We break away for a moment, leaning our foreheads against each other as our baby demands our attention.Meanwhile, Nick smiles at me.
“Merry Christmas, sweetheart,” he whispers.
“And here’s to many more,” I whisper back.With that, the clouds part and a glorious future awaits because this is the best Christmas gift of all ...with my man and my son circled together in love.
EPILOGUE
Ella
Ayear later.
“Okay really, Marty?”I ask in a rueful tone.“Didn’t we just change your bib?”
But my adorable son merely gabbles at me, his cheeks smeared with apple sauce and his bib a complete mess.Marty’s teething and the amount of saliva dripping from this kid at all hours is insane.We go through six or seven bibs per day because my son is a total saliva factory.
But then my pretty blonde babysitter swoops in.
“Oh, I’ll change him,” Rainey says with a little laugh.“Come on, little guy.Let’s go get you a fresh bib!”
Marty squeals as Rainey carries him into the house, and I look at their disappearing figures fondly before leaning back with a grateful sigh.It’s tough being the mom of a two-year-old while also pregnant with my second.Rainey is a lifesaver, and I couldn’t manage the day to day without my babysitter.
Then again, life has completely changed since Nick appeared at our door on Christmas Eve, and I sigh with bliss as I lean back on the deck chair.Our confrontation was difficult but totally worth it because it ended with Nick moving to Minnesota, and then we all moved together into Lakeview Manor.I was bursting with excitement from the first day.
“Oh my god, we’ll have to re-do these window swags,” I said, pointing to the purple velvet drapes in the formal sitting room of the mansion.“And the topiaries in the driveway need to be trimmed, if not re-shaped altogether.I think we could do something a little more triangular, and not oblong.What do you think, Nick?”
My boyfriend merely pulled me in for a kiss that left me breathless.
“If I had to guess, I’d say that you love the house more than me,” he says in a playful tone.“Admit it, Ella.”
“Oh you,” I giggle while swatting at his huge chest.“Of course I love you, and I moved here to be with you and our son.But I adore Lakeview Manor too, and it feels like a dream to finally live here for real.”
After all, Nick has made my dreams come true.I have everything at my disposal, including a housekeeper, driver, chef, and of course, the help of Rainey, our babysitter.I barely have to lift a finger, and feel so relaxed and carefree in my new role.Of course, there’s also the fact that we found out I was pregnant for the second time, which was a total shock.
“Are you sure?”Nick asked, his handsome features going still.“So soon?I know we’ve talked about expanding our family, but I wanted to give you time, Ella.This is definitely unexpected.”
I nodded while smoothing a hand over my soft belly.
“Yes, I know,” I said in a calm tone.“But it’s okay because Iwantanother child with you, Nick.It’s fine.We’re on much more stable footing now, and you’ve been a wonderful father to both Marty and Hollister.I feel like this is the right time to expand our family.”
My words were true too because all of my suspicions about Hadassah were unfounded.She really is an employee at Rocket X, and she and Nick have never been, and never will be in a relationship.The two signed a contract setting forth the terms of the IVF, as well as future custody concerns and financial matters.As a result, IknowHollister was conceived as part of a business arrangement.Plus, it helps that Hollister and Hadassah live thousands of miles away, although Nick video-chats with his son on a regular basis.But it’s fine because I wouldn’t respect my boyfriend if he didn’t.Nick dotes on both of his sons, and as a result, I feel secure bringing his third child into the world.
Speaking of which, my gorgeous boyfriend strides out onto the deck with a box in hand which is tied with a bow.I eye it with a hesitant smile.
“Hey St.Nicholas, if you haven’t noticed, it’s not Christmas right now.You’re in the wrong season.”
My boyfriend merely grins and gets on one knee before me.Oh my god, is he going to...?OMG, OMG!My heart almost bursts out of my chest as my eyes go wide.But when I open the present, it’s a beautiful ruby tennis bracelet and not a diamond ring.I let out a sigh of relief and smile at him.
“It’s a push present,” he explains in a growl.“As a thank you for working so hard to gestate my child and to deliver her when the time comes.Plus, it’s almost Valentine’s so I want you to have something special, Ella.I love you.”
I smile at him.
“I love you too, but does this mean you’re St.Nicholasandalso St.Valentine now?”
My gorgeous boyfriend smirks, showing off the dimple in his cheek.
“And also the Boogieman and the elf from Lucky Charms if you want.”
With that, I dissolve into giggles because my man has such a wonderful sense of humor, and I’m the woman who gets to enjoy it.With that, I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him close for a kiss.Our liplock is as passionate as always, but there’s something on my mind.
