He hurried downstairs and into the kitchen, anxious to see Mitzi after their words of love the night before. He’d almost passed out from holding his breath waiting for her to respond.
Mom sat at the table, showing Billy a family photo album, while Mitzi helped Dad flip cinnamon pancakes. Scents that spoke of holidays gone by filled the air. Apple, maple, cloves, all of them reminded him of the love of hearth and home. His chest expanded. He was home. After a year-long search in some of the most destitute mountain ranges, he was finally back with the people who loved him, and he’d brought the people he loved into the circle.
“Morning, sleeping beauty,” Dad called.
Mitzi checked him over, her gaze turning appreciative. His chest warmed as he remembered their goodnight kiss that had taken half the night.
“But Santa didn’t know we were coming,” Billy said to Mom, cutting into Forest’s thoughts.
“Who says?” Mom argued. “Maybe you should go check under the tree.”
Billy shot off like a cannon. Mitzi handed Dad the spatula and followed.
Forest fell into step behind her, placing his hand on her lower back. She leaned into his touch, and he dropped a kiss to the top of her head. “Morning, gorgeous.”
“Morning, handsome.”
“I could get used to this.” He put his hands on her hips and drew her to a stop, kissing her neck.
She giggled and wrapped her arm up behind his head. “Me too.”
“Mom!” Billy screamed, breaking them apart.
They rushed in and found him in the middle of a mound of presents.
“What in the world?” Mitzi approached.
Billy held one up. “This one’s for you.” He handed it to her.
She checked the tag and found her name. Spinning on Forest, she lifted an eyebrow as she shook the gift.
He raised both of his palms in the air. “It wasn’t me.”
She opened it to find a beautiful cream-colored sweater dress. “I’ve always wanted one of these.” She hugged it to her. She grabbed up the card, flashing it to the side so he could read it too.
Merry Christmas
Love,
The Kringles
“Here’s one for you.” Billy handed a medium-sized box to Forest. “And these are for me.” He started opening gifts. Mitzi set her box aside and went to help him decide which one to open first.
Forest opened his and found a small velvet box and a note that read,I parked the big sleigh behind the barn. Let me know when you get Mitzi and Billy moved in. Robyn will make a pie. ~Ginger
Forest cracked open the small box and found a beautiful engagement ring inside. He snapped it shut before Mitzi could see it and tucked it in his pocket. With a grin toward the fireplace as a thanks to Santa, he jumped into opening presents with Billy. Soon his brothers joined them and his parents.
In the chaos of ripping paper, reading cards, and exchanging hugs, he slipped the ring on Mitzi’s finger and whispered words of forever. She answered with a look and a kiss.
He’d have to thank Snowflake for getting lost last Christmas Eve. In all his travels, he’d never dreamed he’d find the one his heart had been searching for. He was glad he’d gone through the toughest year of his life, because the best things in his life had come out of it.
Epilogue
Natasha Newberry chewed her bottom lip as she stared at the clock. It was noon on Christmas, and she hadn’t opened one gift nor sung one carol. What she did do was join the Zoom meeting with her boss.
“We need someplace fresh for the film. And I don’t want to film in summer with fake snow—I want the real thing,” said the woman on the screen. One of the top directors in the family movie business, Jennifer Oden wouldn’t let them off the call until the details were hashed out.
Natasha bounced her leg—debating. As an underling in the production company, she was only on the call to take notes, not offer suggestions. But she really wanted to get this meeting over with and to join her family so they could open gifts. Being in Hollywood most of the year sucked her soul away. Sheneededsome family time to refill her cup before they started filming the next project.
