Epilogue
As snow lightly falls down around us, I tuck myself further into Luc’s side and burrow the tip of my nearly frostbitten nose into the stiff fabric of his overcoat. The death grip Luc has on me the only thing preventing me from falling on the slippery cobblestones. Slowly, we make our way down to the Dijon Christmas Market. A giant carousel sits in the center of the market with lots of little stalls surrounding it. A curtain of fairy lights strung from roof to roof connects them all in a giant infinity swirl. The smell of spiced bread, oozy honey, and hot mulled wine carries across the market, making my stomach grumble. It’s official, I love Christmas markets. As we make our way through the local stalls, I stop in front of the first wine stall, obviously needing to taste test. Luc orders us two glasses of a local brew so we can sip them as we continue onto the next cheese stall.
“Wow, I get why you say you like Christmas,” I say, taking a sip of my wine and absorbing the atmosphere. The sound of carnival music and laughter makes my heart swell.
“We still have a couple of hours before the others arrive for Christmas dinner, do you want a ride on the carousel?” Luc asks as we watch the giant wheel start its next revolution.
“Let’s do it,” I exclaim. We’re having our first Christmas party at the chateau. Briar is even flying in to stay for a couple of weeks with us before our first guests are due to stay the following month. I’d spent so much time preparing everything and making sure the chateau is ready. Luc finally wore me down and tore me away from the finishing touches to visit the Christmas markets, and I’m so glad. How could I have missed out on this? It embodied the spirit of Christmas.
The chateau has been decked out for our very first Christmas. A giant tree sits pride of place in the sitting room. Holly hung from just about every door I could place it. I’d decorated the balustrade wood with layers of tinsel and faux pine. New ones, not the crusty ones Luc found and doused me with.
“Merry Christmas,” I greet, kissing Madeline on each cheek as she walks through the front door.
“Merry Christmas,” Madeline replies and steps aside as André and Henry walk in after her.
“Where do you want this?” André asks, referring to the giant tray in his hands.
“In the kitchen, Luc’s preparing the food.” I point over my shoulder as I close the door behind them.
“You have really gone all out with decorating the place,” Henry admits as he looks around.
“I just couldn’t resist; this place is like a dream to hang decorations.” The knock at the door interrupts us.
“Pierre.” I smile as Luc’s best friend steps over the threshold. “Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas.” He kisses each cheek.
“Wait for me,” my grandfather calls, appearing behind him.
“Hi.” I kiss his cheek. Since learning about Timothé, I’ve spent more and more time with him, getting to know him and learning more about my grandmother too. I lead him into the kitchen, where the others are already busy putting plates piled high with food on the table.
“Right, we’re all here, now let’s get started.” I clap my hands and grab a fresh bottle of wine. Popping the cork, I pour wine into each of their glasses before picking my own up. “A toast,” I say and look at all their expectant eyes. One by one they lift up their own glasses. “This year has been one hell of a ride, and I couldn’t have done it without any of you. To family.” They all repeat before taking a sip.
Since waking up that cold April morning to find my life had been changed forever, I never expected to find the love of my life on the other side of the world. And yet, staring into Luc’s honey eyes glittering from the other side of the table, I know those words could not be more true. I didn’t just find a family and the person I intend to share the rest of my life with, I found a home, right here at Chateau des éveillés.
Luc lifts his own glass. “To a successful future filled with many guests,” he toasts, and everyone lifts their glasses and repeats, “To the future.”
I lift my glass. My future just became so much brighter.
The End