11. Epilogue
Chapter 11
Epilogue
O ne Year Later
I wake to the scent of pine and cinnamon, a smile already tugging at my lips before I even open my eyes. Jack's arm is draped over my waist, his breath warm against my neck. For a moment, I just lie there, savoring the peace.
Then I remember what day it is.
I bolt upright, nearly knocking Jack off the bed. “It's Christmas!”
Jack groans, reaching for me. “Five more minutes, Princess.”
“Not a chance, Christmas Prince,” I tease, dodging his grasp. “We've got a tree to decorate!”
An hour later, we're standing in our living room, surrounded by boxes of ornaments and tangled strings of lights. The seven-foot Douglas fir we picked out yesterday towers over us, filling the room with its fresh, woodsy scent.
“Ready?” Jack asks, holding up the first string of lights.
I nod, grinning. “Let's do this.”
What follows is a whirlwind of activity. We weave lights through branches, hang glittering ornaments, and playfully argue over the perfect placement of each bauble. Jack lifts me to reach the higher branches, his hands lingering on my waist longer than necessary. I retaliate by “accidentally” brushing against him as I pass, enjoying the way his eyes darken with each touch.
As I hang the last ornament, a delicate glass snowflake, Jack wraps his arms around me from behind. “Look at us,” he murmurs, his chin resting on my shoulder. “Who would've thought we'd be here a year ago?”
I lean back into him, my heart swelling with emotion. “Certainly not cynical old me.”
He chuckles, the sound rumbling through his chest. “You've come a long way, Princess.”
And I have. The woman I was last Christmas would hardly recognize me now. I'm more open, more willing to take risks. I've learned to trust not just Jack, but myself.
“We both have,” I say, turning in his arms to face him. “Remember our first Christmas together? When I showed up at your door with a bottle of Jack and a silk tie?”
His eyes darken at the memory. “How could I forget? Best Christmas gift ever.”
I laugh, swatting his chest playfully. “Well, I hope this year's gift can live up to that.”
Jack's eyebrows shoot up. “Oh? And what might that be?”
With a grin, I break away from him and hurry to the bedroom. When I return, I'm holding a small, gift-wrapped box.
Jack takes it, curiosity written all over his face. As he unwraps it, I hold my breath, suddenly nervous. Inside is a custom-made Christmas ornament. It's a miniature replica of the club where we first met, complete with tiny flashing lights and minuscule Jack and Jennifer figures dancing inside.
He looks up at me, his eyes wide with wonder. “Jenn, this is...”
I take a deep breath. “Turn it over.”
On the back, engraved in small letters, are the words: Thank you for making every day feel like Christmas. Here's to a lifetime of adventures together .
Jack's eyes mist over as he reads the inscription.
“But wait,” I say, reaching into my pocket. “There's more.”
I pull out a small, badly wrapped package. Jack raises an eyebrow. “Did you wrap this one yourself?”
I stick my tongue out at him. “Maybe. Just open it, smartass.”
Inside is a red silk tie, identical to the one from our first night together. Jack's eyes darken with recognition and desire. “Is this what I think it is?”
I grin mischievously. “Well, if you're going to be my Christmas Prince all year round, I figured we needed to keep some traditions alive.”
Jack immediately loops the tie around his neck, leaving it untied. “How do I look?”
“Absolutely irresistible,” I say, my voice low and husky. “And completely mine.”
He pulls me into his arms and lifts me off the ground, the silk of the tie brushing against my skin.
“You amazing, incredible woman,” he laughs, peppering my face with kisses. “I love you so damn much.”
Relief and joy wash over me. “I love you too.”
As he sets me down, my gaze falls on our tree. There, nestled among the new ornaments, is the kintsugi heart. Its golden cracks catch the light, reminding me of how far I've come.
“You know,” I say softly, reaching out to touch the ornament. “I used to think this represented my broken heart. But now I see it differently.”
Jack's hand covers mine on the ornament. “How so?”
I turn to him, smiling through the tears that have welled up in my eyes. “Now I see it as us. Two broken pieces, coming together to create something even more beautiful.”
Jack's answering smile is radiant. He cups my face in his hands, his thumbs brushing away my tears. “Merry Christmas, Princess,” he murmurs, before capturing my lips in a kiss that leaves me breathless.
As we break apart, a mischievous glint enters his eye. “Now, about this silk tie...”
I laugh, already backing towards the bedroom. “Race you!”
As I run, Jack hot on my heels, I can't help but marvel at how much has changed in a year. Last Christmas, I was a woman afraid to love. This Christmas, I'm racing towards it with open arms.
And I wouldn't have it any other way.