Epilogue #2
"Now." He helps me into his car. "But first, I'm feeding you dinner. Because I'm not punishing you on an empty stomach."
Despite my nerves, I smile. "Of course not."
Two hours later, I'm fed, showered, and standing in his bedroom wearing one of his t-shirts.
He's sitting on the edge of the bed, watching me with patient intensity.
"Come here," he says quietly.
I move toward him, heart hammering.
"You know why we're here?" he asks.
"Because I skipped two meals today after you gave me several warnings earlier in the week."
"Because you didn't take care of yourself.”
"I know."
"So, what happens now?" He asks me, wanting me to verbalize what is coming. I know all too well what is about to happen, in the last few months, I’ve been over his knee several times.
I swallow hard. "You remind me."
"Exactly." He guides me over his lap, positioning me carefully. "Ten. Count them out. And after each one, you're going to tell me why we have this rule."
His hand comes down hard and fast, and I gasp.
"One," I manage. "You have this rule because you care about me."
Again. "Two. Because my body needs fuel."
And again. "Three. Because I can't take care of anyone else if I don't take care of myself."
We continue through all ten, and by the end I'm shaking, not from pain, but from emotion. From understanding. From feeling exactly how much he cares. We’ve been through this before. Ten reasons for me to take care of myself. Ten reasons for me to take care of his girl.
When he's done, he pulls me into his lap, holds me close.
"You okay?" he asks softly.
"Yeah. I'm okay."
"What did you learn?"
"That I need to eat.”
"And?"
"That I need to communicate with you more clearly.”
"I always know when something is up with you." He kisses my temple. I pay attention, because you matter to me."
"I'm sorry."
"I know. And it's forgiven." He stands, carries me to the bed, tucks me in. "Now rest. You've had a long day."
After tucking me in, he goes to the bathroom before he climbs into bed beside me, pulling me close.
"Thank you," I murmur.
"For what?"
"For caring enough to correct me. For building me that space at the chapel. For loving me the way I need to be loved."
"That's not something to thank me for. That's just... what we do."
"Still. Thank you."
He kisses my forehead. "You're welcome. Now sleep."
Two Months Later
I'm standing outside my apartment, waiting for Justin to pick me up for our trip to Aspen. He's been working on the new location for months, and today he's finally showing me the site.
His car pulls up, and I climb in.
"Morning," he says, leaning over to kiss me.
"Morning. Thanks for bringing me."
"Of course. I want your opinion on the layout."
"Really?"
"Really. You understand what makes the park magical. I need that perspective."
The drive to Aspen takes three hours. We spend it talking, laughing, him quizzing me on what elements I think are essential for the new location.
When we arrive, the site is stunning. It’s a mountainside property with views for miles, space for rides and attractions, and proximity to downtown Aspen.
Justin walks me through his vision, showing me where each attraction will go, how the layout will flow, and what makes this location different from the original.
The park is four times the size of the original, with thrill rides and rollercoasters but keeping the theme of North Pole and Santa’s Workshop.
He points out where the townhomes will be built.
He hopes to turn this into a vacation destination for the ski crowd.
"What do you think?" he asks when we reach the spot where the main Christmas tree will stand.
"I think it's perfect. You're going to make magic here too."
"We're going to make magic here." He takes my hand. "Holly, I've been thinking."
"About?"
"About the future. About us."
My heart kicks up. "Okay."
"I'm going to need someone to help manage this location. Someone who understands the guest experience, who knows how to create magic, who I trust completely."
"Are you offering me a job?"
"I'm offering you a partnership. In this location. In the business." He turns to face me fully. "I want to build this with you. Not just as my girlfriend, but as my partner. In everything."
Tears prick my eyes. "Justin—"
"Before you answer, there's something else." He reaches into his pocket, and my breath stops.
He pulls out a small box. Opens it.
Inside is a ring. Not huge, not ostentatious, a simple rose gold band with a snowflake-shaped diamond.
"I know it's fast," he says. "I know we've only been together for six months. But I also know what I want. And I want you. Every day. For the rest of my life." He takes my hand. "Holly Noelle White, will you marry me?"
I can't speak. Can't breathe. Can only stare at him through tears.
"Yes," I finally gasp. "Yes. A thousand times yes."
He slides the ring onto my finger, and it fits perfectly. Of course it does. He's Justin. He plans everything.
Then he's kissing me, and I'm laughing and crying and holding onto him like he might disappear.
"I love you," he says against my mouth. "So much."
"I love you too."
We stand there on the future site of the Aspen park, holding each other, and I think about how far we've come. From a flat tire in a snowstorm to this, a partnership, a future, and a life together.
"When?" I ask. "When do you want to get married?"
"Whenever you want. Tomorrow. Next year. I don't care. As long as it happens."
"What about next Christmas? At the chapel?"
His eyes light up. "Perfect."
"Your family—"
"Will love you. And if they don't, their idiots."
"My friends and family—"
"Already love me. I've won them over."
I laugh. "You really have thought of everything."
"Not everything. But I'm getting better at improvising." He kisses me again. "Especially with you."
We spend the rest of the day walking the site, making plans, dreaming about the future. When we finally head home, I'm exhausted but happy.
Me: EMERGENCY BOOK CLUB MEETING. I HAVE NEWS.
Madison: What kind of news???
Lily: GOOD NEWS?!?
Me: THE BEST NEWS!
Chloe: She's engaged. I'm calling it now.
Amber: NO WAY!
Maya: IS SHE?!?
Emily: OMG OMG OMG
Me: ...Chloe's right.
Madison: I'm calling right now!
Lily: ME TOO!
Me: It's 4pm. Book club isn't until 7.
Madison: I DON'T CARE!
By 4:30, my computer screen is full of squealing women and tears of joy.
I tell them everything of course, about the proposal, the Aspen park, the partnership, the Christmas wedding plan. The park is going to be different with overnight lodging and townhouses. We plan a girl’s trip for when it’s finished. I can’t wait to hug all their necks.
"I can't believe you're getting married," Madison says.
"I can," Chloe says. "They were always meant to be together."
"Can we help plan?" Emily asks. "Please?"
"Of course. I'm going to need all of you."
"Bridesmaids?" Lily asks.
"All of you. Every single one."
More squealing. More tears.
My phone buzzes.
Justin: How's the emergency meeting going?
Me: They're crying and planning our wedding.
Justin: Good. They deserve to celebrate.
Me: When are you telling your family?
Justin: Tomorrow. You?
Me: Saturday, in person. Want to come with me?
Justin: Of course. I love your parents. Now enjoy your friends. I'll see you tonight.
Me: Can't wait.
Justin: Me neither. I love you.
Me: I love you too.
I set down my phone and look at my friends, these women who've supported me, challenged me, loved me through everything.
"Thank you," I tell them. "For all of it. For believing in me when I didn't believe in myself. For pushing me to go to that first book club meeting. For accepting me fully."
"Always," Monica says. "That's what family does."
And she's right. This book club isn't just a group of women who read romance novels. It's family. Found family. The kind that shows up when you need them and celebrates when you succeed. I suddenly have a lot more to look forward to. How will I ever wait for Christmas to come back around?