivy alone or given her an opportunity to snatch an item of my clothing. But now I not only have Ivy in my arms again, but she’s in my arms while wearing my clothes? This moment is vying for the best Christmas gift ever.
“I’ve been working on things not having to be perfect, but I think this actually is perfect,” she breathes contentedly.
It’s my turn to give her a gift. “I’m not going to Florida,” I say quickly. Of course that’s the first thing that rushes out when I see her in my clothes.
Sharply, the woman in my arms inhales, lifting to lock those hot-chocolate eyes with mine before she settles back onto my chest. I glance down and catch her smile nestled against my shirt. “Good. You belong with me, Jace.”
“Good. Because you belong with me.” I kiss her forehead, the hum she gives slightly vibrating against my own mouth. I can feel her smile. “I fully believe that.”
“And you’re really staying?” she asks softly, and I let out a relieved laugh. Her excitement reflects mine.
“Yes.”
She squeals. “This really is my kind of perfect. Maybe only one thing could add to this moment . . . are you ready?” Happiness vibrates through her voice.
I look around us, trying to figure out what Ivy is planning, but my response is quick. “With you? Absolutely.”
A tiny remote control appears in her hands, and within seconds, the ceiling has transformed into the night sky. Stars flicker, so tiny and microscopic it’s like we’re looking at a perfect image of the sky outside on a clear night. Millions of them sparkle throughout the space.
“Starlight,” I say reverently, overcome by both her and the magic recreated through the lights surrounding us.
“‘Give me the gentle, steady light from the stars any night to remind me that the world still holds beauty,’” she murmurs.
My chest burns with emotion. “You remember that?”
I look down and see her golden hair splayed over us in the dimness. Her hand lifts to wipe a tear from her face, but I feel the others soaking into my shirt.
“There’s a chance I may have written your words down. That moment felt like the first time a man ever really saw me. Didn’t want to forget it.”
My fingers settle near the curve of her neck, my thumb at the base of her head, cradling it. Pulling her closer, I kiss the soft wisps of hair near her forehead. “And I never want to forget you.”
“Then don’t,” she quips. Ivy pushes herself up, one hand resting on my chest and the other draped over the side of my ribs.
I wipe the remnants of her tears with my thumb, and she leans into my hand. With a gentle nudge, I signal for her to come closer. Immediately, she lifts herself to drape over my chest again, moving closer to my face. Her chest rises and falls against mine. She’s close enough that she nearly goes out of focus.
“I love you, Jace.”
The words cause tingles to move through my mouth and travel through my face as the edges of her lips brush mine. “Starlight,” I rasp, a deep need shimmering through my veins. “I love you with all that I am.”
She answers with a kiss that I feel beyond time and space. My only thought is to will myself to memorize the sensation of her lips as they move over mine, the taste of her when she pulls on my bottom lip, placing soft kisses along the edges of my mouth, the scent of her as she traces my jaw with her nose, and the relief when she returns to kiss me and I feel her sigh.
Bells from the stone church in the distance chime, and I smile against her mouth. Sometimes, even a missed connection can turn into a miracle.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Ivy
We’re here!” I yell into the house as Jace and I step through the front door of the charming historical home, gifts piled in his arms and his presence a steady protection behind me.
As we step into the entryway, yells and sounds of cheers and a “Get in here, you Christmas ornaments!” greet our ears. There’s no doubt the last is from Lily. We’re here for our annual Birch Borough “crew meetup,” also known as the “four-friends celebration.” Sparrow, Lily, Grey, and I get together the day after Christmas every year to exchange gifts. Now, that celebration (thankfully) includes all the men in our lives.
The foyer we’re standing in is beautiful. We just walked into Lily’s childhood home. Graham bought it for her as a surprise last year. I remember visiting this place when we were kids; the old place had character, like most of the homes here, and a creaky floor. Some of the original elements have been updated or changed, and it’s now a home that could be featured in a New England magazine.
As we take off our shoes and boots near the hallway bench, piling the gifts temporarily on top of it, my eyes catch sight of a framed picture hanging on the wall. It’s a sort of collage with a picture of Lily and Graham taking a selfie and laughing on what must be their elopement day, given the attire. Includedin the collage is a page from Pride and Prejudice, with a quote highlighted on the page, which says, “I am the happiest creature in the world. Perhaps other people have said so before, but not one with such justice.”
I smile as Grey comes to greet us in the entryway. Her cheeks are flushed, and she looks the happiest I’ve seen her in months. Wrapping her arms around me, I laugh.
“Well, don’t you look radiant,” I tease her. She leans back and bites her lip as I see the reason for her happiness walking toward us with a smile. “Ahh, I see,” I whisper to Grey with a grin before turning my attention to her closest friend as he approaches.
