34. Bonus Epilogue

Bonus Epilogue

Shane

“ B abe! Look at Ralph and Peter! Oh em gee, my ovaries are bursting!”

I laughed and closed the oven, walking into the living area of our new holiday home. “Last I checked you didn't have ovaries.”

“It's a figure of speech! Come here, quick!”

The living room looked like elves had sprinkled magic all over it. And by elves, I meant Eli. It was beautiful and totally Hallmark-worthy. Ralph and Peter sat patiently by the fire… dressed like elves. Because of course Eli put our babies in Elf costumes.

“Ralph is going to kill you in your sleep if you keep dressing him up, sweetheart.”

“No he isn't! He knows he looks handsome, don't you, boy?” To Eli’s credit, Ralph moved and rubbed up against his leg affectionately. Well at least I didn't have to worry about our cat having a vendetta for my boyfriend.

“The photos are going on next year's Christmas cards.”

Oh, yeah, we did cards—totally Eli's idea, but I really struggled to say no to those big blue puppy dog eyes.

“Sure, sweetheart. Peter will have that outfit off before my family gets here.”

He scoffed ruffling our dog's beautiful fur. He somehow managed to find a dog who matched his personality completely. Though Peter didn't have that beautiful golden hair, he had the most stunning blue eyes. Really, I was outnumbered. Those two had me wrapped around their fingers. Well, finger and paw, respectively. Ralph was okay too, I guess.

“No, you won't, will you baby? Your grandparents and aunties need to see you looking cute.”

I rolled my eyes, but it was endearing. Seeing this side of Eli was like a fever dream I never wanted to end.

The sound of car doors had both Eli and Peter bolting for the door, Ralph was smart, choosing instead to run upstairs and away from the commotion. I slowly made my way to quietly watch as my family wrapped Eli up in their arms. He was as much theirs as he was mine—I loved it. Peter bounced at everyone's heels, demanding the same attention, which he received in spades. I was more than happy that the exuberant welcomes were exhausted on those two. I stepped forward to accept my dad’s hug, and he gave me a wink. “Nice set up you got here, son.”

I smiled at Eli, who’d traded places with me and was standing in the snow, beaming as bright as the lights that decorated our house—for the small week we were here.

Everyone huddled into our dining room where Eli played host and I played chef. It was the first time Eli and I had spend Christmas Day together, not just the day after. Waking up to his excited flurry of energy was something I’d be happy to wake up to every year. We ate and talked, the smiles and laughter a free commodity. I was quiet for most of it, nerves eating at me like they had all day. I was glad I had things to keep me busy otherwise I probably would have cracked and ruined his surprise. Once everyone was done with lunch, we made our way to the living room and exchanged gifts. Eli sat on my lap, which normally I wouldn’t mind but his bouncing was causing a very uncomfortable situation.

Then it was our turn. Eli got me hockey memorabilia and some new hoodies—meaning he bought himself new hoodies—but I loved them regardless. Now with the tree empty, everyone was looking at me completely puzzled. I could practically hear Eli wondering if I’d forgotten him

As if I could ever.

I tapped Eli on the thigh, silently asking him to get off me and he did, standing awkwardly as if waiting for me to come back. I went to my dad who slipped me my box. There was no way I could keep a ring in our house—Eli loved moving things around too much.

“Eli…”

Eli looked to me, then to my family.

“I love you more than you could know.” I got down on one knee and watched his hands go to his face and tears well in his eyes and pour over his fingers. I ignored the noises coming from my sisters, my sole focus on my man. “You have always been my shining light, the reason I wake up in the morning smiling, really— you better like smile lines because I will have them in spades thanks to you.”

I took a breath. He wasn't saying anything, just standing in shock looking at me and the box I held in my hands.

“I couldn't imagine my life with anyone else. Having you has been the best year of my life. You are the best pet dad, the best partner I could ever ask for. I really want you to be mine, to be my husband. Will you marry me?”

My heart was beating in my ears so loudly that for a second, I thought he said “no.”

“No, no, no, no!” Okay, that was what he said. I blinked, blindsided by his answer.

“Oh.” We were down to single syllable words and the room was eerily quiet.

“Oh, shit, no—”

“Yeah… you’ve said that a lot now—"

“No!” There he went saying it again. “Shane, babe… shit.”

Then he ran from the room. I looked around to my family as he stormed up the stairs. I was about to get off my knee and find somewhere to cry when his loud footsteps came back down the stairs. He crossed the room and fell to his knees in front of me.

“I had a huge thing planned and now it's gone all out the window. Peter and I have been practicing for months, look!”

He called Peter over and held out the box, which Peter grabbed in his mouth with the utmost care. “Peter hide.” And Peter snuck off. “Shane Jarman, you have been the reason why I have never been alone… minus one time but I’ve forgiven you for that because I’ve finally discovered what happiness is. You opened my eyes to a new world where I could feel things like no other—” He winked at me, and I gave a blubbery laugh. “We do everything together, laugh, smile, cry, and I want to continue, I want to take your name and be part of your family. I want to be your husband, babe. Will you marry me?”

My heart soared and right on cue, Peter sat in front of me, box cradled in his mouth as he’d cradle an egg.

“Hold out your hand, Shane” I did as instructed and Peter dropped the box into my palm, looking to Eli to make sure he got it right. “Good boy, Petey!” He ruffledhis fur and Peter barked with joy. Laughter rang through the room.

“So, what do you say Shane?” Eli asked, bringing me back to the moment.

“I say…fuck yes, sweetheart. I want you to be a Jarman. Although, you’ ll always be my little Mouse.”

He lunged into my arms and I met his mouth, savoring the taste of his lips on mine.

He pulled away, just for a moment, eyes shimmering with happy tears. “Best Christmas ever.”

“I have a feeling they’ll only get better.”

And they would. As long as we had each other,

life would only get better.