19. Epilogue
Nyree
“Alright, everyone! That was a great session. We’ll meet again next week,” the instructor says, her voice calm yet resonant.
Another yoga class has come to an end. I almost regret that it’s over, but the anticipation of the next session has already crept into my thoughts. As I gather my things, preparing to leave, my mind drifts back to two years ago. Life was almost unrecognizable. I was drowning in self-doubt, struggling to finish my book, constantly at war with my own mind. Anxiety ruled me and fear was a constant companion. But now, everything has changed. It’s hard not to trace it all back to that one Christmas in Shadow’s Bend.
The time spent with Coco, Marcus, and Ethan, all of us entwined in the chaos that ensued, altered everything. And I’m not just talking about my book becoming a bestseller, though even now that still feels surreal. Coco and Ethan are married now, Marcus and I are deeply in love, and…
A sudden splash jolts me from my thoughts. Water pools around my shoes, shimmering in the light. I look up to see the culprit, a fellow yogi, her face flushed with embarrassment. “I’m so, so sorry!” she blurts out, panic edging her voice.
“It’s okay,” I reply quickly, almost before the words settle in my mouth. “Really, it’s fine,” I add, offering a reassuring smile.
She smiles back, relief spreading across her face before she hurries off. As she leaves, I can’t help but marvel at the difference in myself. Two years ago, an incident like that would’ve sent my anxiety spiraling, OCD flooding my mind over that small puddle at my feet. But not now. Not anymore. The grip it had on me has loosened, if not completely, but just enough to feel free.
I touch my neck. The spot that would always itch when nerves took hold has subsided. I grin to myself, quietly triumphant. But my thoughts are shattered by a high-pitched squeal.
“Aunty Nyree!!!” the unmistakable voice reaches me before I even see her.
“Hey, Sunshine!” I exclaim, spreading my arms wide for little Emily as she barrels toward me. Coco’s daughter, all energy and joy, leaps into my embrace. “Look at you! You’ve gotten so big!” I laugh, lifting her easily.
Coco follows behind, her smile wide. “You know, soon you’ll be a yoga instructor yourself,” she teases, eyes sparkling.
I chuckle. “And you’ll be my first client.”
Coco laughs, the sound soft, yet familiar. “Shouldn’t you be on your way by now? You’re gonna be late for your date.”
“Date?” I play dumb, raising an eyebrow.
“Don’t even try it,” she says, nudging me with a knowing look.
Today marks two years since Marcus and I started dating. Two years that have changed everything for me. And tonight, I have something special planned.
“So, any big plans for tonight? Or are you just gonna keep my dad enchanted by your usual ‘Nyree charm?’” Coco’s tone is playful.
I grin, feeling the excitement pulse in my chest. “I’ve got a surprise up my sleeve this time.”
Coco’s eyes widen, eager for the gossip. “Oh, come on, spill! What is it?”
“You’ll find out soon enough,” I say with a wink, handing little Emily back to her.
“Whatever happened to the good ol’ days when we shared secrets?” Coco laughs. But before she can protest further, she turns to Emily. “Let’s go see Kitty Marcus, shall we?”
“Kitty Marcus!” Emily’s face lights up with excitement.
Kitty Marcus, the cat Marcus gave me before a long business trip, is something of a family mascot now. The name I chose always makes Marcus cringe a little, but it’s become endearing, especially to Emily, who adores the cat.
“Kitty Marcus misses you too,” I say, gently tapping Emily’s nose before I turn to leave, a smile tugging at my lips. Tonight is the night. I can already feel the thrill building as I head home, ready for what’s to come, for the surprise I have for him.
The preparations are swift but deliberate, every detail meticulous. By the time Marcus arrives, I’m just finishing my makeup. I make my way out, heart fluttering, but there he stands, dashing in a sleek tuxedo. The black fabric is a perfect match for the elegant Audi behind him.
“You... you’re so beautiful,” he says, his voice soft but reverent. The words nearly send my knees buckling beneath me.
“You too,” I murmur, stepping closer to press a light kiss on his lips.
Before long, we’re on the road, the hum of the engine steady as we speed toward the restaurant. When we arrive, it’s like something out of a dream; luxurious but intimate, the kind of place that whispers exclusivity in every detail. We’re guided to our table, a private spot at the top of the building, where the city spreads out below us, lights twinkling like stars.
“We’ll have the best view when the fireworks start at midnight,” Marcus says, his words igniting an extra thrill inside me. It’s become our tradition, watching fireworks together on New Year’s Eve. It’s a ritual that feels more meaningful with each passing year.
The evening flows smoothly; steak, wine, and easy conversation. Marcus talks about work, and I share updates on my own. We reminisce, laughing over memories we’ve collected in these past two years. Each moment with him feels like a gift, and my love for him deepens with every shared laugh, every glance. But underneath it all, there’s a quiet flutter of nerves, a secret excitement that’s growing within me, waiting to be revealed.
I look at him, my heart racing, wondering how he’ll react to my surprise. It’s big, life changing even. The anticipation swells, mingling with the nervousness I’m trying to hide.
Marcus checks his watch, then smiles. “Almost midnight. Just a few more seconds.” He stands, extending his hand toward me. “May I have this dance?”
I laugh softly, placing my hand in his as I rise. Together, we move closer to the edge, where the city stretches out before us. The distant murmur of a crowd rises from below, all eyes waiting for the countdown.
“10… 9… 8…”
The seconds slip away, anticipation buzzing in the air.
“Happy New Year!” the crowd cheers, and the sky erupts in a riot of color. Fireworks bloom above us in bright, magnificent bursts.
Marcus turns to me, his gaze warm and full of love. “Happy New Year, my love.”
“Happy New Year,” I whisper back, and he kisses me. It’s the kind of kiss that feels eternal; the world fades away as the fireworks explode around us. Just him, me, and this perfect moment.
When we pull apart, the light show continues, but I barely notice. My heart races again, not from the kiss but from the knowledge of what I’m about to say. Now is the moment. It’s time.
“I have something I want to tell you,” we both say, our voices overlapping in a jumble that makes us laugh.
“You first,” I urge, still chuckling.
He takes a deep breath, turning to face me fully. The look in his eyes shifts, serious and intense. Suddenly my laughter stills. He stares at me for what feels like an eternity, and I can feel the weight of whatever he’s about to say.
“Nyree,” he begins, his voice low but steady. “We’ve been together for two years now, and in that time, I’ve never felt as happy as I do when I’m with you. You’ve brought light into my life, in ways I thought I’d never feel again. I love you, more than I can ever express. And I want to spend every second of my life with you.”
The air catches in my throat. My heart pounds. I can already see it unfolding, and yet, when Marcus drops to one knee, it’s still as if the world tilts beneath me.
He reaches into his pocket, pulling out a small velvet box. When he opens it, the ring inside sparkles like the fireworks still blazing overhead. My hand flies to my mouth, a quiet gasp escaping me.
“Nyree, will you marry me?”
The answer is already bursting from my lips, before I can even think. “Yes!” The word tumbles out, my voice thick with tears. Joy breaks through every inch of me. He slips the ring onto my finger. As he rises, he kisses me again, deep and tender, the kind of kiss I want to feel for the rest of my life.
My hands tremble, the excitement coursing through me. We finally part, and his eyes are full of wonder, a smile spreading wide across his face.
“So, what was it you wanted to tell me?” he asks, his tone playful but curious.
I take a breath, savoring the moment. The nerves I felt earlier have completely disappeared, replaced by an overwhelming sense of rightness.
“Well...” I start, my smile growing. “Let’s just say Coco’s going to have a very little sister or brother in a few months.”
At first, the words don’t seem to land. His brow furrows, confused for a split second, but then it hits him. The realization dawns, his face lighting up in a way I’ve never seen before.
“Wait, you mean... you’re...?” His voice falters with disbelief.
I nod, tears slipping down my cheeks, this time from pure joy. “Yes! I’m pregnant, Marcus.”
For a moment, he just stares, and then he sweeps me into his arms, spinning me around. His laughter, his elation, fills the night air, joining the echoes of fireworks in the distance.
We are together. We are complete. And we’re about to start the greatest chapter of our lives.
THE END
THANK YOU for reading Silent Night Temptation!
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