Chapter 23

23

A lyssa sunk further into Denise’s embrace on the couch, savoring the warmth radiating through her back. The Christmas tree lights cast a soft, magical glow across the living room, their gentle twinkle reflecting off the antique ornaments they’d hung together. The scent of pine mingled with chocolate from their abandoned mugs on the coffee table.

Her fingers traced lazy patterns along Denise’s arm wrapped around her waist. The television hummed in the background, but Alyssa’s attention drifted to how perfectly their bodies fit together, how natural it felt to share this quiet moment.

Almost two months ago, she’d stood in this same room facing down a cold, distant Hollywood actress who’d wanted nothing more than to sell her childhood home. The memory of that first confrontation felt like a lifetime ago. Now, that same woman pressed a tender kiss to her temple, her touch so gentle it made Alyssa’s heart ache.

Through the window, snow fell silently over the tree farm - their tree farm. The same land that had once threatened to tear them apart had now brought them together.

Alyssa smiled at the thought of future Christmases, of building new traditions while honoring old ones.

Denise shifted behind her. “Want me to put on a movie?”

Alyssa twisted to look up at her. “That depends. What kind of movie did you have in mind?”

“I was thinking about a classic.”

Alyssa tilted her head to catch Denise’s eyes. “What’s your definition of a classic? Because if it’s one of your own movies…”

“Ouch.” Denise’s chest vibrated with laughter against Alyssa’s back. “I’m not that old. Plus, I would never make you watch one of my movies.”

“I’m just kidding. And I’ve already seen all of your movies.” Alyssa tried to hide her smirk. “So, what classic did you have in mind?”

Denise thought about it for a second. “How about White Christmas?”

Alyssa’s smile widened. “Sure.”

“I’ve got it,” Denise murmured, reaching over to snag the remote from the coffee table. With a few clicks, the familiar strains of the opening credits filled the room. Alyssa settled back against Denise, feeling a contentment she hadn’t realized she craved until this moment.

As Bing Crosby’s voice crooned through the farmhouse, Alyssa felt a sense of nostalgia wash over her. The movie reminded her of the first Christmas she’d spent with Wayne, after she’d told him that she couldn’t go home for Christmas and he insisted that she come here. She glanced up at Denise, who seemed just as absorbed in the film.

“Did you watch this growing up?” Alyssa asked softly, although she thought she knew the answer.

Denise nodded slowly, her gaze fixed on the screen. “Every year. My dad loved it.” Her voice softened. “We’d sit by the fire and watch it together.”

They fell into a comfortable silence as the movie played on. The snow continued to fall outside. Inside, they were wrapped in warmth and each other’s presence, their future no longer uncertain but filled with promise.

Alyssa closed her eyes for a moment. The weight of the past weeks lifted off her shoulders, replaced by a lightness she hadn’t felt in years.

Denise’s hand found hers under the blanket, their fingers intertwining naturally. Alyssa squeezed gently, feeling Denise respond in kind.

This farmhouse had always felt like home, ever since that first Christmas when Wayne had welcomed her. Back then, she had nowhere else to go, and he’d given her not just shelter, but a job and support when she’d needed it most.

Now, wrapped in his daughter’s arms, watching the same movie Wayne had loved so much, the sense of belonging filled her completely.

The familiar scenes played across the television screen, but Alyssa’s thoughts drifted to Wayne. Her fingers tightened around Denise’s hand as a wave of gratitude washed over her. That first Christmas, standing in his office with trembling hands, she’d confessed that she couldn’t go home - that her parents wanted nothing to do with their gay daughter.

Wayne’s response had changed her life, but the irony wasn’t lost on her.

This was the same man who’d pushed his own daughter away for the same reason. But he’d learned from his mistake, grown into someone who could offer the acceptance to her that he’d failed to give his own daughter.

Alyssa wished he was here now, and that he could see how happy they both were, but that never would have happened.

His will was what had brought them together.

This moment existed because he wasn’t here. The thought brought tears to her eyes. She wished he could see how happy Denise was, how his daughter had finally found her way back home.

All those hours she’d spent worrying about losing the farm seemed like a distant memory now. Instead of an ending, Wayne’s passing had brought her an unexpected beginning.

His final gift wasn’t just the tree farm or the house - it was this chance at happiness with Denise.

Her gaze wandered to the window where snowflakes danced in the glow of the porch light. Come spring, they’d plant new saplings together. In summer, they’d trim and shape the growing trees. Fall would bring the preparations for another Christmas season. And next winter, they’d create new memories in this farmhouse that held so much history for them both.

The tree farm would continue to be what Wayne had always meant it to be - a place where Christmas magic lived year-round, where families came to find their perfect tree, and where children’s eyes lit up with wonder.

Only now, she wouldn’t be carrying on that legacy alone.

Alyssa smiled, feeling the gentle pressure of Denise’s arms around her.

Here, in this moment, everything felt right.

This was home.