He pulled back and stared into her brown eyes. “For truth?”
She giggled. “I verified it on three different websites and both our phones. Christmas is officially over.”
He picked her up and spun in a circle. “We did it.”
She threw her arms out while he continued to spin. “We did it!”
Releasing his hold, he allowed her to slide down his body and touch her toes to the floor. “Even though I’ve had more Christmases than I can count, I can’t wait to spend every one I have left with you.”
“Aw.” She touched his cheek. “Me too.” She turned in his arms. “Look what was on the counter when I got out here this morning.”
He wrapped his arms around her middle and tucked her against him so he could see over her shoulder. A leather wedding album lay open. The picture in the window on the front was of the two of them kissing in front of the church. She flipped it open, and there were pictures of them building a snowman, counting ballots for the gingerbread contest, sledding, and then him in a sleigh, her in a sleigh, and so many of their ceremony.
“Does it seem real?” she asked, her voice dreamy.
“We’re real. This is real.” He kissed her hair. “My love for you is the most real thing I have.”
She turned and kissed him with a new intensity. He didn’t think she’d been holding back at any time before, but this kiss trumped all the others.
He lifted her onto the counter and ran his hands down her back. She giggled. “This may be my new favorite make-out spot.”
“Me too,” he said as he moved the hoodie aside so he could kiss her shoulder. Her skin was soft against his lips.
“Do you think we’ll ever see them again?” she asked.
Jacob paused. The wedding album felt like a goodbye gift from the magical Christmas family who not only granted his Christmas wish but brought the Spirit of the holiday and the love that fueled it all–back into his life. “I don’t know. Maybe?”
She tucked her hands behind his neck. “If we do, remind me to thank them.” She nipped at his ear.
He groaned. “Enough talking.”
Laughing, she wrapped herself around him and agreed.
Later that week, Jacob scrawled a thank you note to Nick and dropped it in the mail with no other address on the envelope than: North Pole.
He’d lost the card with Nick’s phone number, and his phone had no record of ever calling him. He hoped it got there because he didn’t want Nick to think he’d messed up. He may have granted one Christmas wish too many–and almost imploded Christmas–but he’d given Jacob a true Christmas gift. One that he would cherish his whole life through.
EPILOGUE
1Year Later
Lauren stomped her feet to help keep them warm. “What are you going to ask Santa for this year?” She nudged Collin.
He looked down at his snow boots. “I’m not telling you.”
Lauren exchanged an amused look with Jacob. They’d volunteered to take their nieces and nephews to see Santa so everyone else could have a date night before the holiday rush kicked in.
Elijah, Andrew and Natalie’s oldest child, hung close but seemed to be in his own world too. He and Collin were the best of friends and couldn’t be separated at school. They were in the same first-grade class and tromped around like they owned the playground, even as they watched out for Jenny and Megan. Megan was Elijah’s little sister, and Jenny was their cousin. The girls were in kindergarten.
The family was growing, and Jenny was soon going to be a big sister, so date nights were especially appreciated.
Lauren and Jacob hoped to add to the brood soon, though they were taking their time and enjoying being together–finally.
Lauren had moved back to Moose Hollow. When she’d arrived back at work after the holidays, married–the office exploded with happiness and congratulations. Once they all heard that she’d gone home for Christmas and reunited with her long-lost love, they allowed her to work remotely with just three days a month in the office.
Jacob’s cabinet business boomed. He spent his days happily creating custom pieces that brought joy to homeowners in Moose Hollow and beyond. He redid the kitchen for a famous music producer and his name and reputation spread through the country music world. He had to sign non-disclosures to work with most of his clients and loved every minute of it.
They’d finally gone on a honeymoon in March and a second one in October. With their first anniversary fast approaching, they couldn’t be happier.
