The Mistletoe Promise (The Wishing Tree)

Epilogue

EPILOGUE

FRANKIE

One year later

Amanda sinks down onto the sofa with a low groan. “I’m so happy that everyone had a good time.”

“Kitten,” I say as I reach for her feet to give them a rub. She left the house before six this morning and has only returned now and it’s almost nine in the evening. “You go all out for your events, it was only natural that you’d go epically all out for The Christmas Wishing Tree this year, especially when it was your own company that was sponsoring it.”

Eight months ago, Amanda took the plunge and started her own business Blissful Moments Inc. An events business that is thriving, she’s inundated with clients, thanks to her work on the Christmas Wishing Tree last year.

Amanda leans her head back against the sofa, closing her eyes as I massage her tired feet. "I know, but this year felt different. The pressure was on, you know? I couldn't let anyone down."

I nod, understanding her perfectionist tendencies all too well. "And you didn't. The tree was magnificent, the lights were breathtaking, and I saw more than a few teary-eyed people hanging their wishes."

She peeks one eye open, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Really?"

"Really," I affirm. "You created magic, Amanda. Pure magic."

She sighs contentedly, relaxing further into the cushions. "I just hope I can keep this momentum going. The business is doing well, but..."

"But nothing," I interject gently. "You're amazing at what you do. Your passion shows in every event you plan."

“I can’t believe how full the tree was with wishes, I don’t think we had any space left for any more to add,” she tells me with a smile.

I reach into my pocket. “Well, I did get a wish,” I begin as I pull out the ornament that contains my wish. “I thought maybe you could help me fulfill it."

Amanda leans forward, watching me carefully. "Oh? And what wish might that be?"

I hold up the small, glittering ornament. My heart races as I carefully unroll the tiny scroll nestled inside. Amanda watches, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"Well," I say, my voice slightly shaky. God, why the hell am I so nervous? "My wish says I wish that Amanda Jones to be my wife. "

There's a beat of silence. Amanda's eyes widen, her lips parting in surprise. I slide off the couch, lowering myself to one knee before her. From my other pocket, I produce a small velvet box.

"Amanda," I begin, my voice thick with emotion. "You've brought so much joy into my life. I want to spend the rest of my life loving you. Will you marry me?"

Tears well up in Amanda's eyes, spilling over as she nods vigorously. "Yes," she whispers, then louder, "Yes! Of course, yes!"

I slip the ring onto her finger, just before Amanda throws her arms around me, nearly toppling us both onto the floor. I slide my arm around her waist and kiss her, the little ornament with my wish sits on the coffee.

As we break apart, Amanda's eyes are shining with joy and unshed tears. She looks down at the ring on her finger, a delicate band with a sparkling diamond at its center.

"It's beautiful," she breathes, then looks back up at me. "You planned this all along, didn't you?"

I can't help the grin that spreads across my face. "Maybe," I admit. I know that Amanda wouldn't want it to be a huge ordeal, she’s private especially after her life played out in a very public way with her ex and her mom.

Thankfully, both of them have stayed the hell out of our lives. Her mom was cut off from the family, and from what I’ve heard through Jaxon, she gave the baby up for adoption as Aaron vanished and hasn’t returned since. Angie wanted to use the baby as leverage, and she realized that wouldn’t work; so she did the best thing for the baby and gave it up for adoption.

She sits back, her eyes glistening with tears. “I’m so happy,” she breathes. “So very happy. Now, I can tell you my wish that I’m hoping you’ll be happy about.”

I watch as she reaches into the pocket of her dress and pulls out an ornament almost identical to mine and I unravel the small piece of paper and read it.

I wish that our baby will be healthy, happy, and loved .

I stare at the words on the tiny scroll, my mind whirring. My eyes dart from the paper to Amanda's face, which has a huge smile on it. God, she’s so fucking beautiful.

"Amanda." I breathe. "Are you... are we...?" Fuck, I can’t even get the words out properly.

She nods, a huge smile breaking across her face. "I found out last week. I'm pregnant."

For a moment, I'm speechless. Then, a wave of pure happiness washes over me. I pull Amanda into my arms, who’s crying happy tears. "We're having a baby," I whisper, still barely able to believe it.

Amanda's arms tighten around me. "We're having a baby," she confirms, her voice thick with emotion.

I pull back slightly, cupping her face in my hands. "I love you so much," I tell her, my thumb gently wiping away a tear that's escaped down her cheek. "Both of you."

She leans into my touch, her eyes shining. "I love you too. I was so nervous about telling you, but then you proposed and... it just felt right."

"It's perfect," I assure her. "You're perfect. This is... God, Amanda, this is everything I've ever wanted."

“It’s all I have ever wanted too. Thank you, Frankie,” she whispers. “For giving me everything.”

“Merry Christmas, Kitten,” I whisper, knowing that no matter what happens tomorrow, nothing will top today.

She sinks into my body. “Merry Christmas, honey.”

Never did I think I could be this happy, this content. After the shit with Vivian, I didn’t expect to find someone I’d love wholeheartedly, until Amanda. It was fate to be seated on the plane next to her. That was the day my life started again, and now I have everything I could have ever wanted and so much more.

Now I get to have Amanda as my wife and the mother of my child. That’s all the Christmas presents that I need for the next decade.

“Love you, Kitten,” I say, pressing a kiss to her head as I stand with her in my arms. “It’s time to celebrate.”

The sound of her laughter is music to my ears as I carry her toward our bedroom. Her arms wrap around my neck, and she nuzzles into my chest.

"Celebrate, huh?" she murmurs, a teasing lilt in her voice. "And how do you propose we do that?"

I grin down at her as I nudge the bedroom door open with my foot. "Oh, I have a few ideas," I say, my voice low and husky.

As I lay her gently on the bed, Amanda's eyes sparkle with mischief and love. She reaches up, her fingers tracing the line of my jaw. "Care to share those ideas?"

I lean down, my lips barely brushing against hers. "I'd rather show you," I whisper before capturing her mouth in a deep, passionate kiss.