Epilogue
Every citizen in Bliss loved Christmas a lot
Except for the misanthrope Sawyer, who did not
He didn’t believe in candies and treats or a tinseled-out tree
He thought Christmas cheer shouldn’t be given away for free
“Hey,” Sawyer said with a frown, looking up from his place by the fire. “I give nothing away for free, kids. Just because it’s Christmas doesn’t mean we throw capitalism in the trash.”
Nell stood. “I believe that is exactly what we’re supposed to do at Christmas time, Sawyer.”
Sabrina should have known this part of the annual town holiday celebration would go a bit wild. She’d planned to read the kids a Christmas story, but it turned out to be way more fun to write one herself.
“Well, I’ve got candy for every kid here,” Wyatt announced. He sat beside Sawyer, with Bella in between them. Wyatt was dressed for the festivities in a green and red sweater someone—likely Teeny—had embroidered with the words Happy Blissmas. There was a decent rendering of Maurice the Moose wearing a Santa cap. “And hopefully that will make everyone stop kicking me in the shins.”
Wyatt knew how to bribe a kid, though Sabrina noted Paige seemed to be reserving judgment.
“I think we should talk about your views of late-stage capitalism,” Nell challenged.
Max Harper groaned as he looked at the two cowboys across the room. “No, Nell. We don’t need to talk about economics. We need to talk about those two asshole cowboys Stef is letting stay out at his place. Does no one remember the chaos they caused a couple of years back?”
Stella snorted. She stood at the pie station. “Seriously? Are you talking about Shane and Bay?”
Max stood, nodding Stella’s way. “Damn straight. I’m talking about those two ass…cowboys who ogled my wife and tried to buy her for the night.”
“You know Rach was in on that,” his twin pointed out. “Besides, she’s not going anywhere since you knocked her up again. You know what you’re getting for Christmas? The old snip snip, and I’m not taking no for an answer.”
Max seemed to shrink back. “Well, it’s got to wait since Brooke’s here. My baby sister doesn’t need to hear talk about her brothers cutting off each other’s balls. It’s not family-like.”
Sawyer guffawed. “That’s right, Harper. Protect those balls.”
“Why is everyone talking about Daddy’s balls?” Paige asked. “Which ones? He’s got lots of sports balls.”
And it was time for her to take charge. Maybe a story wasn’t what they needed. Maybe a bit of exercise was required. “I think it’s time for a Christmas dance off.”
Sabrina got the music going, and the kiddos were happily dancing and spinning around and Charlie Hollister-Wright was intent on proving he had zero rhythm. Good thing he was cute.
Her sister brought her a mug of mulled wine. “I hear Nell was in charge of the entrée for tonight. Who thought that was a good idea?”
“You know it was mine. No one ever asks Nell to cook, and she’s pretty good. I hear her tofurkey is…edible,” Sabrina shot back, her eyes trailing to where her men were sitting. Michael Novack sat in the same general vicinity, and every now and then Sawyer would tip his beer Michael’s way or Michael would nod his.
They might be best friends now.
The Christmas season seemed to have put everyone in a good mood. Just yesterday she’d opened a Christmas card from Sawyer’s brother’s wife. It wasn’t more than a picture of his brother, wife, and their child gamely smiling at the camera, and she was almost certain his wife had sent it. She’d made note of the address and sent one of their own as well, detailing how Sawyer was doing.
It was a start, and no matter what happened, Sawyer had a family right here in Bliss.
“Don’t worry,” her sister admitted. “Van snuck in a ham, and I’m pretty sure Stella puts bacon in everything. I mean everything. Hey, I caught sight of those two cowboys Max is complaining about earlier. I don’t want to give him credit, but those two boys are trouble. I’m not sure if they’re in trouble, but they absolutely are trouble.” She winced. “If I had to bet, though, I’d definitely say they’re in trouble, too.”
“Well, isn’t this kind of the place to be then?” Wyatt leaned over and kissed her cheek, winking her sister’s way. “Isn’t Bliss where we all go when we need a place to hide and then, oops we’re getting married and having kids and suddenly we’re old and getting our balls snipped.”
Sabrina had to laugh. “I think I’ll likely be using your balls before we let doc give you a snip. We’re a couple of years away. Though I probably won’t be making any babies until I’m married.”
Wyatt’s lips curled up in the sweetest smile. “Well, it is Christmas. It’s the season of miracles.” He frowned. “Not that getting married would take a miracle. It’s the over-the-top romantic proposal I’m talking about. But I’m working on it.”
She knew damn well he was working on it. Bliss wasn’t a place where secrets got kept. Well, except for the whole Henry Flanders was a former CIA operative, and they’d only managed to keep the secret for a couple of years. The fact that Wyatt and Sawyer were planning on making the grand reopening of Hell on Wheels super special hadn’t gotten past her.
Her men were going to ask her to marry them, and she was going to say yes.
“Hey, we’re heading to River and Jax’s place after dinner for the after party,” Wyatt announced with a smile. “That’s a party after the party. Doesn’t it sound like fun? If I can get Buster to stop sniffing around Bella.” He got an outraged dog-dad expression on his face. “Jax, your dog is fixed, right?”
Callie stepped in, looking over to where Sawyer sat with Michael. “They are so quiet. It’s like they’re trying to prove who best resembles a statue. And I think they’re happy. Sawyer even gave me a nod as I walked by.”
Yup, her guy made big impressions.
“Mom, Zander says Santa is an alien from outer space,” Paige announced.
“Oh, Dad is handling this one.” Elisa shook her head. “He is a menace. You relax. You’re not working tonight. I’ll snag us a table, and we can enjoy the chaos. Max and Rye’s sister walked in a few minutes ago, and Shane and Bay are watching her like hawks with a particularly sweet rabbit. Max is going to lose more than his balls when he figures out they’re into his sister.”
It sounded like a perfect way to spend the night.
She glanced out, and the snow had started to fall as they announced dinner was ready and everyone got to moving.
Sawyer came over and slipped an arm around her waist. “I had the best time with Michael. I like that dude. Lucy chose well. I mean she also chose Ty, but she’s got a real winner in Michael.”
“You didn’t say more than two words to each other,” she pointed out as Wyatt joined them.
Sawyer gave her a satisfied smile. “I know. It was wonderful. We’re going to not talk at the after party, too. I’m thinking about inviting him over. He might be soothing to have around while I work on the new tables. Wyatt’s always asking questions.”
Wyatt groaned. “Because I’m a normal, curious human being. Unlike you, weirdo.”
“Hey, are you looking at my sister?” Max Harper said from across the room.
Sabrina took her seat, happily in between her men.
It was going to be a fun holiday season.
The whole town of Bliss will return in Brooke’s Bliss, coming November 2025.