Surprisingly, she took me up on it. “That would be perfect, actually.”
“You sure you’re okay with this?” Enrick asked later.
“I’m secure enough in us to handle your ex-best-friend living in my old house,” I told him. And I meant it.
In September, just as the critical phase of Enrick’s waterfront project wrapped up, we got married in a large ceremony. Cassidy, Gina, and my high school best friend Zora were my bridesmaids, while Maverick, Mycah, and Jake stood with Enrick.
The biggest shock came when I spotted my parents and siblings sitting quietly in the back row of the church. Enrick encourage me to invite them on the off chance they came and they did. They didn’t stay for the reception, but their presence was gift enough.
Bella and Isa stole the show as flower girls, of course. “This is even better than last year when Mommy got stuck,” Bella announced to everyone during the reception.
And now, it’s Christmas again. Our first in our own home. The lake is frozen solid outside, visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows that remind me of the Hughes mansion but on a more intimate scale. We have our own massive tree that touches the ceiling, decorated with ornaments Bella insisted we choose “as a family.”
Enrick comes up behind me as I’m arranging presents under the tree, wrapping his arms around my waist and pressing a kiss to my neck. “What are you thinking about, Mrs. Hughes?”
“About how much has changed in a year.” I turn in his arms. “Last Christmas I was terrified of being stuck with you.”
“And now?”
“I never want to be anywhere else.”
“I’m glad you got stuck in that storm.” His hands slide lower, cupping my ass. “Best Christmas gift I ever got.”
“The gift that keeps on giving,” I tease, pressing against him.
“Speaking of gifts...” He nods toward the tree where one small package sits apart from the others. “That one’s special.”
“Am I allowed to open one early?” I raise an eyebrow.
“This one, yes.”
I unwrap it carefully, revealing a small box containing what looks like a car key fob.
“What’s this?” I ask, confused.
Enrick takes my hand and leads me to the window overlooking the driveway. There, sitting with a giant red bow on top, is a white Olympus Nyx—the same model as my beloved but battered car I left behind in Atlanta.
“You always said your car was a hooptie compared to everything in Winter Bay,” he explains, wrapping his arms around me from behind. “But I know how much you loved thatcar. So I got you the newest model. All the upgrades and safety features for our family.”
“Enrick...” I’m speechless, staring at the car gleaming in the winter sunlight.
“Look at the license plate,” he urges.
I squint, and laugh when I make it out: SNOSTUK.
“To remember our beginning,” he says softly. “And it’s just the first of many Christmas surprises.”
“Many?” I raise an eyebrow.
“Sixty, to be exact.” His voice drops lower. “One special gift every Christmas for the next sixty years.”
I laugh. “Pretty confident about our longevity.”
“Absolutely.” He pulls me closer. “I’m never letting you go, sweetness.”
“Good.” I rise on my toes to kiss him. “Because I’m never hiding away again.”
From the kitchen, Bella calls out, “Mommy! Daddy! Can we make hot chocolate now?”
