Epilogue

EPILOGUE

HOLLY

One Month Later

M e: I’m not saying I miss Christmas , I text, spinning around in my office chair.

Asher: Why all this talk of gifts, then, Snowflake?

Me: Do you think you should think of a new nickname now? It’s no longer snowing?

Asher: It’s only January. We’ve still got time. Anyway, it’s about how unique you are, not the weather. Duh.

Me: Duh? I laugh. Did the notorious Grinch, Scrooge, and buzzkill all rolled into one text the word “duh”?

Asher: See what you’re doing to me, wife-to-be. So, are you going to tell me why you’re suddenly talking about gifts?

Me: I may or may not have left one in your top drawer.

Asher: More pranks? Please, let it be some of that lacy red underwear you wore last night. I lost it when I walked in and saw you in that. I love how confident you’ve become. I need to stop thinking about it, though. It’s going to be challenging to focus on this meeting. I’ll talk soon. I love you.

Me: I love you too, I reply.

I return to my video editing, counting the seconds until Asher finds my gift.

This month has been the best ever. Christmas was a dream. Brianna, Mom, Dad, Dan, Asher, and I all had dinner together and exchanged gifts. His viral video exploded even more, drawing attention to the company. Some of it was “scandal this” and “scandal that,” but mostly, the old adage “ there’s no such thing as bad press” rang true.

After being heavily fined, Derek left the city to return to his hometown. We haven’t heard from him.

Life is perfect.

Now, this. The next chapter.

Finally, he texts back.

Asher: Is this what I think it is?

Me: I think we conceived our baby on Christmas day, I reply. That’s what I’m choosing to believe, anyway.

A minute later, my office door bursts open. Asher rushes around the desk and sweeps me to my feet.

“I love you,” he says, stroking his hand over my belly, “and I love our precious Christmas gift.”