Epilogue
FAITH
Isat on the faded sofa with my hot cocoa, staring at the Christmas tree in the early morning light.
The tree was an eclectic sight. I helped Danny make a snowflake garland this year with paper and glitter, and the new kitty, Mittens, was constantly climbing up in its branches and knocking the ornaments off.
Danny sat on the floor, ripped wrapping paper pieces cascading around him.
He picked up a package with red wrapping and gold ribbon.
“What’s it say, bud?” Adam leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. Danny squinted at the writing.
“To Adam.” His blue eyes pinched with focus. “From Faith.”
I bit my bottom lip as Adam’s brown eyes shot to mine.
“I thought we said no gifts?”
I shrugged.
Adam’s eyebrows dipped as he grabbed the package from Danny. He felt the edges as he looked at the ceiling with a furrowed brow. “I think it’s a book?” He tilted his jaw toward me. “If this is one of your romance books, I’m still not reading it.”
I chuckled and gestured to the package.
Adam began tearing off the paper. I bit back my laughter as his eyes took in the title and he rolled his eyes. He chuckled and flipped the book around to show Danny. “Baking for Beginners.”
I couldn’t hold back my laughter.
“That’s a good gift cause you need it.” Danny nodded.
“I’m joking!” I grabbed a small gift bag from behind the sofa and handed it to him.
“You…” Adam wrapped his arms around me, pulling me onto his lap, and I leaned against his chest. I loved being in his arms and feeling his breath on my neck. He kept his arms around me as he dug through the gift bag.
Adam’s scruffy jaw pressed into my cheek as he pulled out the Santa hat and black bow tie.
He threw his head back and laughed then leaned in and kissed my neck.
I raised an eyebrow. “That way you can show me how the push-ups are really done.” I nodded to the bag. “There’s still one more thing.”
Adam reached back into the bag and pulled out a silver ring. He looked at me in confusion.
“You have to read it.” I smiled.
Adam sat up and took the ring in his hand, slowly turning it over. He read out loud as he turned the ring. “Loved, just the way you are – Faith.” I watched as his eyes widened and he shook his head. “Wow.” He cleared his throat. “Thanks.”
I hoped he knew I meant it too. I loved him, all the sharp and soft edges, and I never wanted him to feel that he wasn’t good enough just how he was.
I sighed and lay back on Adam’s chest as he pressed his lips against my temple.
“This has been the best Christmas.” I sighed again and it phased into a yawn, the early morning catching up to me already.
“Thank you. Both of you.” I hoped every Christmas I ever spent would be here, in their lives and in Adam’s arms.
“There’s still a present on the tree.” Danny tilted his chin.
“Are you sure?” Adam asked.
“Yeah, see.” Danny reached into the tree branches and pulled out a little square gold box. “I don’t think it’s going to be my invisibility cloak.”
Adam chuckled beneath me. “What does the tag say?”
Danny picked up the tag. “To Faith.” He moved the tag. “It doesn’t say who it’s from.”
I looked up at Adam’s warm brown eyes.
“Well, go on, you better open it.” His low voice near my ear caused my arm to erupt in goosebumps.
I sat up off his chest and scooted to the front of the couch where Danny handed me the box. Whatever it held, it didn’t weigh much. I started unwrapping the paper and pulled out a little black velvet jewelry box.
I glanced toward Adam, and he gestured for me to continue. I tried not to get ahead of myself. It could be a necklace or earrings. I didn’t want to make assumptions. I took a deep breath.
I slowly opened the box, my excitement overflowing to my eyes.
The box was empty.
Wait. What?
I looked over at Adam.
He scooted off the couch and knelt in front of me. He reached into his flannel pajama pants, and now in Adam’s large hands was a beautiful petite gold ring with a teardrop diamond. It was simple, beautiful, and perfect.
“Faith.” Adam’s eyes shone as he smiled at me. “You are my sunshine, my light in darkness. When you’re not in my arms, I feel lost. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
The tears couldn’t be stopped at this point. I pressed my hand to my mouth. I couldn’t picture a better happily ever after than the one I was living.
“Does this mean I will finally get to call her Mom now?” Danny stood up, and walked over and sat on Adam’s bent knee.
“I guess it depends on what she says.” Adam shrugged and searched my eyes.
I wanted to freeze this moment forever. Capture it and never let it leave my heart.
Both my boys sat there looking up at me in the glow of the Christmas tree lights.
They both had morning hair sticking up in different directions, and their eyes held such happiness.
My boys. My family. My heart was full to the point of bursting.
“Yes!” I grinned so wide my cheeks hurt. “Always and forever, yes!” I nodded my head.
Danny fist-pumped. “Yes!” He jumped up, and ran into my open arms. “This is better than an invisibility cloak.”
I pressed my lips to his forehead. “I would love to be your mom, Danny.” He leaned back and smiled as I hugged him even tighter.
“It’s my turn.” Adam grumbled near my right ear.
I stared up at his hungry eyes. “You boys might have to learn to share.”
Adam raised one of his eyebrows in challenge. “Danny, I plan on spending the next long while kissing your future mom, and my future wife.”
Danny shuddered. “Gross. I’m going to go play with my new space rocket.” He wiggled out of my arms and ran to his pile of presents. My dad had sent Danny a whole collection of space toys.
Adam smirked at my now empty arms. “What were you saying?” Adam stepped closer, slowly and deliberately.
I couldn’t let him win that easily.
“If you want to kiss me, you’re going to have to catch me first,” I squealed as I jumped and ran for the kitchen. Adam laughed as he rushed after me. I didn’t even make it halfway there, with his stupid long legs. I giggled as he scooped me up in his arms.
“Anything else?” He quirked his eyebrows.
“Well, I guess I wouldn’t mind wearing the ring.” I bit my bottom lip.
Adam smiled and picked up my hand and kissed the palm before he slowly turned my hand over and slid the ring onto my finger. It was a perfect fit. The style, the size, the life. All of it.
I placed my hands on either side of his face and I studied his eyes.
I was going to marry this man. “I love you,” I whispered and felt it in every piece of my soul.
“I love you more than I knew was even possible.” I studied his lips, and the stubble on his jaw.
He gave me a soft smile. “I don’t think I will ever get over how much I love you.
” Tears formed in my eyes. “I am so happy, more so than I deserve.”
Adam shook his head. “You deserve everything. I love you, Faith. I love you with all I am, and all I will ever be.” He kissed my forehead, and he nuzzled my hair with his nose.
All the single women in Hillsdale may have wanted him, but I was the only one who caught him. I closed the small distance between us, and my mouth found his, soft and strong. His arms flexed, bringing me even closer to his body.
I was home. I was home and loved and accepted in a way that I had never thought was possible. I looked down at the ring on my finger and squealed as I kicked my feet in delight. “Guess I won the coach after all.” I bit my bottom lip.
“Trust me.” Adam smiled as he stared at my eyes. “I’m the one winning.”