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“Three.”

My stomach flips while my eyes become enchanted by so many colors.

“Two.”

Time slows down as I turn around in Kingston’s embrace and kneel as I peer into the eyes of the man who’s become my everything.

“One.”

“Happy New Year, King,” I whisper at the same time he utters, “Happy New Year, Twinkle.”

I crush my lips against his and kiss him like there’s no tomorrow. He yanks me flush against his body as I loop my arms around his neck. I pour every single emotion he ignites inside my chest into the passionate kiss.

Our tongues stroke each other’s hungrily and I swallow the rough sound he makes in the back of his throat. Tilting my head with a fist in my hair, he deepens the kiss and after tasting me once, wrenches his mouth away.

I chase his lips, greedy for more, but his grip stops me.

There’s lust and adoration in his soft expression when I raise my gaze. Caressing my cheekbone, he whispers, “Look at the sky, darling.”

When I look over my shoulder, my breath catches in my throat because a second later, my name illuminates the cloudy sky in beautiful glimmering letters.

Twinkle.

My Star.

“Oh my God,” I gasp. Tears well in my eyes. I stare, unblinking, willing my heart to stop somersaulting until theletters blur into the clouds. A surreal feeling courses through me. Ever so slowly, I face Kingston and ask, “Was this the surprise?”

He returns a breathtaking smile and brushes his lips over mine. “I had to make my woman’s New Year’s special.”

I can no longer hold back the tears of utter happiness and fullness. I don’t even care if I’m ruining my makeup or appearing silly as I say, while saltiness runs down my cheek, “I love it so much, King. It’s the most romantic thing anyone’s ever done for me. Thank you.”

He brushes his fingers over my cheeks and gives me the sweetest kiss that I feel to the tip of my toes. He pours all the unsaid feelings into it, making me shiver.

Our foreheads touch as we pull apart and simply share the same air.

The closeness makes me want to freeze time.

After a beat, he shares, “There’s one more thing.”

“What?” I pause, rubbing my palm up and down his chest.

“The ice cream.” His lips tilt into a smirk. “Still curious about the tradition.”

“Yes.”

“Come on.” Lifting me from his lap, he stands and offers me his hand.

I take it and he tugs me onto my feet. As he bends to grab the slightly melted ice cream in the bowl, I notice the group of people gathered in the corner. I’m unable to make out what they’re doing and it piques my interest.

Kingston and I bridge the distance. Through a gap, we join the front of the circle and what I see on the floor makes my eyes go round in bewilderment.

“Is this the tradition?” I ask Kingston in disbelief, because there’s no way dumping ice cream on the ground is one.

A booming laugh leaves his mouth at my expression, and he gives a goofy smile. “I know it’s silly, but it’s meant to bring good luck.”

“You’re kidding.”

“No. I’m not.” Pulling me in front of him, his heat covers my back, and he hands me the bowl. “It’s no different than blowing a candle on a birthday cake as you make a wish.”