Epilogue
Daniel
Stepping into the offices of Sanders & Sanders—or as Daniel had come to think of it, Santa’s grotto—the day before Christmas Eve was mayhem.
But for the first time in a long time, he was fine with it.
No growls. Just glitter.
The scent hit him first—clove, pine, and the faint trace of peppermint.
Someone had attacked his office with festivity.
Tinsel traced his bookshelf. A plush snow bear sat in the corner chair wearing reading glasses. His assistant had even strung lights across the filing cabinet.
But what stopped him mid-step was the greeting card on his desk—centered, intentional. Burgundy ink. Silver foil.
The front read:
“To the Alpha Who Finally Let Go.”
Daniel should’ve snarled and swept the card off his desk.
Instead… he smiled.
Not the tight kind that passed for politeness in court—or constipation.
A real one.
The kind that prickled the corners of your mouth like magic.
His fingers brushed the card open. A familiar script greeted him inside:
For the years you bore the weight alone.
For the nights I didn’t come back.
For the hope you never lost completely—even when you swore you had.
I love you. Now, always, and especially today.
–M
Daniel sat down, stunned by the softness. A lone tear welled in his eye, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
“You’re going soft in your old age,” Grady’s voice carried in the quiet office.
“Can you blame me?”
“Nah. Always knew you were a teddy bear under all that grumpiness.”
“Well, don’t tell everyone. I have a reputation to protect.” Daniel’s smile curled into a smirk as he leaned back in his chair.
“Ugh, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to you smiling—it’s unnerving.”
“Oh, shut up, brat. Anyway, I’m taking a few days off. I suggest you do the same. And don’t forget to call Auntie and wish her a merry Christmas. Now get out of my office. I have work to do.”
Later – Home
The drive back was snowy, but clear. Frost glittered across rooftops like starlight.
Daniel parked beside their home—yes, their—and opened the door to find chaos.
Wreaths. Garland. Something cinnamon in the oven.
Matthew was decorating a tree with a level of commitment that bordered on madness, filling the room with sparkle and color.
Gifts spilled across the couch in paper that sparkled like a unicorn convention.
A fire crackled low, casting an orange glow around the room.
With Barney sprawled out on the fireside rug.
And there he was—in fuzzy socks, flannel pants, and a smile that could thaw glaciers.
A feeling of warmth filled Daniel as he gazed into Matthew’s dazzling amber eyes. The familiar scent of his lover’s cologne tugged at his heart.
“I got your card,” Daniel said quietly.
Matthew turned, cheeks rosy. “I meant every word.”
Daniel crossed the room, wrapped his arms around him, and rested his chin on Matthew’s shoulder.
“I didn’t growl. Not even a little.”
Matthew threw his head back and laughed. “Progress.”
They didn’t need to say anything else.
The silence between them was no longer filled with regret.
Just light. And love with lots of added glitter.
Outside, the snow kept falling—soft, deep, and perfect.
Inside, they finally belonged. Finally found, home.
The End