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Cheers erupted around them as fireworks burst overhead, streaks of gold and silver lighting up the sky.

Reece didn’t look up.

He kissed her. Alesha melted into him, her hand gripping his coat as she kissed him back with the same quiet certainty. When he finally pulled back, their foreheads rested together, their breaths mingling in the cold air.

“Happy New Year,” she whispered, lifting her champagne glass.

He smiled, brushing his thumb along her cheek. “Happy New Year.”

There was more he wanted to say—but not here, not over the noise and celebration.

Instead, he nodded toward the sky, and together they watched the rest of the fireworks.

By the time the last burst faded, the crowd shifted, everyone eager to head inside where it was warm.

“Let’s go party!” someone called, and laughter followed as people made their way back up the path toward the lodge.

Inside, the lobby buzzed with energy—a pianist played near the fireplace while guests filtered toward the ballroom, ready to keep the celebration going.

But beside him, Alesha slowed.

“You okay?” he asked.

She turned to him—really looked at him—and whatever she saw seemed to settle something deep inside her.

“I am,” she said softly. “This has been an incredible night… but I don’t know if I want to celebrate with everyone else or just go upstairs and celebrate with you.”

He smiled. “I get that.”

It would be easy to choose the quiet option—but they’d talked about this. However, he didn’t want her to miss anything she might regret later.

“How about one dance,” he suggested, “one drink… and then we head upstairs? You wanted to try the midnight kiss cocktail, and you said you’ve never gone dancing on New Year’s Eve.”

Her face lit up. “That’s right! I did say that.” She laughed. “Okay, one dance, one drink, and then we head up to our room. Let’s go.”

Arm in arm, they joined the crowd in the ballroom.

One dance turned into more. One specialty cocktail and another champagne toast turned into laughter and stolen moments that kept the festive mood going.

Later, as they rode the elevator up to their room, Alesha let out a contented sigh. “You want to know the best part of tonight?” she asked.

He shook his head, watching her.

“It’s knowing this is just the beginning,” she said. “The last time I moved across the country, I was scared. Everything felt uncertain. But now… knowing I get to come back here and already have a life waiting for me?” She smiled softly. “It’s kind of amazing.”

He pulled her closer, his heart full.

“Okay, wait,” she said as the elevator doors opened. “That’s not the best part.”

He laughed, leading her down the hall. “No?”

She turned to him, pressing close, her voice soft against his lips. “It’s this. Knowing I get to end the night with you.”

His hand slid to her waist. “That’s my favorite part too.”

He pulled her into the room, letting the door close behind them, and quietly hung the Do Not Disturb sign on the handle.

epilogue