“You’ve become part of this family,” Jack continued. “Part of this inn. Part of my heart. I can’t imagine my life without you in it. I don’t want to imagine it.”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. Opening it revealed a stunning ring, a diamond surrounded by smaller stones that sparkled in the candlelight.
“Holly Bennett,” Jack said, “will you marry me? Will you make this inn your home? Will you let me love you for the rest of my life?”
The ballroom was completely silent. Two hundred people held their breath.
Holly looked down at this man who had become everything to her. This man who had shown her what real love looked like. Who had welcomed her and her family with open arms. Who had fought alongside her to save something precious.
“Yes,” Holly said, her voice breaking with emotion. “Yes, Jack. A thousand times yes.”
Jack’s face broke into the most beautiful smile Holly had ever seen. He stood, slipping the ring onto her finger with trembling hands, and then he pulled her into his arms.
And beneath the Mistletoe Arch, in front of their family and friends and the entire town of Anastasia Island, Jack Christmas kissed Holly Bennett.
The ballroom erupted in cheers and applause. The band struck up a joyful tune. People were laughing and crying and clapping.
But Holly barely heard any of it. All she could focus on was Jack, his arms around her, his lips on hers, his heart beating against her chest.
When they finally pulled apart, both breathless and laughing, Holly looked around at all the faces she’d come to love. Charlie and Trinity were crying happy tears. Gabe had hisarms around Jane, both of them beaming. Julie was dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief while William patted her shoulder. Christopher and Isabella were grinning. Maddy was jumping up and down with excitement.
“So that’s why everyone was acting so weird today,” Holly said, laughing through her tears.
“Guilty,” Jack admitted. “The whole family was in on it.”
“The Mistletoe Arch,” Holly said, looking up at it. “That’s what I saw being brought in today.”
“Gabe dropped his crutch on purpose to distract you,” Jack confessed. “Trinity was supposed to keep you busy with those balloons.”
“And the canceled run this morning?”
“I was too nervous to run,” Jack admitted. “I was afraid I’d spill the whole plan.”
Holly laughed and pulled him close again. “I love you, Jack Christmas.”
“I love you too, Holly Bennett,” Jack said. “Soon to be Holly Christmas.”
“Holly Christmas,” Holly repeated, testing how it sounded. “I like it.”
Around them, other couples had joined them on the dance floor. The celebration continued, joyful and warm and perfect.
JULIE
Julie and William spun around the dance floor. Her heart was full of the joy and love that exploded around them.
“I do believe that all the wishes were granted,” Julie said with a huge grin.
“I believe you’re right, my dear Julie,” William said, his eyes sweeping the room. “And I can actually feel it now... the magic that makes this place more than just an inn. It’s in every laugh, every tear, every moment of love shared within these walls. The Christmas Inn doesn’t just give people a place to stay. It gives them a place to belong.”
“I knew you’d understand eventually, William, dear,” Julie smiled up at him. “Thank you for taking care of Jane like you did.”
“Your family is my family, Julie,” William told her. “I will always look out for all of you.”
Outside the window, the wind picked up, swirling the sea breeze through the evening air. From the corner of her eye, Julie caught movement. Four figures stood at the window, looking in at the celebration. Her breath caught as she recognized them. James, her beloved husband. Richard Sullivan, watching his granddaughter with pride. Darren, his eyes shining with love, as was the young lady Julie knew was Abi, standing beside him.
Julie’s heart swelled as each figure turned to smile at her, their faces filled with peace and joy. Then, as gently as they’d appeared, they faded into the ocean breeze, their blessing given, their vigil complete.
Julie blinked back tears and held William closer.
“They’re at peace,” she whispered.
And the Christmas Inn magic lived on in all those who walked through the door.
THE END
