Page 55 of Christmas with My Ruthless CEO

"A practical decision," I finish for her. "If we're splitting time between here and there, both places should be equally ours. The Ridgeline property has both our names; the New York apartment should too."

"But that apartment is worth...”

"Nothing compared to what you're worth to me," I interrupt gently. "It's just space and location, Sloane. What matters is that it's ours now, not mine. Like everything else in my life."

Tears gather in her eyes, but her smile is radiant. "I don't know what to say."

"Say you'll redecorate," I suggest, hoping to lighten the moment. "It needs a woman's touch. Or at least, the touch of someone who believes homes should have more than monochromatic furniture and empty walls."

Her laugh breaks through the emotion. "Challenge accepted. Though I draw the line at floral wallpaper."

"Thank god for small mercies," I murmur, drawing her into my arms again. "Now, about that gift requiring privacy..."

Her expression shifts, desire darkening her eyes as she sets the box aside. "I believe you mentioned something about that earlier."

Without another word, I lift her into my arms, carrying her toward the bedroom where more rose petals await. Her soft laugh as her arms circle my neck is the sweetest sound I've ever heard.

Later, much later, we lie tangled in sheets and satisfaction, the fire burning low in the bedroom hearth, and snow falling silently beyond the windows. Sloane's head rests on my chest, her breathing deep and even as she hovers on the edge of sleep. The emerald ring gleams on her left hand where it rests over my heart, a perfect counterpoint to the gold locket at her throat.

"Merry Christmas, Atticus," she murmurs, pressing a kiss to my skin.

"Merry Christmas, future Mrs. Morgan," I reply, tightening my arms around her.

As she drifts to sleep, I remain awake a while longer, savoring the moment. The ruthless CEO who arrived in Hope Peak three weeks ago, focused solely on corporate expansion and board approval, would hardly recognize the man I've become, the man I was always capable of being, once shown what truly matters.

It's not the Winter Division's success, though that's proceeding beyond projections. It's not the board's approval of my hybrid leadership model, though that represents a professional victory years in the making.

It's this woman in my arms. This town that's become home. This life we're building together that bridges corporate ambition and community connection without sacrificing either.

Outside, snow continues to fall over Hope Peak, transforming the landscape into a pristine canvas for new beginnings. Inside, in the circle of my arms, the woman whochanged everything sleeps peacefully, secure in the knowledge that whatever comes next, we'll face it together.

The most unexpected, and most valuable, merger of my career.

And worth every moment of the journey that brought us here.

Sloane

Four months later

"I now pronounceyou husband and wife," Levi declares, his voice carrying across the gathered crowd at The Evergreen Lodge. "You may kiss your bride."

My heart hammers against my ribs as Atticus turns to face me, those steel-grey eyes soft with an emotion that still takes my breath away. When his lips meet mine, the world explodes into cheers, Blackwood executives in their formal attire celebrating alongside Hope Peak locals in their Sunday best, corporate precision meeting mountain charm in perfect harmony.

Through the applause, I catch glimpses of the faces that matter most. Vivienne dabs discreetly at her eyes, while beside her, my father beams with undisguised pride. In the front row, Marcus nods approvingly, and Jenna doesn't bother hiding her tears of joy. Even Brynn and Callum hold hands, their own relationship having blossomed in the wake of the Winter Division's success.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Levi announces as we turn to face our guests, "I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Morgan!"

Mrs. Morgan. The name sends a thrill through me that has nothing to do with corporate titles and everything to do with theman whose arm I'm tucked against. More applause fills the air as we make our way down the aisle, my hand secure in the crook of Atticus's elbow, matching smiles brightening our faces.

Above us, the spring sky stretches clear and blue over Hope Peak, the mountains still snow-capped but the valley bursting with new growth and possibility, nature's perfect metaphor for the journey that began with a ruthless CEO's arrival and culminated in the most unexpected and wonderful merger of all.

Love, like the best business decisions, sometimes comes when you least expect it.

And changes everything for the better.