27. Epilogue
Epilogue
New Year’s Eve
Gigi stood facing Harris in his living room, under the string of lights still twinkling over the window. Remnants of lasagna, Caesar salad, and champagne were scattered across the island in the adjoining kitchen, where Paige and Alice were chatting with Nonna. Everyone was happily digesting the beautiful meal they’d cooked and enjoyed together.
“I can’t believe you found someone who could fix this,” Harris said, staring down at his mother’s Christmas ornament. The snow globe sat in the palm of his hand, sparkling as the glitter inside the dome swirled.
“You can find anything in the city if you look hard enough.” Gigi squeezed his arm and smiled, delighted at Harris’s excitement. “You should’ve seen the guy’s shop. There were floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with old clocks, toys, music boxes, basically anything with a tiny motor. Plus, he honestly looked like Santa Claus. He might’ve had elves in the back room.”
Harris grinned at her suggestion. “I really hope he did.”
“Go ahead. Wind it up.”
“It’s been forever since I’ve heard this play music,” he started, turning the tiny gold crank on the bottom of the globe. As the first few notes played, Gigi couldn’t stop her smile from consuming her entire face. When she’d picked up the ornament, she’d turned the crank herself. She already knew what song it would play.
“Is that—” Harris looked at her in disbelief.
“Mariah Carey!” she yelped, jumping at the same time.
“No way!” Alice shouted from the kitchen, as the signature notes of “All I Want for Christmas is You” chimed through the air.
“Yes, way!” Gigi replied, now dancing. Alice, Paige, and Nonna joined, raising their champagne glasses as they swayed.
Harris laughed, pulling Gigi into a big hug. “Thank you,” he murmured into her hair. “This is really special.”
“I’m glad you like it.” She leaned into him, squeezing him back.
“I love it and I love you,” he murmured, his voice filled with affection.
“Love you too.” She smiled into his chest, and he swayed them into a little two-step. Gigi pulled back just enough to look up at him. “I knew you secretly loved this song.”
“It brings back all the best memories.” He grinned, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
Gigi giggled, remembering a stewing Harris standing on stage in a crazy reindeer sweater, shaking jingle bells, and wishing he was anywhere but there. That might’ve been the moment she’d truly started falling for him. “For me too.”
Harris kissed her on the forehead and Gigi closed her eyes, taking in the moment, until Rudy went zipping through the living room, bouncing off furniture like he was auditioning to be one of Santa’s flying reindeer.
“Rudolph!” Gigi called out his full name as he somersaulted across the couch, tumbling with one of the knit toys Alice had made him. Everyone laughed at the kitten’s antics, and Gigi scooped him up, snuggling him into her arms. “You better behave for Nonna.”
“Oh, he’ll be sweet as pie for me. Won’t you, my little sugar plum? We’re going to have the best time,” Nonna said, walking over from the kitchen to scratch Rudy on the head. He closed his eyes in delight. “Speaking of, you guys better get going if you’re going to make your way to the Pier.”
“Thanks for hanging out with Rudy tonight, Nonna,” Harris said, giving her a one-armed hug around the shoulders. “Since this is our first New Year’s together, I’m not sure how he handles fireworks, and I’d be a mess worried about him all night.”
“Of course,” Nonna replied, tossing her hand like it was nothing. “You young’uns have a great time. I’m beyond excited to snuggle up with Rudy and watch the countdown from the couch. We’ll be tucked in the guest room bed before you give Mia Bella her New Year’s kiss.”
“Nonna,” Gigi said, with a blush. “Who said I’m kissing him at midnight?” She winked at Harris.
“She’ll make me work for it.” Harris winked back, sending a ripple of tingles through Gigi’s belly.
“All the good ones do,” Nonna replied, chuckling, and Gigi beamed. She adored how her nonna had immediately taken to Harris.
After Gigi had arrived back in Chicago after her wonderful visit with Val, her nonna had insisted on having Harris over for dinner. Over rigatoni, they’d instantly hit it off, and when he’d surprised Gigi by telling her he wanted to adopt Rudy officially, that had sealed the deal. The news had pushed Gigi to tears, and her nonna had squeaked something in Italian. When Gigi asked her what she’d said, Nonna explained it translated closest to, “he’s a keeper.”
“Enjoy, my sweets! Happy New Year!” Nonna waved as Gigi, Harris, Alice, and Paige filtered outside, excited for the evening to come.
They walked down the bustling streets, the city alive with anticipation. When they reached the Navy Pier, hopeful possibilities of a new year filled the crisp air. The four of them located a spot near the Ferris wheel that offered a perfect view of the fireworks. While enjoying peppermint hot cocoa, endless chatter, and laughter, Gigi felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for her beloved family and friends. In the end, that was all that really mattered—who she shared life with.
With just a minute to spare until midnight, Gigi raised her cup. “To another year filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable adventures! Cheers!”
“And an extra cheer to the new director of SheTime.” Harris beamed at Gigi, and her insides melted. “Congratulations!” Paige and Alice followed with congratulations of their own.
“Cheers!” they all said together, clinking their drinks, and when the countdown began, they shouted together.
“Three! . . . Two! . . . One!”
The sky erupted in a dazzling display of color and lights. Shouts of “Happy New Year!” filled the air. The promise of a new start shot through the crowd.
Harris turned to Gigi, his eyes reflecting the fireworks as he pulled her close. “Happy New Year, Gigi,” he whispered, leaning in.
“Happy New Year, Harris.” She closed the distance between them, wrapping her arms around his neck. “You can kiss me now.”
He smiled and did just that, blinding her with fireworks of their own.