Chapter 22
Chapter Twenty-Two
Josy
Watching the snow fall has always been one of my favorite things to do.
There’s something magical about sitting on the windowsill with a steaming cup of hot chocolate in hand, bundled up in soft pajamas, and witnessing the world outside transform into a pristine, quiet wonderland.
The flakes drift down in slow, hypnotic patterns, blanketing everything in sight with a shimmering layer of white.
Here I am, alone on Christmas Eve, soaking in the peaceful beauty outside my window.
Violet and Austin invited me to spend the evening at Austin’s parents' house, but I couldn’t bring myself to go.
Noah invited me to spend the night with his family as well but the thought of dressing up, putting on makeup, and making small talk felt exhausting.
Besides, my clothes have been getting tighter by the day, my growing baby bump making its presence known.
I glance down, resting a hand on my belly.
The gentle curve feels both surreal and comforting, a quiet reminder of the little life growing inside me.
My mom recently sent me some maternity dresses—flowy, soft pieces that pair perfectly with tights.
I can still hear her voice when she handed them to me two weeks ago: “Pregnant women look beautiful in dresses, Jojo.”
I accepted her present and all the attention that she has been giving me. Her excitement when I told her the news was contagious.
Thinking of her, I grab my phone and shoot her a quick text.
Me: How’s the Caribbean treating you?
It doesn’t take long for her to reply.
Mom: It’s been wonderful! We’re relaxing on the beach and drinking margaritas. I just wish you could have come with us, Jojo.
Mom: Have you been sleeping and eating well?
A small smile tugs at my lips. Ever since I told her I was pregnant, she’s been texting me nonstop, checking in, making sure I’m okay.
She’s more attentive than she’s ever been, and honestly, I love it.
Better late than never, right? She is so ready to be a grandma and I love that she’s excited.
I love all the attention that I have been receiving from her.
I missed so much of it when I was growing up, that now I want to bask in all her love.
She had invited me to join her and her husband on their trip to Puerto Rico, but the idea of being a third wheel wasn’t appealing. Plus, I’ve been too busy to think about vacations. Between the pregnancy and overseeing the opening of my new coffee shop, my days have been a whirlwind.
Speaking of the shop, it’s been a dream come true.
Traveling to Sweet Springs every other day to check on it has been exhausting, but worth it.
The café has been an incredible success, far beyond what I imagined when I first started this journey.
The manager I hired is amazing; competent, friendly, and dependable.
Knowing the shop is in good hands gives me hope that I can open another one someday.
I place my phone down on the windowsill, my fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of my mug as I look at my reflection in the glass.
The soft glow of the Christmas lights outside casts a faint shimmer over the snow, their colors twinkling like scattered gems against the white canvas.
My gaze drops to my growing belly, now a gentle curve under the fabric of my pajamas.
My pepper.
The nicknames Noah gave the baby always makes me smile. Now, every time I think about this tiny life growing inside me, it’s a fruit or a veggie.
I rest my hand over the bump, feeling its firmness beneath my palm.
It’s strange how fast things have changed.
Just last week, I could’ve passed for someone who’d indulged in one too many holiday treats.
Now, there’s no mistaking it, I'm carrying a little human.
The thought is both exhilarating and terrifying.
Turning a little I lean back against the cool glass and let out a soft sigh. “Fourteen weeks,” I whisper to the stillness of the room, my breath fogging up the window. I draw a small heart in the condensation, then add a little pepper shape inside. It’s silly, but it makes me laugh softly.
I close my eyes for a moment, letting the warmth of the hot chocolate and the quiet magic of the snowfall calm my restless thoughts.
My mom’s words linger in my mind, her excitement palpable even through the phone.
She’s been so attentive lately, more than I ever remember her being.
It’s like the thought of becoming a grandmother flipped a switch in her.
The corners of my lips tug upward as I recall her packing my fridge with homemade soups and casseroles last week, insisting, “Pregnant women shouldn’t be living on takeout, Jojo!” Who knew my sometimes-distant mom would become so hands-on?
I glance down at my phone again, a small chuckle escaping me.
Her texts are always a mix of nagging and love, but tonight they feel comforting.
It’s nice knowing she’s thinking about me, even from thousands of miles away.
After spending most of my life feeling lonely and abandoned, I’m just grateful that my mom is working so hard to be part of it now.
The snow continues to fall, blanketing the world in a quiet peace. I feel that peace settles inside me, too. I rub small circles over my belly, a tender smile on my lips. “We’re doing okay, aren’t we, pepper?”
The soft sound of my voice fades into the room as I glance back outside, the snowfall mesmerizing me. The world beyond the window feels like a dream, silent and serene, until a sharp knock pierces the tranquility of my house.
I jolt slightly and glance at my phone. It’s almost seven. How have two hours passed so quickly? The thought makes me chuckle softly as I set my mug down and make my way to the door, wondering who could be out in this weather.
When I open it, I’m greeted by the sight of Noah standing on my porch, bundled in a thick black jacket with snow dusting his shoulders.
A beanie covers his gorgeous hair, though a few dark strands peek out, framing his striking brown eyes.
My heart skips a beat at the sight of him, a familiar warmth spreading through me.
“Noah?” I’m not even hiding my smile as I step to the side to let him in. “What are you doing here?”
He stomps the snow off his boots before stepping inside, closing the door behind him with a solid click.
The chill of winter air follows him briefly until it’s replaced by the warmth of the house.
My eyes never leave him as he starts peeling off his layers, first his jacket, then his beanie, revealing a black button-down shirt rolled up to his forearms. It clings perfectly to his broad shoulders and tapers down to dark jeans and his signature black boots.
I try not to stare, but it’s impossible. Every time I see him, my mind betrays me, dragging me back to that day at the coffee shop. The memory of his lips on mine, his hands in my hair, his touch igniting every nerve—yeah, I want a repeat of that. Badly. But I have to contain myself.
Once he hangs his jacket in the coat closet, he turns to me, his gaze sweeping over me like a warm caress.
“You look cute.” His lips curving into that devastatingly charming smile.
Heat rushes to my cheeks at his compliment. “Thanks, but that doesn’t answer my question. What are you doing here?”
He steps closer, his eyes softening in a way that makes my heart flutter.
“I was at my parents’ house with my sister and her family.
Dinner was great, the company was even better, but something felt.
..off. I realized it wasn’t complete because something—or someone—was missing.
” He pauses, holding my gaze. “That someone is you. So I said goodbye to everyone and came here. I didn’t want you to spend tonight or tomorrow alone. So, here I am.”
All I can do is blink as his words sinking in slowly. My walls, the ones I’ve carefully built over the years to protect myself from feeling too much, wobble under the weight of his sincerity.
“Okay. Thanks for coming.” My voice softer than I intended. “But...you know, this hasn’t been the only Christmas I’ve spent alone. In fact, most Christmases are like this for me. I guess I’m used to it by now.”
Noah steps closer, closing the small gap between us.
His presence is steady, grounding, yet there’s a tenderness in his expression that makes me want to cry.
“That’s the thing, sweetheart. From now on, you’re never going to be alone.
” His voice is low, each word laced with conviction. “That’s why I’m here.”
For a moment, the world feels still, as though even the snowfall outside has paused to listen. His words wrap around me like a blanket, chasing away the lingering cold of solitude. I swallow hard, my throat tight with emotion.
“Okay,” I manage, giving Noah a small smile.
He grins, the kind that reaches his eyes, and it’s impossible not to feel lighter in his presence. “So, what have you been up to?” he asks as we start walking toward the kitchen.
My house is big, almost too big for one person.
My grandfather built it for my grandmother, pouring love into every corner of its five bedrooms, three bathrooms, full kitchen, and massive dining and living rooms. When they both passed away, they left it to me.
It’s filled with happy memories, and I cherish it but keeping up with the house is no small task.
Thankfully, June comes once a month to clean.
Without her, it would probably be overtaken by cobwebs and dust.
“Not much,” I say, shrugging. “I was just watching the snow fall from the window.”
“Sounds peaceful,” Noah replies. “You know, my youngest niece, Milly, has this wild fascination with snow. Today, she wanted to eat outside because she made a table out of it.”
I laugh, picturing it. “Did she actually eat outside?”
“Nope. My sister shut that idea down real quick. It’s too cold, and it hasn’t stopped snowing since yesterday. Milly ended up crying at her little snow table, trying to convince us with her puppy eyes. Nice try, but no luck.”
“How old is she now?” I ask, recalling the times I’ve seen his nieces and nephews at the coffee shop when Julia brings them along.
“She’s five going on twenty,” Noah says with a chuckle.
“Was Eva there too?”
“No.” His expression shifting slightly. “She was supposed to come, but she canceled at the last minute. My mom was disappointed, but what can we do? Eva’s always canceling on us.”
“But why?” I frown. “She’s been gone so long. I don’t get why she doesn’t visit more.”
“She’s busy finishing her PhD. She should’ve been done by now, but something happened during her research stage, so she had to push it another year. We’re hoping once she finishes, she’ll come back and spend more time with us.”
“Oh, I hope so too,” I say sincerely. “It’d be nice to see her again. I always made sure to check in on her when she was in high school. She was so sweet.”
“Yeah, she’s good people,” Noah says, his tone softening. Then, shaking off the serious mood, he grins. “Anyway, what do you want to do? Got any board games?”
“Yes,” I say, lighting up. “Adrian left a few here for us to play. Have you ever played Sequence?”
“Of course! That game’s awesome. I’ve played it at Violet’s with Adrian and Austin. Not to sound cocky, but I always win.”
I smirk, unable to resist the challenge. “That’s because you haven’t played against me.”
Noah raises an eyebrow, his grin turning competitive. “Ohhh, so now you’re showing off? Less talking, more playing, sweetheart.”
Laughing, I walk to the cabinet where I keep the board games and grab Sequence. We head to the dining table to set it up.
“Do you want something to drink?” I ask as I start toward the kitchen.
“Just some water, please.”
I grab two bottles of water, along with a pack of crackers, cheese, and ham. When I return, Noah has already set up the board, his focus entirely on arranging the cards and chips.
“You’re going down,” I tease as I set the snacks on the table.
Noah looks up with a gleam in his eye, his smirk equal parts playful and confident. “Sweetheart, I hope you’re ready to lose, because I don’t go easy on anyone.”
“Bring it on.” My grin widening as I sit down.