An Unexpected Gift (Insta-Spark)

“I’m still processing the fact that I get to have my niece in our life. And that Simon is a great guy.” I lowered my head to hers and kissed her. “All because of you, Holly. Your thoughtfulness and insistence have once again brought an unexpected gift into my life. More family. Every single good memory I have—every moment of joy in my life—is because of you. Every second contains you. Thank you, my Angel.” I kissed her again. “Thank you.”

She blinked away the tears that were forming and smiled. “I just want you to be happy. You deserve it.”

Her love shone in her eyes, and her actions always spoke volumes. She did it all quietly, never asking for anything in return. All she wanted was to be loved, and I made sure she was surrounded by it every day. My love for her was, and always would be, paramount in my life.

“You make me happy. Every damn day.”

She snuggled closer. “You do the same for me.”

“Good.”

Her fingers trailed along my skin. “Did you notice the way Simon watched Amy at the barbeque last week?” she asked.

“Amy? Really?”

“I thought I saw a spark there. They certainly talked a lot. I wondered if maybe that factored into his decision.”

I mulled it over. Amy was a friend of Holly’s who worked at the school. She ran the kindergarten class, and Holly still helped out on occasion. Amy had come to the barbeque last week and I had seen her and Simon talking. I hadn’t thought anything of it, but now that Holly mentioned it, I remembered he had casually asked about her after, when we were cleaning up. Perhaps Holly was right, and his interest was more personal. Amy was a lovely woman—kind, sweet, and a good friend. She might be the right sort of person Simon needed to move on.

“I guess we’ll see.”

She laughed quietly. “I’m going to go have coffee with her and do a little digging.”

I tucked her closer. “My little matchmaker.”

We were quiet as thoughts drifted through my head. I could see the years ahead. Our families blending. Watching Mia and my children growing up together. Spending more time with Simon. He had already expressed an interest in helping coach hockey with me in the winter. We had sat down and figured out the next while as he went back and forth to settle things in Ontario and make the move here. Mia was excited about staying with us and seeing more of Carol and Dan, who had taken on the role of grandparents the same way they had with my kids.

I saw it all. Birthdays, celebrations, holidays—especially Christmas. From what Simon had said, they had never had one at home. He usually took them on a trip since he couldn’t face the holiday on his own. When Holly talked about how we celebrated—especially with three birthdays at the same time—Mia’s eyes grew huge in her face, excitement pouring off her. She’d never seen a real white Christmas, and we always had snow. We’d have to make this year’s festivities especially good. And if Simon found someone to share his life with, all the better. After what he went through, he deserved it.

As if reading my mind, Holly hummed. “You’re thinking about the holidays already, aren’t you?”

I chuckled. “My favorite time of year for so many reasons. It was the start of us. Of this amazing life. Who knew a broken-down car would lead me to you?”

She cupped my face. “It was fate. And we have a whole lifetime together, Evan. We’re still just beginning. Every day is a new adventure.”

I kissed her full lips, grateful for her and all the blessings she had brought into my life. She was right. Each day was a new adventure, and with her by my side, life promised to be filled with them.

“I know, Angel. I know. I look forward to every single one.”

She sighed in happiness. “I love you,” she whispered.

I smiled, pressing my lips to her head.

Those were still my favorite words.

“Love you too, Angel. Always.”