Epilogue
If someone had told me last Christmas that I would be here now, I would’ve laughed, ignored them, and kept working.
Back then, my life was deadlines, swollen ankles, late-night sobbing in the shower after feedings, running Sterling & Co.
on fumes, and raising a newborn on my own while trying not to think about the man from Winter Haven who had changed everything without even giving me his real name.
Now, life felt different. Maybe it’s the sound of two sets of footsteps moving through the hallway, or the calm in my chest every night, knowing I’m not doing life alone anymore, or maybe it was simple: The Frost King is in my bed every night, in my kitchen every morning, and in my daughter’s whole world.
And somehow, he fits perfectly into mine too.
I was stirring Nikole’s oatmeal when two strong arms slid around my waist from behind I could feel his warm breath on my neck and his smell always kept me weak in the knees.
“Morning, baby,” Niko murmured.
I smiled, melting into his chest. “You’re late.”
“I was trying to convince somebody to get dressed,” he said with a low laugh. “She wasn’t having it.”
Right on cue, Nikole toddled into the kitchen, curls wild, pajamas half-done, dragging her bunny by the ear. The moment she saw me she dropped it and made a break for my legs.
“Mamaaa!”
I bent to scoop her up and instantly smelled the blue magic baby lotion and cocoa butter She pressed her forehead to mine and hummed that little sound she makes whenever she wants to be held longer.
Behind me, Niko leaned against the counter with his arms crossed, fines as hell chain resting over a fitted tee, eyes soft as he watched his daughter’s interaction.
Months ago, he’d been drowning in pressure, pretending he wanted a future that wasn’t even his.
Now, he lived ten minutes away. He’d bought a condo in Buckhead for business and bought a commercial kitchen in Midtown for his Atlanta team.
But the truth was… Niko Frost lived wherever his daughter breathed and that included me.
She laughed harder, and he kissed her again.
Watching them always did something to me.
Nikole was walking now, babbling full conversations in toddler language.
Her favorite word was “da-da,” and Niko acted like he hadn’t coached her every night on FaceTime months before he moved here.
Gregory and Mrs. Frost adored her too. His dad tried to stay stern, but the way he held her gave him away every time.
His mother called every day asking for new pictures.
He was a good father, better than I ever imagined a man could be when I didn’t even know his real name the night I met him.
My business was still thriving, beautifully.
Collaborating with Niko had brought in clients I never dreamed of athletes, actors, celebrities, and luxury brands.
Sterling & Co. had been featured on blogs, magazines, and even a TV segment I almost fainted filming.
Every time I doubted myself, Niko was in my ear hyping me up: “Baby, own your greatness.”
Speaking of hype… Bree is in love. She met the real Caleb at Niko’s parents’ Thanksgiving dinner.
They argued for two minutes, flirted for three, exchanged numbers, and have been attached ever since.
He pretends he needs “fashion consulting” from her boutique, but we all know he’s just there to see her.
They think they’re slick but we knew what was up.
As for the arranged marriage… it wasn’t happening.
Victoria and Niko sat both families down last spring and ended the wedding talk for good.
Together they built a different kind of partnership, business-only with mutual benefit, no vows required.
Victoria moved in with her girlfriend, Mya.
Her parents nearly passed out, but life adjusted.
“You working today?” Niko asked behind me.
“A little. Christmas gala walkthrough at three. Then I’m done.”
“You need anything?”
“No,” I said, turning toward him. “Just be home tonight. I want us together.”
“You ain’t gotta’ ask for that,” he said, pulling me in by the waist.
The second our mouths met, my body melted. He always had that effect on me—and considering the way we couldn’t keep our hands off each other, Nikole was bound to have a sibling sooner or later. His hands slid up my back.
“Nothing about us was random. This was always gon’ happen.”
I smiled. “It really was and the timing was perfect.”
Nikole squealed again, like she agreed. We broke apart laughing and kissed her little cheeks until she shrieked with joy. This was my family. My peace. My second chance.
I carried her to the living room while Niko put her oatmeal in the fridge to cool down.
Sunlight poured through the windows, catching in her curls as she reached for the Christmas garland I’d hung along the mantle.
The tree in the corner glowed soft with white lights, and our stockings hung neatly…
mine, hers, and the one Niko pretended not to be proud of seeing.
I use to feel like I would never feel whole again. Now, I’m standing in everything I prayed for and didn’t think I deserved, and when the world finally got quiet, I realized that Nikolai Frost wasn’t chaos at all… he was the peace I’d been reaching for in the dark.
Happy Holidays!!!