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I can’t stop smiling.
“To make it official, I have to ask. Will you be mine from now till eternity, Hope?”
I nod with a wide smile on my face. “Forever and always.”
Epilogue
Two Years Later
Hope
“You’re so adorable,” I coo at my month-old baby son as I gently place him in his cradle.
His smile, so identical to his dad’s, melts my heart yet again. I curl his small hand around my finger. He’s the replica of his dad, with blonde hair, silver eyes, and the promise of handsome features when he’s older. The only thing my son took from me is my nose and my natural tan color.
I sing to him, still amazed that I’m the mother of such a wonderful son. And the wife of Christian Clause. As I think of my husband, my face brightens with joy.
Two years ago, Christian and I tied the knot in a beautiful Christmas wedding. Surrounded by family and friends, the event was glorious. Christmas has never been the same for us after that. It has become even more special as we not only celebrate finding each other and our love, but our wedding and now the birth of our son. I feel so blessed and happy; I find it hard to believe sometimes.
“Is Mrs. Clause ready for our wedding anniversary?” Christian walks into the nursery, looking debonair in a tuxedo.
I turn to give him a loving smile. “Yes. I’m just putting our little angel to bed.”
He whistles at my strapless dress with a slit in the middle of my thigh, and I laugh.
“Little angel?” Christian chuckles as he places his arm across my shoulders. “He screams like a banshee when he’s hungry.”
I laugh again. It’s all I do these days. We stand there staring at the product of our love with the eyes of proud parents. I had a relatively easy pregnancy and labor with Christian by my side every step of the way. We watch Jayden sleep for a moment before we join our family and friends who came to celebrate with us in our large home that Christian built for me.
Debra, Ray, Aria, and her one-year-old brother, along with some of our friends, are there. After our marriage, I couldn’t work with my husband anymore. So, Christian and I discussed it, and he set up a small computer firm that I manage. My employees and I are like a close-knit family and it’s wonderful to see them here. Christian’s friends are also here with their wives.
“Look at you all glowing,” Debra tells me as I take little Adam from her. “Motherhood definitely suits you.”
My face flushes with happiness as I reply, “Truly, it does. I have never felt so fulfilled in my life.”
“Motherhood does that to you.” Her eyes twinkle. “Coupled with being married to your one true love.”
I nod and shift my gaze to my husband, who is conversing with his friends. If anyone had told me two years ago that I would find love again and be blissfully happy, I wouldn’t have believed it.
We have a wonderful time with everyone, eating, singing Christmas carols, dancing and playing games. I check on my son repeatedly, loving how much of a quiet baby he is.
Later on, when Christian and I are alone, watching the falling snow from our balcony, wrapped in each other’s arms, I sigh with content.
“Have I thanked you today for coming into my life?” Christian asks and I giggle because he asks me that question often.
I turn in his arms and place a kiss on his lips. “No, but I thank you for coming into mine.”
He chuckles and his arms tighten around me. “Sometimes, I feel as if I’m in a dream, and I don’t want to wake up.”
“Me, too. Happy anniversary, Christian.”
“Happy anniversary, Hope. Get ready for one hundred years together.”
Laughter bursts from my throat.
I kiss him. “Merry Christmas, darling. I love you.”
“Merry Christmas, sweetheart. Love you always.”
The End