Page 73 of Fighting for her Family

EVIE

The snow fell gently over Frostvale, blanketing the town in a serene blanket of white. The newly extended Evergreen Hotel stood proudly on the knoll overlooking the town, its holiday lights twinkling like the first stars against the darkening evening sky.

Inside, the scent of pine mingled with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that welcomed guests from near and far.

Evie stood behind the counter of the new café. It was a blend of Shepherd’s coffee shop and her bakery; a more informal and social space than the Evergreen restaurant and had quickly become the heart of the community. And with the hotel’s expansion to incorporate Evie’s home, alongside the café’s growing popularity, Evie had struck the perfect balance between her love of baking and the flourishing celebration-cake business she ran in tandem with weddings and events at the hotel.

A bright smile lit up her face as Shepherd flipped over the closed sign and brought the last trays of crockery in from the tables he’d cleared.

“Are you done?” he asked, leaning across the counter and stealing a kiss. His dark hair was tousled, and his eyes sparkled with love as he watched Evie take the final batches of cookies out of the oven and set the timers for the morning. Gone was the grumpy guy who barely spoke or only grunted out brief responses.

“I am,” she replied, her heart swelling with gratitude as she looked around the space. The new ventures they’d combined into the existing hotel meant they all had more time for each other, and for Ollie.

There was a commotion in the foyer, and Asher swept in, his arms piled high with boxes of holiday decorations.

“I’ve just taken delivery of the most amazing attraction for us to feature at the hotel,” he announced, his blue eyes shining with excitement. “Just look at this.”

As if he had a sixth sense about such things, Ollie came trotting in through the door that led from their private living quarters and let out an exuberant whoop. “Whoa! That’s so cool!”

“It is indeed, li’ll buddy,” Asher replied, rubbing his hands together.

The two of them were like a couple of little kids - except, of course, Olliewasa little kid - as they immediately started working together to build the railway track, complete with engine and carriages that were almost big enough to carry a small child.

“It’s too dangerous for kids,” Ollie declared, making Evie wonder who was the adult and who was the child in this scenario. “But we can make the Santa teddy the driver. It’ll be the teddy express.” He’d thrived in this world of warmth and support, growing so much over the past year.

“Of course! We’ll make it magical,” Asher agreed, and Evie’s heart fluttered at the sight of them.

Shepherd, Asher, and Gabe - Evie’s very own three wise men - had become her partners in every sense of the word, both in life and in business.

They’d woven their dreams together, building a home brimming with love and laughter, warmth and joy.

Gabe appeared at the doorway, his presence steady and comforting. He slid an arm around Evie’s waist and kissed her temple. “How’s my favorite baker today?” he murmured. “Has that tummy bug disappeared?”

Evie smiled a secret smile. “I’m feeling wonderful,” she told him. “I’m so happy we get to celebrate Christmas without any drama this year.”

Shortly after their confrontation, Adrian had vanished into the shadows of debt and broken promises, leaving behind nothing but whispers of failed relationships and loan sharks. Word was - if you could believe what Brandi had told Victoria - that he’d cut and run in fear for his safety and started a new life abroad. Either way, she’d heard nothing more from either him or his lawyer, and most importantly, Ollie didn’t seem upset about it at all.

But with Adrian out of the picture, Evie had felt the weight lift from her shoulders and finally felt free to savor the life they’d built with no lingering threats, just the promise of family and community.

Later that evening, with their home filled with friends and family for their pre-Christmas celebration, Evie stood before the crackling fireplace, heart tripping in anticipation.

She tapped her glass of grape juice to get everyone’s attention. The room quieted as all eyes turned to her. “I have a special Christmas surprise to share with you all.”

Gabe squeezed her hand reassuringly while Shepherd and Asher stood close by, their expressions filled with curiosity.

“I’m going to be a mom again!” Evie announced, her voice ringing with joy. The room erupted into cheers and applause as Ollie jumped up and down with excitement.

“Does that mean I’m going to be a big brother?” he shouted, his face lit up with pure delight.

“Yes! You’re going to be an amazing big brother,” Evie replied, tears of happiness brimming in her eyes.

“Woohoo!” he yelled, fist pumping the air. “Santa came through again. Last year, I told him I wanted a new dad, and I got three. Do you think I’ll get three brothers or sisters this year?”

Evie’s mouth fell open, and her eyes found Asher’s.

He shrugged. “Not my secret to tell,” he murmured in her ear. No wonder her little boy was so comfortable with what had happened.

Evie didn’t have time to ponder it further, as Gabe pulled her into a tight embrace, lifting her off the ground as he spun her around. “This is the best news ever!” he exclaimed.

Shepherd grinned widely, his eyes glistening with pride. “We’re going to have our hands full if Ollie’s Christmas wishes really do come true,” he said playfully, cupping his hand over her stomach.

Asher stepped forward, wrapping his arms around both Evie and Ollie, who had launched himself at her legs like a spider monkey. “And we wouldn’t want it any other way,” he added softly.

The celebration continued late into a night filled with fun, laughter, and hopes for the future.

Evie looked around at her son, her partners, her parents, her friends, and felt a deep, unshakable peace. This Christmas was more than a holiday, and as snowflakes danced outside in the moonlight, she knew that this was only the beginning of their beautiful journey together.

This Christmas marked the culmination of everything they’d ever dreamed of, and the future stretched brightly ahead of them.