Chapter Twenty-Six #2
“No, Grey, I mean it.” I hold her by the shoulders and make her really look at me.
It’s understood that we’re more family than friends, but she needs to understand how much she means to me.
We never know how much time we have remaining with someone.
I’ve learned that lesson because of Jace.
“You need to know that you make my life better. There have been so many times I wanted to quit or just give up, and you’ve always found a way to make me feel important.
You make me feel brave by the way that you’ve always supported me and acted like my dreams are never out of reach.
Your words have always meant something special to me.
I know you have your own heartache, but I hope my friendship has made your life easier just as you’ve done with mine. ”
Grey wraps me up in a hug so tight I’m nearly unable to breathe. “Thank you, Ivy—for being my friend and showing me what true friendship really means. You know I’ll never forget it. Never could.”
We release each other just as her phone goes off. “That would be my dad. I need to get back to the shop. We’re opening for a few hours for last-minute gifts, and I need to deliver my books! But I love you! I’ll see you tonight!”
She leaves, and it’s just Resin and me. Reaching for my phone, I text Jace that I have good news and get a series of emojis back that make me laugh. Collapsing onto the couch, I breathe out a heartfelt thanks when I feel Resin’s cold nose on my hand.
“Hi, my love bucket.” His trusting eyes stare into my soul, searching me out. I pat the couch and stretch myself out so he can lie on it facing me. He settles in, a position we’ve snuggled in so many times before when I’ve been heartbroken or moving through disappointment. “I love you, Resin.”
He shifts closer as if in response, and I could cry at his innocence.
This dog has loved me when I needed him to with no questions asked.
He’s been there with me through so many tears over the past years.
I wish I could keep him close to my side forever, but even if I can’t, he’ll always be a part of my story, and I’ll have been most of his.
“Thank you, love bucket.” I alternate between petting his face and wiping my tears.
His loving eyes regard me wisely, as if he knows he’s been everything I’ve needed.
“You’ve been there for me through every moment.
And I can’t thank you enough.” I hold on to his front paw as he settles deeper into the cushion.
“Now, I know you already love Jace.” His ears perk up at the mention of the name.
“And Emmy.” Another flick of his ear. “Yes, well, I just need you to know that even though there may be another man in my life, you’ve been the steadiest one I’ve ever had.
Just like I told Grey, I’ll never forget it. ”
He makes a little sound of comfort, the one he uses when he’s happy, a mix between a moan and a contented sigh.
And while our lives may be changing, and we’re adding more love to our duo, there’s nothing like a pet who becomes part of your heart and your life.
So, for Christmas Eve morning, we fall asleep together on the couch for old time’s sake.
∞∞∞
“Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His gospel is peace.”
The words of the famous carol echo off the walls of the stone church on Christmas Eve, the wooden pew I’m standing within packed with my family, Jace, and Emmy.
His family couldn’t fit, so they’re in the row in front of us, including his parents, whom I’ve met for the first time tonight.
For the second time this season, I think of While You Were Sleeping and the scene in the church, except we’re not talking about neighbors or furniture.
Although, funnily enough, Jace is in the furniture business.
He stands beside me, his singing voice strong and deep, my heart full as I listen to him honor the sacred reason for which we’ve all gathered here tonight.
His face is lit by the candles we’re holding, the glow highlighting his features as he closes his eyes.
What a transformation from the Beast of a man he was when I saw him again a few weeks ago.
We may have aged since we first met, but I see more and more glimpses of the man he was.
Now, he’s even better. Because the spark we shared has not only rekindled, but it’s also turned into a flame, and I can only be grateful.
We’ll be heading to the theater soon for another tradition of watching a movie on Christmas Eve night.
For now, as I peek at Jace with Emmy at his side, I choose to focus on the hymns and give a prayer of thanks that, sometimes, the things we fear are gone forever have a way of coming back to us.
And sometimes, they are far better than we could’ve hoped.
When we’re filing through the church door back into the chilly night, my brother stops us. “Listen, Jace,” he says in his stoic way. I’m not sure if that’s a good sign or not.
“Should I leave for this?” My arm wraps through Jace’s arm, hoping my brother isn’t going to say something he’ll regret.
“I’d like you to stay, Ivy.” Freddie shuffles on his feet, the only hint that nervousness or emotions are warring within him.
He gets right to the point. “I’m sorry for how I treated you all those years ago.
I’m sorry I didn’t give you the chance to tell me what happened to your family.
And I’m sorry about your sister. I can’t imagine .
. .” He looks at me and clears his throat.
“You didn’t need my anger. And I feel like I stood in the way of you two when it wasn’t my business. ”
Jace nods, his shoulders softening slightly. We’re on the steps of the church now, with Freddie a few steps below us. He’s still taller than me, but Jace towers over him.
Slowly, Jace extends a hand, and my brother exhales, taking it and clasping it in both of his own. “We both care for Ivy,” Jace says. “Like I told you when we spoke, I respect that you were trying to protect her. Don’t hold on to what you can’t change.”
Freddie nods, his eyes glassy, and releases Jace’s hand. “You’ll be at the theater?” He looks between the two of us, and I nod gratefully. “See you then.”
It’s only when my brother is halfway into the parking lot that I look at Jace in disbelief.
“Wow, all kinds of Christmas miracles are unfolding for us. I mean, think about it. Freddie apologizing. Gladys’ decision to remove you from the calendar next year.
Your family and mine are getting along, not that I doubted it.
The anonymous donor whom I know in my bones was Arthur.
” Snowflakes start to fall from the sky, and I give an incredulous laugh. “And now, snow!”
“Don’t forget the best part of all.” He draws me close, his words meant only for us, the timbre of his voice bringing warmth to my bones.
“And what would that be?” Even though I know the answer, I want to hear him say it.
Jace bends down to kiss my cheek before moving his lips to the shell of my ear. I can already feel the tingles down my spine as he takes a breath and, on an exhale, simply says, “The hope of us.”