Chapter 12
Aspen
When I step into the hall, it’s like a completely different world. The crowd, the hum of low conversations, laughter mingling with the clinking of champagne glasses, and soft music trigger my palms to sweat.
This place is a fire hazard just waiting for one small spark to ignite. I swallow hard, my throat suddenly parched. The room gives off a feeling of grandeur, the warm lights twinkling on the well-dressed guests, with the smell of champagne and rich food wafting from every corner.
I didn’t think I’d make this choice. But here I am, in my monkey suit, about to make a choice that will turn my life around.
For years, I’ve been hiding behind my parents’ deaths, unwilling to believe in myself.
To believe that I had any right to be happy when my family is six feet under.
But Nicolette made me see things differently, with her joy and confidence that I could overcome my past. The thought of her makes my heart race faster.
Think back at the few days we’ve spent together, how she lit up the cabin with her smiles, the gleam in her eyes as she talked, her contagious zest for life.
Today’s the day. There’ll be no holding back.
My eyes search for her. After a minute of standing by the door, I find her in a corner. She’s glowing in the beautiful strapless dress, talking to people, her laughter echoing in my ears. My chest tightens. It’s too late to back out now.
My eyes shift, and I see a piece of discarded mistletoe on the table. I grab it, careful this time to avoid its sting, and head towards her, ready to bring the Christmas magic.
As I approach, her eyes jump to mine, pleasure spreading over her face. Her light brightens, “Aspen!”
“Nicolette,” my voice soft, almost a whisper. I take her hand, and that simple touch sends shockwaves through my system. A soft murmur erupts around us, and the other couples step back to give us space.
Raising the mistletoe above us in one smooth motion, I pull her into my chest, loving the way her soft curves plaster against me. A whimper erupts from her throat.
I smile down at her. “First, you look really beautiful. Second, I’ve decided never to let you go.”
Her eyes dilate in sheer surprise. Maybe she doesn’t expect me to be so brazen or even be here, but she reaches up, wraps her warm hands around my neck, and whispers, “Are you sure? There’s no going back.”
“I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life.” Her eyes drift to the mistletoe, love shining through. “You’re mine.”
Pressing our lips together, I claim my woman, dropping the plant to wrap my arm around her waist and hold her body to mine.
It’s a hungry kiss, one that takes all I’ve been holding back. The room stays silent for a moment before erupting into applause and loud cheers. For the first time, I’m not scared of the crowd or the noise. I revel in it.
When I pull away from her, our breaths are heavy, eyes darting lazily to the crowd, in pure realization of what has just happened.
“I love you,” I tell her. There could be no better time to say that, so I say it again, hoping she registers it in her mind. “I love you, Nicolette. And nothing is going to stand in our way anymore. Please be with me.”
She stays silent, looking up at me with warm eyes. “I love you, too.” She hugs me. “It’s our very own mistletoe miracle. Nothing would make me happier than forever with you.”
Mistletoe miracle indeed.