Epilogue
ONE YEAR LATER
Gretchen
I watch from the chair as Gavin and Cooke do a round of rock-paper-scissors to determine who will pass out the gifts.
Gavin wins, of course, and he sets to work with all seriousness.
He's growing up so fast and I'm proud of the young man he's become.
The snow shoveling business he started last year has continued on this year, with three of his friends working with him.
They had business cards printed up, developed a set pricing schedule, and have worked hard to deliver on their promise to their customers.
He's learned a lot from the businessman who fell into our lives unexpectedly and then never left.
Some mornings I'm surprised to roll over and find him next to me. But mostly, I'm just grateful. To have someone I can trust, who understands and cares about what's important. Who wants the same thing I want.
Family. Forever.
“Open this one,” says Gavin, handing me a lightweight box wrapped in paper emblazoned with stars.
I do as he directs, pulling the paper off as he stands beside me.
Inside the box is a smaller one, and when I pull it out, I recognize it's the perfect size for a ring.
My hands start to shake, and I can't move to open it.
Cooke gets down on one knee in front of me and takes the box, opening it for me.
Nestled inside is a ring, but it's not quite like I expected.
It's a diamond, but the cut and the way the light bounces off it, reflecting onto the walls makes me think of one thing.
A snowflake.
“Gretchen, I love you more than I ever thought possible. You and Gavin are my family. You've made me happier than I ever dreamed I could be.”
Tears are rolling down my face, but I don't bother to wipe them away. They don't matter.
“Will you marry me?”
He lifts the ring and holds it out, ready to slide it onto my finger, and waits.
My brother is standing beside me, his smile wide and bright, and I know he helped pick this ring for me.
“Yes. Yes. I absolutely will marry you.”
The ring fits perfectly, the band warm against my skin, and Cooke pulls me into his arms. His lips drop down onto mine for a sweet kiss that still leaves me gasping when we finally part.
The joy in Cooke's eyes makes me think of the first night we met. How far we've both come in such a short time.
How much more waits for us in the future?
Gavin interrupts my thought, throwing his hands up in the air, and then hugging us both.
“Best. Christmas. Ever!”