“What the hell is going on? Not this again!” Skylar raised our wrists, the metal shine reflecting in the snow as she giggled nervously. She looked so damn adorable with her long hair, fluffy hat and jacket, and fur boots. My little snow bunny.
“Skylar, since the moment I met you, I liked you. As the night wore on, I fell in love with you. And in the days following, you stole my heart. And now I’m asking you, will you marry me and stay handcuffed to me for the rest of our lives?”
Tears slipped down her cheeks. “Oh my God, yes, Barrett! Yes!” She fell to her knees, not caring about the snow, as I slid the ring on her finger, and we hugged and kissed, not caring about the handcuffs.
Eventually, we resurfaced for air and allowed Ares to remove the cuffs, Skylar jumping into my arms after. She wrapped her legs around my waist as I spun her around and around.
“Merry Christmas, sweetheart. I love you so much.”
“I love you, too. So much.”
When we stood up and brushed the snow off ourselves, Skylar punched me on the shoulder playfully while laughing. “I’ll have you know, you scared the shit out of me!”
I laughed. “I know. But that’s why I didn’t have him cuff you. I figured you’d be even more pissed.”
“Oh my God, Barrett. You’re so lucky I love you!”
“I know I am. And now I get to be yourhusband.”
“Yes, the word sounds so sexy. Say it again.”
“Yourhusband.” I pulled her close and ran my hands over her waist and hips and down to her ass, squeezing both cheeks. Then I kissed her, softly at first, growing in intensity, as I devoured her.
I’d never get enough of her. Ever.
We went home and spent Christmas Eve in bliss, drinking eggnog, singing Christmas carols, and finally ending with the two of cuddled on the couch with Fefe while watchingHome Alone.
In the morning, I woke up early and cooked us both breakfast. Skylar came downstairs to a full spread of eggs, toast, potatoes, and bacon. We feasted before moving into the living room to open gifts.
We shared gifts for each other and with the cat, Fefe happy to find catnip in her stocking.
When Skylar opened up the laptop, she shrieked and jumped into my arms, the both of us falling backwards as we kissed and hugged.
The next gift I opened?
The same laptop from Skylar.
“I should’ve known you’d get me one too!”
“Of course, babes. After all, we both caused the other one not to get it.”
“That’s right. Itwasboth of us, huh?”
“Yep. But that’s how I want things to always be.Both of us.”
“It will always be the both of us, sweetheart. I promise.” I kissed her lips and sealed my promise to her-she was mine forever.
EPILOGUE
Skylar
One year later
As much asBarrett and I loved the feel of Christmas in Appleridge, this Christmas we were spending in Italy. We still hadn’t set a wedding date, but there wasn’t any rush and the two of us would rather travel and see the world than spend thousands on an extravagant ceremony and reception.
One of my dreams growing up was to see Europe, any part of it really, as European culture always fascinated me. I thought what better a time to go than during the holidays.
So, we planned a two-week vacation in Italy, visiting all the major cities including Rome, Florence, San Marino, and Venice and we joined a tour group with an itinerary and transportation, making the tour easier on us.
