Chapter 11

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Christmas morning arrived with a gentle snow shower with soft flakes drifting down from a pale, overcast sky, that covered the world in a delicate layer of white. The soft, muted light made everything feel quiet and peaceful, like the world was wrapped in a wintery blanket. I stood in Ethan’s cozy, private living room at the back of the inn, watching as Mae tore into her presents, her laughter filling the space with warmth. Ethan stood beside me, his arm draped over my shoulders, and I leaned into him, my heart full.

“So,” I said, glancing up at him with a teasing grin, “still think Christmas is overrated?”

He looked down at me, his eyes filled with warmth. A soft smile tugged at his lips, and he shook his head. “Not anymore. I think you and your glitter might have changed that.”

I laughed, feeling warmth spread through me as I watched Mae hold up a new stuffed reindeer, her face lighting up with pure delight. This was what I’d been missing all along. Not the glitz and glamour of the New York City, not the high-end projects—but this. The simple, quiet moments of joy, of love, of belonging.

“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice catching. “For letting me bring a little Christmas magic into your life.”

Ethan pressed a soft kiss to my temple, his voice low and full of sincerity. “Thank you for coming into my life with all your glitter, Christmas cheer, and everything I didn’t know I needed.”