Chapter 23

Olivia Bennett

New Year's Eve

S ilver and gold streamers crisscrossed the ceiling, their shimmering ends barely missing our heads when we stood. My normally spooky space felt more alive, transformed by twinkling fairy lights and the warm glow of candles.

“Oli, the place looks amazing,” Derek called from the kitchen, his lean frame leaning against the counter as he mixed drinks. I smiled, watching him hand a glass to Johnathan. Their fingers lingered as they touched, eyes locked in a moment of intimacy that made my chest tighten. I looked away, giving them privacy.

My gaze fell on Aiden—still getting used to calling him that instead of Liam—as he hung the last of the decorations. His muscles flexed beneath his shirt as he stretched to reach the high corner. We had just gotten the name change finalized before Christmas, but we’d still been keeping a low profile.

“Need a hand?” I asked, moving closer.

He grinned, that magnetic charm lighting up his eyes. “I've got it, kitten. But thanks for the offer.” The pet name sent a shiver down my spine. I busied myself with adjusting a nearby vase of glittery twigs, trying to hide the flush creeping up my neck.

“Hard to believe it’s already New Year’s,” I mused, more to myself than anyone else.

Aiden’s arm slipped around my waist, pulling me close. “A lot has changed the past few months,” he murmured, leaving a soft kiss atop my head.

I nodded, thinking of the closed case, his name change, that I planned on putting in my notice at the bureau soon. Start fresh somewhere new. We’d finally found some peace. “For the better,” I added.

The TV blared in the background, the sounds of the Times Square celebration filling the room. Derek and Johnathan had settled on the small love seat, limbs entwined as they whispered and laughed together as Bones lay sprawled out over the back cushions with not a care in the world. Spoiled cat.

A smile curved my lips as I leaned into Aiden’s solid warmth, allowing myself a moment of contentment. He squeezed my hand. “I’ll grab us some drinks before the countdown starts,” he murmured, his lips brushing my ear.

I watched him walk away, admiring the confident set of his shoulders. The TV blared suddenly, pulling my attention. “Two minutes to midnight, folks!” Derek and Johnathan scrambled for the remote, turning up the volume. The glittering ball in Times Square filled the screen.

“This is it!” Derek exclaimed, buzzing with excitement.

Aiden returned, two glasses of Champagne in hand. He settled next to me.

“Here we go!” Johnathan shouted as the countdown began.

“Ten! Nine! Eight!” Derek and Johnathan chanted in unison.

I turned to Aiden. "So, you got any New Year’s resolutions?" I asked, my voice barely audible over the countdown. Aiden’s lips curved into that small grin I loved so much. He set down his glass and stood, offering me his hand.

“Come here,” he said softly, helping me to my feet. My pulse quickened. What was he up to? The countdown continued, Derek and Johnathan’s voices fading into the background.

“Seven! Six! Five!”

Aiden’s eyes locked onto mine, intense and filled with so much love. His throat worked, and I noticed a slight tremor in his usually steady hands.

“I do have one… I want to make you my wife,” he said, his voice almost cracking. Time seemed to slow as Aiden lowered himself to one knee, right there in the middle of our tiny living room. The countdown, the noise, everything else faded away.

Aiden’s eyes grew glassy, a vulnerability I rarely saw in him shining through. “Oli,” he began, his voice wavering slightly. “Will you marry me?” This man, who had been through so much, who had fought his own demons and emerged stronger, was asking me to be his forever.

“Four! Three! Two!”

A happy sob burst from my throat as I nodded frantically. “Yes, yes, yes!” I choked out, tears blurring my vision.

The ball dropped on the TV screen, but I barely noticed. I lunged forward, pulling Aiden into a kiss. His arms wrapped around me, strong and secure, as our lips met with desperate passion. Fireworks exploded outside, their muffled pops echoing the celebration in my heart. Jonathan and Derek cheered as they realized what had just happened but my only focus was pouring every ounce of love and joy into our kiss. My fingers tangled in Aiden’s hair.

We broke apart, both gasping for air. I rested my forehead against his, grinning like an idiot. “I love you,” I whispered, and his lips crashed against mine again. The kiss was electric, sending sparks through my entire body. When we finally broke apart, both breathless, Aiden’s eyes were dark with desire.

“I love you too, kitten,” he murmured, his voice low and husky. That pet name. It ignited something primal within me. I suddenly wanted nothing more than to be alone with him. I flicked my gaze to Derek and Johnathan, wondering how quickly I could politely tell them to get the fuck out.

Aiden caught my look and grinned devilishly. He leaned in close, his breath warm. “Later,” he mouthed, the promise clear in his eyes. I shivered, anticipation coursing through me. Aiden reached out, gently tugging me back down onto the couch beside him. As I sank into his arms, I looked around our cozy apartment, at our friends, at the man I loved.

This life. My life. It hit me then—I never imagined I’d have this. Happiness. Safety. Love.

“You okay?” Aiden whispered, squeezing my hand.

I nodded, blinking back tears. “More than okay,” I replied. “I think… I finally made it.”