“And what?”
“You’re going to have to get a Christmas tree.Then we can sit by the glow of the tree lights and watch the puppy play.”
He nodded.“I’m totally onboard with that idea, but can we just enjoy this Christmas first?”
“Absolutely.”She lifted up on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his.
Epilogue
New Year’s Eve
“Justin,wherearewegoing?”
Felicity snuggled deeper into her coat.She had no idea why he’d brought her to the park.They were supposed to be on their way to his brother Michael’s place for a New Year’s Eve party.
So, wearing a little red dress, heels, and a long winter coat, she was thankful that someone had taken the time to clear the sidewalks at the park.They appeared to be headed in the direction of the waterfall.With it being dark out, it was an odd time to visit the park.
At least, they’d left Sunny at home.Lucky dog.Felicity wished she was at home with her.
“Justin, it’s so cold out here.And we’re going to be late for the party.”
He had ahold of her gloved hand and pulled her along.“We won’t be long.I promise.But this is the best spot to see the fireworks.”
“Fireworks?But it’s not even close to midnight.”
Every year the town put off a few fireworks to celebrate the New Year.In the past, she’d always watched them from either the front porch of her parents’ home or from her bedroom window.She’d certainly never tramped around the park in the snow to watch them.
What had gotten into Justin?Why was he making such a big deal of this?She supposed because it was their first New Year’s together.And they were definitely together.
Now that she’d gotten past her fear of loving him—she didn’t know it was possible to love someone this much.He was her first thought in the morning when she would awaken with a smile on her face.And he was her last thought at night when she was thankful for having a second chance to make things work with him.And their relationship was definitely working really well.
His grip on her hand was firm as they made their way ever closer to the waterfall.She noticed the sidewalks were freshly shoveled.It had been snowing all afternoon and into the evening.That meant someone must have shoveled them recently.But who would do that?And why?
She glanced around.They were the only ones silly enough to be out on this frigid evening.At least the snow had stopped.When she glanced upward, she noticed the clouds were parting, and the inky black sky with bright twinkling stars could be seen.She liked to think her father was up there somewhere, watching over them.
At last, they reached the falls and stopped walking.Justin stopped and turned to her.“Thanks for indulging me.”
“Uh.Sure.But you’re going to owe me hot chocolate after this.”
He grinned.“Not a problem.”
She glanced at the falls as the colored spotlights reflected off the water.It was so beautiful.There was no place like home.She was so glad she’d decided to move back to Kringle Falls.
Even though she was still in the process of setting up her online business, she already had two potential clients.She was doing a sample of pages for each of them to see if they liked her work before they signed on to have her do their entire manuscripts.
Now that she could make her own hours, she no longer let her work dictate her life.Instead, her life was the focus—and that included lots of time for Justin, Sunny, and her mother.She learned that working in the city was fun for a period, but it didn’t fulfill her.In the end, it had drained her of her enthusiasm and dreams.But being back with her family and friends filled her heart until it was overflowing.
And Merry Kringle was so impressed with the costumes for the Christmas play that she had offered Felicity the position for both the elementary and senior high.Felicity had happily accepted the unofficial and unpaid position of costume supervisor.
“I wish the holidays weren’t ending already,” she said.
“But just think, Valentines isn’t far off.”
“I suppose.But it’s just been such an amazing holiday.I never want it to end.”
“Maybe this will help.”He got down on one knee.
Felicity gasped.Is he going to propose?
