Epilogue
Maggie – One Year Later
It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year. A year since everything changed. A year since Jonah and I found our way to each other, after all the confusion, the hurt, and the misunderstandings. Now, here we are living together in a penthouse apartment in New York City, a place that feels like home more than any other I’ve ever had.
The Pandemonium Pixies are in the middle of recording our Christmas album, and I’m still pinching myself that I’ve been cast in a Broadway musical that will open next year. It’s the kind of dream I’ve had since I was a little girl and I’m finally living it. Jonah, on the other hand, left his old band behind to start something new and they are finishing their first album. They’ll be touring next summer, and while I know the road ahead is going to be busy, I’m not worried. Not at all. There’s nothing we can’t do together.
The apartment is cozy and festive. I’m so excited about this holiday. The Christmas tree is up, twinkling with lights and ornaments, and the whole place smells like cinnamon and pine. The stockings are hung by the fire and mistletoe is strung up in every doorway. We’re expecting family to arrive in less than an hour, and I can’t wait to host the holiday for the first time in our new home. I’ve created a room just for the kiddos, complete with toys, books, and a little nap area for when they need a break from all the excitement.
I’ve never wanted kids of my own—not because I don’t love them, but because I’ve always felt that my heart belongs to other things. Jonah agrees, wholeheartedly. But my nieces and nephew? They’re a different story. The little ones are absolutely spoiled rotten and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Watching Jonah interact with them makes my heart swell. He’s the most amazing uncle, and it makes me fall in love with him all over again.
I’m standing in the living room, double-checking everything, making sure everything’s perfect. Or at least as perfect as it can be when you’re hosting a big family Christmas. Jonah walks in, his smile warm and comforting. He’s wearing a sweater that fits him perfectly, the sleeves rolled up just above his elbows. The sight of him makes me feel all soft inside.
He stops in front of me, looking up at the mistletoe hanging above our heads. “Maggie,” he says, his voice full of mischief. He leans down to press a kiss to my lips, soft and sweet, lingering for a moment longer than necessary. “Relax,” he murmurs against my mouth. “Everything is perfect. And even if it wasn’t, no one would care.”
I smile, pulling away slightly. “Easy for you to say. I’ve got a million things to do.”
“You’ve done enough already,” he teases, reaching out to brush a stray strand of hair behind my ear. “Everything looks great. You’ve outdone yourself.”
I roll my eyes. “I wanted this to be perfect. You know how important family is to me.”
“I know,” he says, his voice softening. “And it is perfect. Look at this place, Maggie. Look at us.” His hand touches my cheek gently, and I can see the love in his eyes. “We’ve come a long way.”
Before I can respond, the doorbell rings, and I hear the sound of voices echoing in the hallway. Rosie, Phoebe, Alex, and Logan are here. And, of course, the kids are already running around, trying to get in first.
The moment the door opens, chaos ensues. Phoebe swoops down to pick up the twins who refuse to be carried anymore. I hear Alex in the background teasing Rosie about her baby bump knocking down one of the toddlers. Logan and Jonah start up some friendly banter, and it feels so familiar, so right. The laughter fills the air, and for a moment, everything feels like it’s exactly where it’s supposed to be.
Jonah laughs at something Alex says, then looks back at me. “Told you,” he says, grinning. “No one cares if it’s perfect. They’re just happy to be here.”
I smile, watching everyone spill into the living room. “I know. I just wanted to make it special.”
“Well, it is,” he assures me. “You’ve made it perfect. This is everything we’ve worked for. Family. Love. Us.”
And as everyone gathers around the tree, the kids running wild and the adults catching up, I realize that he’s right. This is perfect. Not because of the decorations or the presents, but because we’re all here, together. And with Jonah by my side, I know that no matter how busy life gets, we’ll always have each other.
***
Jonah
The night is winding down and I can’t help but smile as I feel Maggie leaning into me. The sound of laughter and chatter still echoes in my mind, even though the house has quieted now. The kids had a blast tearing through their presents, and the whole evening felt like a dream. The way Maggie’s eyes lit up when her sisters and their families were around, the way we all just clicked—it’s always magic when the Stone sisters get together. And tonight? Tonight was something else.
The tree lights flicker softly in the dim light, casting a warm glow over us. Maggie and I are nestled together in an oversized chair, both of us wrapped up in the quiet after the chaos of the evening. She’s resting against my chest, her head tucked under my chin, her body warm and relaxed in my arms.
“This is my favorite Christmas ever,” she says softly, her voice dreamy, as if she’s still savoring the moments of the night. I can hear the sincerity in her words, and something tugs at my heart. “Better than last Christmas?”
She looks up at me with that smile, the one that always makes my chest tighten, always makes me feel like I’m home. “Maybe,” she says with a little laugh like she’s unsure of how to compare the two. But I know the truth.
She’s right. This one is different, special in a way I can’t quite explain. But I know what will make this Christmas unforgettable. And, damn, I’m ready to make it the best one yet.
I reach under the cushion, feeling the small box hidden there. My pulse quickens as I pull it out, the velvet texture of the box fitting perfectly in my hand. I turn Maggie toward me, my fingers brushing her cheek as I move her gently to straddle my thighs. I know I’m supposed to get down on one knee, the way it’s traditionally done, but I don’t want to. I’d rather be face to face with her, looking into those gorgeous green eyes of hers that make everything feel so right. There’s nothing I love more than seeing my future reflected in them.
“Jonah?” she asks, a little unsure but curious, her gaze flickering from my face to the box in my hands.
I don’t answer right away, just trace a soft line along her jaw. My heart is pounding with the weight of this moment and the importance of what I’m about to do.
“Maggie,” I whisper, my voice thick with emotion, “when I look into your eyes, I see forever. I want that with you.” My hands are trembling, but it’s not from nerves.
I open the box and there it is. A delicate, perfect ring, one that will fit her hand just right, a symbol of everything I want with her.
“Will you spend forever with me, Maggie?”
Her breath catches in her throat, and I see the way her eyes start to shimmer, how the tears threaten to spill over. It’s like time stands still for a moment, just the two of us, surrounded by Christmas lights and the echo of family laughter from hours ago. Her lips part, and she reaches for my face, cupping it gently.
“Yes,” she whispers, her voice thick with emotion. “Yes, Jonah. Forever.”
I slip the ring on her finger, feeling the weight of the moment. Then, with one hand still cupping her face, I lean in and kiss her—slow, deep, and full of everything I’ve ever wanted to say. Every promise, every dream, every moment we’ve shared. It’s all there in that kiss.
When we finally pull away, we’re both breathing heavily, smiles breaking across our faces.
“I love you,” she whispers, her voice trembling slightly.
“I love you,” I reply, my voice thick with emotion. “Always.”
And as we sit there, the world outside our little bubble fading into the background, I know this is the beginning of our forever. We’ve already created so many beautiful memories together, but this? This is just the start. With Maggie by my side, I know there’s nothing we can’t face, nothing we can’t do.
She’s my heart, my home, and my everything.