Epilogue
Jacob
One year later . . .
It took six months to convince Noelle to move in with me. We finally left her old apartment behind and settled into a brownstone in Boston, where we’re closer to our families. Mom and Noelle get along too well it’s scary. Also, my girl has more space to decorate to her heart’s content without bothering the neighbors. Not everyone can handle living in Noelle-land, but—surprisingly—it’s become my favorite place. The only place I want to be for the rest of my life.
It’s the second week of December, and we just got back from San Diego after spending the weekend celebrating the birth of my nephew, Legend. I still don’t understand why Audrey and Liam chose that name, but I’m not about to give them a hard time. Max is doing enough of that for the both of us.
As I step onto the rooftop patio of our new place, I can’t help but admire the scene the concierge I hired has created for us. It’s exactly what I envisioned for tonight.
Twinkling lights hang above, gently draped across the pergola, casting a soft, warm glow over the space. Fall and Christmas candles—pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and vanilla—flicker gently on the small tables. There are flowers too—deep reds and oranges—perfect fall hues arranged in rustic vases. It’s simple, but perfect. I’m trying to emulate the day we met, adding a little ambiance of Grumpmass which is not until next week, but I want to get ahead of schedule this time.
I glance around, smiling to myself. This is Noelle in her element. And as much as I never thought I’d care about candles, twinkling lights, or fall flowers, here I am . . . loving every minute of it.
Who would’ve thought I would be the one setting this up?
I send a text to Noelle, who is downstairs, and get ready, hoping everything goes as I envision—another Grumpmass miracle, maybe?
Noelle
I step out onto the rooftop, and my breath catches. The space is everything I love—twinkle lights draped softly overhead, casting a golden glow over the fall candles scattered around. The air smells like cinnamon, vanilla, and pumpkin spice, and it’s just perfect. There are fall flowers—rich reds and oranges—arranged in rustic vases, their petals catching the soft light. It feels like walking into a scene from one of my favorite movies.
How did Jacob do all this?
I take a step forward, my heart swelling, and that’s when I see him. Jacob. On one knee.
I stop, blinking in shock, my hand flying to my mouth. In his hand is the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen—simple, classic, a solitary diamond that glimmers in the candlelight.
“Jacob . . .” I whisper, but I can barely get the words out.
He looks up at me, his eyes full of that soft warmth I’ve come to love. “Noelle,” he begins, his voice low but steady. “I knew, from the moment you moved next door, that you were going to change my life. I tried to resist it—I really did—but the truth is, I don’t want a life without you in it. I love your energy, your heart, the way you see the world. I love you—all of you.”
I feel tears prick at the corners of my eyes, my heart racing in my chest as he continues.
“You’ve made my life brighter, happier, and a whole lot crazier. And I can’t imagine spending a single day without you. Will you marry me? Be my forever holiday miracle?”
I laugh through my tears, my heart so full it feels like it might burst. “Yes,” I breathe, nodding furiously. “Yes.”
Jacob stands, slipping the ring onto my finger before pulling me into his arms. His lips find mine, and it’s a kiss that feels like the start of something even more beautiful—warm and slow, full of promise and love. The world around us fades as I sink into the kiss, my arms wrapping around his neck.
When we finally pull back, I smile up at him, breathless. “I love you,” I whisper.
He chuckles softly, resting his forehead against mine. “Thank you for being mine, for accepting me. You’ve helped me embrace the joy of the seasons. I love you so much.”
And that’s where our holiday tale ends—us happily spending each holiday (including Grumpmass) together.