Epilogue

“ H elena! Papa! Merry Christmas!” I cheer, as I open the door, clutching Bootsie in my arms. As soon as Bootsie recognizes who’s at the door, I place him on the floor as he wanders back over to sofa and curls up into a happy little ball.

“Merry Christmas, dear boy,” Papa says, pulling me into a hug. “Where is my beautiful grandchild?” I don’t know how it’s possible, but Papa looks even younger than he did the last time I saw him. Sage jokingly claims his grandchild has made him feel younger.

Before I can even reply, Papa is rushing by and disappearing further into our house.

Helena, Sage’s mother steps forward and pulls into a quick hug. She’s wearing a red Christmas sweater with ornaments decorating the front, and her hair is pulled into a messy bun.

I kiss her cheek, happy to see her. “I’m so happy you’re here.”

She steps further into the house and hands us several gift bags. “Let’s place these under the tree for later,” she says before studying me for a moment. She reaches for my hand and squeezes it. “You know, I always knew my son would find someone just as beautiful as him.”

I squeeze her hand back. “But does Sage know you felt that way?” I ask, softly.

Helena’s eyes pop wide, a deep blush spreading across her cheeks. I feel guilty for interfering, but I won’t take my words back. My mate has struggled with his appearance long before I came here, and I know a lot of it has to do with wanting to make his mother proud.

I pat her hand and give her a small smile. “You should tell him. My mate deserves praise from everyone in his life.”

Tears spring to her eyes and she pulls me into another hug. “I’m so happy you are my son’s other half. You’re absolutely right. He deserves all praise and positivity in his life. You two are good for each other.”

As she makes her way toward the kitchen to go greet Sage, I place the gift bags under the tree.

“I’m so proud of you, Xavier,” Papa says, leaning against the doorframe, Addison propped on his hip. My daughter giggles as soon as her gaze lands on me. Warmth and happiness fills my chest.

“Thank you, Papa. I hope I can come close to being as amazing a father as you are.”

“You will. You’re an amazing mate and will be an even better parent.”

As if agreeing Addison throws her arms up in the air and cheers as she reaches out for me. Papa places her in my arms and I kiss her temple.

“What’s going on in here?” Sage walks into the room. His whole face softens when he spots me holding our daughter. “There you two are. Addy, honey, grandma wants to say hi.” He walks over to us, and I smile.

This is the perfect moment I’ve been waiting for, I can’t imagine a better one. I snap my fingers right as Sage presses in close. Golden Christmas magic swirls from my fingertips. I can’t do much magic, like other elves, but I’ve been practicing this trick for months.

Sage and Addison’s eyes pop wide and their mouths fall open, looking adorable in their synchronicity. Both of them watch the magical sparks as it travels above our heads.

Suddenly, a gentle pop sound echoes in the room, and a wisp of mistletoe appears overhead. Addison bursts into giggles and Sage gasps. I vaguely hear Helena and Papa clapping behind us.

Sage’s eyes sparkle. “How did you—” He shakes his head, grinning. “You’re always full of surprises, mate.”

He leans in close and I press my lips to his. Helena appears by my side. “Come on, Addy, let grammy give you one of your gifts.”

I chuckle, carefully handing her over.

Sage pulls me in close as soon as my hands are free. This time our kiss is more passionate, and a little more desperate. Even though Sage usually lets me take control, he always leaves me breathless.

“Merry Christmas, love,” I whisper against his lips. “This day couldn’t possibly get any better. I have you, our daughter, and my Papa. Your mother is here, and the four of us are smiling and happy. The house smells like delicious food, and Christmas music is playing in the background. What more can an elf ask for?”

Sage pulls me into another kiss before smiling against my mouth. “What if I told you our family is about to get a little bigger?” He murmurs.

I pull away, my hands gripping my mate’s shoulders. An even bigger smile splits across my face. “Are you—”

“I am.” Sage nods eagerly. “Merry Christmas, mate.”

We smile softly at each other, before I pull him into another lingering kiss. I must be the happiest elf in the world.