I laugh and relish the sense of relief it brings me.
“Deal,” I agree as I pull away from her. “I might be sad for a while until that happens though.”
“That’s okay; I’ll be here to put the pieces back together just like before. You and me, kid. We’re forever.” She brings her fingers to my chin and gently shakes it. Pushing her hand away, I smile at her.
“Does that mean you’re staying in Evergreen then?”
She shrugs. “I’ve yet to find a new restaurant to cook in, so I guess so.”
“It’s funny because I don’t think I’ve ever seen you looking for a place to go.” My voice becomes comedically accusatory as I study her. She starts to walk away from me, putting as much distance between us and my comment as possible.
“Alright, well, break time is over. Gotta go cook for five million people. See ya later, Noey.”
“You can’t avoid me, you know,” I shout in her direction. “We literally work in the same building. You live in my spare bedroom, remember?”
When I hear the kitchen door slam behind her I know she’s gone. Chuckling to myself, I throw myself back into Christmas Eve prep and try to ignore how sad my heart already feels.
Hours later, everyone is gathered in the dining room enjoying the dinner Eve has expertly crafted for us. Nick is to my left and is wearing a festive Christmas sweater looking as handsome as ever. He surprised me with a matching dress which Ichanged into when he came by a few hours ago. To my right is Grams, laughing jovially with Carol. The two are who I hope Belle, Eve, and I become when we reach their age. Lifelong friends who walk through all seasons and phases of life together.
I feel Nick reach for my hand and give it a squeeze. I give him my best smile but know that it comes off forced, almost artificial. Leaning in, he whispers loud enough so I can hear him over the hum of the packed dining room.
“What’s wrong, sugar?”
“It’s nothing.” I shake my head. “This time of year always brings up hard memories, that’s all.” It’s a bold-faced lie but I don’t have the resilience to tell him the truth and not completely fall apart at the dinner table.
“It’s Christmas Eve; everyone deserves to be happy today. You don’t look very happy.” He reaches over and places a hand on my cheek.
Glancing around, I notice that some people are watching our exchange. I flash them a smile before looking back at him.
“Smile for our adoring fans,” I murmur. He glances at where my eyes flash to and does just that. Then, he kisses me for good measure. When he pulls away, I speak again. “Maybe the Christmas magic missed me this year. I’ll be fine, don’t worry about me.”
“You should never stop believing in Christmas magic, Noelle. You never know when it’s going to show up.” Then, he leans away and stands, clearing his throat and pulling all eyes to him.
“Good evening everyone, merry Christmas Eve,” he announces. Muddled responses bubble around the room as people wait to see what’s about to happen. Being one of those people, I tilt my head up to look at him. “I’d like to say thank you for joining us here at Holly House Inn for this special night. Christmas is always a big deal here in Evergreen andwhether you’re just in for the holidays or you call this place home, we’re so happy to have you here.”
“Noelle, what’s he doing?” Grams leans over and says into my ear.
“I have no idea,” I say slowly, shaking my head at her.
“I hope you decide to join my wife and I again next year when she’s the new owner of Holly House. She loves this place and celebrating Christmas here with you all more than anything. I know it would mean the world to her if you came and joined us again for years to come.”
When the people around the room start to clap, I pop up next to him, take him by the arm and smile, speaking to him between my teeth.
“What are you doing? Why are you promising all of these people next year? You won’t be here next year, remember?” I force out, trying to maintain my composure so people don’t think anything is off.
That’s when he turns and looks at me, and his face goes from confident and charismatic to focused and serious.
“Noelle Holly, I have loved you since I was sixteen years old and I didn’t really know what love is. Everyone always said we were soulmates, even after I went and messed everything up like a giant idiot. But we’ve somehow managed to come back together and I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life.”
My heart races behind my chest as he talks. The room waits in pure silence so much so that I can hear the faint noise of a pot bubbling over in the kitchen.
“I love you, Noelle. I love being your husband. And I love watching you love Holly House and this town like you do. That’s why I’ve started the process of dissolving my firm back in Boston and moving into freelance work. So I can stay here, with you, and stand by you as you bring Holly House into a new era. One focused on growth and progresswhile still staying focused on what matters most: family and love.”
Tears prick my eyelids as I look at him. He holds both my hands in his and gives them a shake.
“Noelle? Are you okay?” he asks with a smile on his face. My finger reaches out and pokes one of his dimples. Turning his face, he kisses my finger then my whole hand.
“You’re really staying?” I ask, trying to blink back the tears. My throat feels raw and tight as I talk, a mix of emotions rolling through me.
