“I was mad at myself,” I say as I look up into his eyes. “I knew Nathan and I weren't going anywhere. I was actually going over there to end it when I walked in on him.” I shake my head, still hating the memory. “Then I saw you, and my first thought was that I would fall so hard I’d never recover. My head got the best of me, and I started thinking about how I would feel if I walked in on you and—” He covers my mouth with his before I can say the words.
“It will never happen,” he vows.
“I know.” I kiss him softly now as his hands rest on my neck. “This is forever.”
“The first time I saw you all the air left my body and the whole world went quiet,” he says as he brushes his thumb over my bottom lip. “There was only you and me, and that instant pull scared me. I’ve never been in love, and I didn't grow up in a home where there was love.”
“Frost.” I rest my hands on his chest.
“No more chasing, kiska,” he says, and I nod. “I love you. I want this.”
I never want him to doubt that I love him, and that I’m his in all ways. I’ll spend the rest of my life making up for the love he was missing, and I know my family will too.
He leans down and kisses me as his hands go to my hips. He lifts me from the chair and carries me into the living room, where it looks like Christmas exploded.
“Frost!” I squeal with excitement, but I shouldn't be shocked. The Christmas tree is the most beautiful I’ve ever seen, and all of it is perfect. Frost put all of this together just for me, and I feel like the most special girl on the planet.
“Think about all the Christmases to come. We will do it bigger with little ones.” He nods as if he’s thinking about it. “We can decorate together and make cookies for Santa.”
My eyes fill with tears at how wonderful that sounds, and when I turn around to kiss him, I see him dropping to one knee. I’m a mess before he can say anything. I burst into tears and fall to my knees in front of him so I can kiss his face. He pulls me into him and rolls us over so he’s pinning me to the floor. It’s a mad dash to get naked as clothes start to fly and then he’s inside of me.
He’s hard and heavy as the frantic need hits both of us, yet there’s always tender love in his eyes. When I climax it’s like Christmas lights bursting while being surrounded by presents. I can’t think of a better way to get proposed to.
We lie on the floor together for a long moment after, and I run my fingers through his hair. “Give me your hand, Cookie.”
He slides the giant teardrop diamond onto my finger, and I stare at it in shock. “It’s beautiful,” I manage to say as I look into his eyes. “It’s so big.”
“Unmissable,” he agrees, kissing me.
I like having his mark on me, because as much I belong to him, he belongs to me.
“Here we go again,” I giggle as he trails kisses down my neck. We’re never going to make it over to Pumpkin’s. She’s hosting Christmas this year, and she and Mom talked about switching it up between them. I want in on that.
“What are you guys doing in there?” I hear my sister bang on the front door.
Frost and I lift our heads but make no move to get up.
“None of you can answer phones? It’s Christmas out here!” she shouts, and then I burst into laughter.
“We’re coming!” I shout back.
I laugh harder, realizing what I just said, and I can hear my sister laughing too.
“Hurry up. If you aren't over here in ten I’ll be back,” she threatens, and then Frost helps me get up.
We both know she’s not messing around, but I can’t stop smiling. He brushes my hair out of my face and looks at me with so much love.
“Thank you, kiska. Not only do I get you, but your family too.” He hugs me close, and it’s so tender.
“Our family,” I correct.
“With more to come.” His hands rest on my stomach and I love the spark in his eyes.
“With more to come,” I agree.
Christmas Day is perfect, just like I knew it would be. Not only because I’m surrounded by the people I love most, but because I know that this will be our future together every year. When I close my eyes and try to imagine a lifetime of holidays with Frost, my heart swells to the point that I don’t think I can hold all that love inside.