CHAPTER FOURTEEN

John

The flames have died out, but embers glow in the fire pit. We haven’t moved from our seats, but Abby rests her head on my shoulder. I snuggle her close so she doesn’t catch a chill with the sun setting. I’ve never been more content in my life, and that has nothing to do with today being Christmas Day.

I’m still in disbelief that I finally admitted how long I’ve had feelings for her and she didn’t run. If anything, her kiss tells me she meant what she said about falling for me. All I can think is Christmas miracles do exist, and I’ve found mine. She’s in my arms.

The moment is cozy, perfect, but we need to talk about something—something practical that can’t be ignored. I clear my throat.

As we watch the embers in the fire pit, neither one of us says anything. The silence is not uncomfortable.

Eventually, the cold gets the best of us. I don’t want her to freeze. “Ready to head in?”

Abby gives a wistful look at the fire pit, then nods. “Yeah.”

We stand, her hand slipping naturally into mine as we walk toward the back door. But just before we step inside, Abby stops.

“John?” she says, almost hesitant.

I turn to face her, the vulnerability in her eyes making my heart pound. “Yes?”

She brushes her lips over mine and pulls back. Her gaze is filled with something I can’t quite name—gratitude, hope, maybe even something more. “Thank you. For today, for being here, for…for caring about me.”

Emotion surges through me, and I wrap my arms around her, holding her close. “Always, Abby. Always.”

She surprises me with another kiss, this one deeper, more insistent, as if answering the questions we didn’t ask. When we finally pull apart, we’re both breathless.

Abby grins. “Now we can go inside.”

In the house, the heat warms me, even though Abby’s kisses started the defrost, and the scent of Christmas dinner makes my stomach grumble. I hold her hand, and as I stare at our fingers clasped together, I can’t believe how much has shifted in less than twenty-four hours. I dreaded spending another lonely Christmas and having to keep my feelings hidden behind my boss-appropriate poker face. Now, I have her by my side, and everything feels right.

Yes, a relationship with a subordinate will be complicated—HR paperwork, awkwardness at the office, and keeping work and personal life separate—but the hope in Abby’s eyes makes whatever we have to face worth it.

My family is gathered in the living room. Some sit on the floor by the Christmas tree. Others stand around. Tommy, one of the younger cousins, keeps eyeing the dining room as if he hasn’t snacked all day long. Grandma catches my eye, giving me a knowing smile that says she’s figured it all out without needing a single explanation.

“There they are.” Grandpa waves us over. “We thought you’d gotten lost. Come on. It’s almost time to eat dinner.”

Abby slips her hand from mine and gives him a mock salute, her lips pulling into a playful smile. “We were enjoying the fire.”

Grandma nudges Grandpa with her elbow. “And making out.”

I shake my head. “Someone was peeking out the window.”

Grandma shrugs. “What can I say? It’s time.”

I glance at Abby, my gaze locking with hers. Grandma is right. Abby is the one. She fits in so naturally, like she’s always been a part of this family. “It is.”

Grandma shimmies her shoulders, appearing decades younger. She’s always been a romantic at heart.

I’m grateful today turned out nothing like I planned but exactly as I hoped. Whatever comes next—more family gatherings, work challenges, or mundane moments over morning coffee—having Abby by my side is more than enough.

She catches me staring, and her mouth quirks. “What are you plotting over there, Mr. Barrington?”

“Just thinking about how I’ve found my partner in crime.”

A teasing grin spreads across her face. “You do know that means you’ll have to help me escape the office if things get weird, right?”

I wrap an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. “Absolutely. I’ve already got the blueprints and everything.”

“Good. Because I’m counting on you.” She leans into me, and I press a kiss to her hair.

We head toward the dining room and sit next to each other at the large table. My family takes their places around us.

My cousins carry in each of the dishes. From the roasted turkey to the savory stuffing, everything smells delicious. I’m aware of her knee brushing against mine under the table. I sneak a glance at her, and she catches me, her lips curling into a smile that makes my chest feel lighter. Uncle Jim is already filling his plate. Grandpa, too. Having everyone together like this isn’t something I’ll take for granted. Not anymore. And with Abby here, it feels even more special.

Grandpa raises his wineglass. “To family and to new beginnings.”

We all lift our glasses. “To family.”

Abby clinks her wineglass against mine, her eyes meeting mine over the rim. The hope in her gaze suggests she’s daring to let herself believe in this—in us. And I’ll do whatever it takes to make her feel this way every single day.

As we eat, conversation flows easily. Abby tells Grandma about Powerfluff and the chaos she caused at the office, and everyone laughs.

Grandpa shakes his head. “That cat sounds like trouble. Maybe she’s the real partner in crime.”

“Oh, absolutely.” Abby giggles. “She’s the mastermind. We’re just her henchmen.”

Grandma’s eyes twinkle. “Seems like you’re in good company, Johnny.”

“Best company.” I squeeze Abby’s hand under the table. “The best company.”