Epilogue

Emma

One Week Later

Strings of bright white lights nestle into the branches of the big pine tree in the center of the barn casting shadows. Aside the lights sit a few ornaments. Some vintage, others new, but all of them nestled peacefully, casting a kaleidoscope of color.

I stare up at Nick who’s dressed the part of Santa. Every Christmas Eve, the tree farm holds a party to celebrate Santa’s arrival, but this year is extra special with the Christmas eclipse and all. I think we’re expecting close to a thousand people.

“You look very handsome, Santa.”

He kisses the tip of my nose. “Not true. Your eyes must be broken.”

“Nope, eyes are completely fine and you’re hot as sin, Santa.”

He grips my waist and pulls me in closer, his gritty voice low in my ear as he says, “I guess you did agree to be my wife, so… your stuck now either way.”

I smile and lean into his chest, breathing in the scent of pine and cinnamon. “Guess that means you’re stuck too.”

“No one would ever feel stuck with you next to them. Trust me.” His eyes draw over my frame, and without speaking, he makes me feel like a prize. He’s done this daily since I moved in, like he’s committing to memory the look on my face every time I say something. I can’t fully fathom yet what this man does to me, but I know whatever it is, I can’t undo it. No man will ever compare to Nick ever again.

When Nick asked me to marry him as we discussed the modifications needed to the country store, it was like a choir of angels sang only for us. I’ll never forget that moment for as long as I live. He was so excited that the words came out faster than I’ve ever heard him say anything before. I can’t wait to see every nuanced surprise of this man as we raise our future family.

“You guys okay?” Sam, Nick’s brother, meets us by the tree with an axe slung over his shoulder. Having Sam or any of Nick’s brothers pop in here and there is something I’m going to have to get used to. I’ve never had people like Sam’s brothers in my life but they’re amazing.

“Yeah,” Nick tucks his hand into mine as we turn toward the man in plaid who seems to be warming up to me, “what’s up?”

“Saw you two standing here and wondered what was going on.”

“Just enjoying the calm before the storm, I guess. You ready for this party?”

Sam scrubs his calloused hand down over his beard. “No. I should’ve listened to you about this date for hire thing. I think it’s going to be a train wreck.”

“Why’s that?” Nick brushes his thumb against the back of my hand as he talks.

“For one, I’ve got to pick this girl up in the Springs in two hours, get to know her well enough that we don’t look like fools, and get back to the eclipse party on the busiest night of the year. Is that enough or do you need more?”

“Nah,” Nick laughs. “That’s enough.”

“Oh, I almost forgot the part where she’s refused to video chat, and her texts have consisted of anxiety over the elevation change.” He shakes his head. “I don’t know, just wondering if this was such a great idea.”

“Hey, whatever kind of idea it is, it’ll be over soon, right?” Nick pats his brother on the back. “We’ll hold things down here while you’re playing gigolo. Don’t you worry.”

Sam glares at Nick, whose face has taken to a cheshire grin. As an only child, I’m not sure I’ll ever understand the relationships between siblings, but this one is especially odd. Sam and Nick are close, but they don’t hold back with their opinions. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing yet. I guess they’re happy with it so it can’t be too terrible.

“I’ll catch you in a bit,” Sam groans turning away from us. “Don’t be a pain in the ass tonight, or Santa won’t leave you any presents.”

Nick laughs. “I’m Santa, so I guess you’re the one that needs to behave.”

I’m not sure Sam hears him. Either way, he doesn’t reply. He stalks away like an angry giant about to do something we all know he’s going to regret.

“Does he need the money that badly?” My hand is still in Nick’s, holding him close.

“Who knows? If I’m being honest, I think he’s bored, and this is a good excuse to entertain himself for a while.”

My eyes widen. “Well, maybe she’ll be nice and the quest for entertainment will turn into something more. It did for you.”

He grips my waist and pulls me into his orbit. “Sure did, and now I get every Christmas with the best cookie baker in town.”

I bite back a smile and tip up onto my toes, burying a thankful kiss against his beard.

I’m not sure what I ever did to deserve a man like Nick, but I’m grateful to whoever wrote our little Christmas story.

Hallmark or not, we’re meant to be.

THANK YOU FOR READING.

READ SAM’S STORY HERE.