Page 61 of Stealing Mrs. Claus

She reads the text and smiles. “Good, because if he was keeping the house, I was going to offer you the other half of my bed. Thank God because I’m such a blanket hog.”

Scoffing, I slap her thigh. “Oh, I know!”

“So, you are officially my permanent neighbor and my girlfriend, all in the span of twenty-four hours. It’s been a pretty great Christmas if you ask me.” She beams and wraps her arm around my shoulders.

“I like the sound of that—girlfriend,” I smile.

“Myrealgirlfriend,” she adds.

Noelle has given me the greatest gift anyone could. She helped me find myself when I was lost. She pushed me to take chances and be brave and bold. She taught me to love my passions and pursue them at all costs.

I wanted this trip to be a Christmas to remember. It will betheChristmas I remember.

I don’t know where life will take Noelle and I. But I know that no matter what happens, where we go, what we do, I want it to be by each other’s side.

Life is full of unknowns, disappointments, and doubts. When a ray of sunshine like Noelle lights up your entire life, you make damn sure you don’t let it go.

Tucking my head into the crook of her neck, I take a deep breath and relax into my girl. “Merry Christmas, Noelle.”

She kisses the top of my head. “Merry Christmas, my love.”

The End