Page 89 of Wanting You

“I’m so happy for them. I mean…look at them. Silas is so excited, my brother has that sappy smile, and Jade looks positively radiant.” She sighed happily. “This is the best news. The absolute best.”

Nodding, he continued to hold her. “It’s a definite cause for celebration,” he said.

As if on cue, Levi called out, “We have champagne chilling inside! And sparkling grape juice for Jade and Silas! Let’s move this into the kitchen!”

And for the rest of the day, every conversation was about the future and the good things to come. Tanner was in total agreement. The next year promised to be the best one yet.

Having Chloe with him and knowing all the good that was to come involved her—and was because of her—made him feel even luckier. His life had changed in so many ways in such a few short months, but it was all for the better.

He just couldn’t wait until they were all raising their glasses to them.

To her.

His Chloe.

And maybe to them being Couple of the Year.

That was a thing, right?

Epilogue

Christmas Eve…

It was late—almost midnight. Tanner’s parents were at his house and Chloe felt a little guilty that he was here with her instead of home with them. They’d gotten home from dinner at Billie’s a little while ago and it had been so much fun. It was loud and chaotic, and her family had just totally embraced the Westyns—not that she expected anything less. Her family was awesome and so were the Westyns. But she had to admit that she had a moment or two where she feared they wouldn’t hit it off.

After dropping his parents off, Tanner brought her home and now they were curled up on her sofa, watching the fire in the fireplace, and enjoying the peace and quiet after such a boisterous evening.

“I feel bad that your parents are home alone,” she told him.

“Are you kidding? They both said they were exhausted and were going to bed. Then they said that they’d see me in the morning, so…”

“So…you’re going to stay tonight?”

“If that’s okay.”

Turning, she smiled at him. “Of course it is!” Glancing at the tree, she sighed. “Growing up, we had a tradition where we got to open one gift on Christmas Eve. It was always pajamas, but I loved it.”

“We did the same. As a matter of fact, my parents gave me a new pair of pajamas earlier, before we left for Billie’s,” he said with a laugh.

“Obviously you saw us all open pajamas tonight too.” Straightening, she nodded toward the tree. “I have something I wanted to give you tonight, but it is most definitely not pajamas.”

He laughed. “That’s good, because I think we both know I don’t really wear them. At least, not when I’m with you.”

Blushing, she stood and walked over to the tree, picking up a tall box from the back. “There are more for you under the tree that we’ll open tomorrow, but…this one I wanted you to open tonight.” Standing in front of him, she held it out. “Merry Christmas, Tanner.”

“Chloe…” He glanced around. “I have something for you too. Let me get it and we can open them together.”

“Absolutely not. I can wait. Please.” Then she sat down beside him, eager to see the look on his face.

“O-kay…” Carefully, he tore the wrapping and pulled it off before studying the nondescript box.

Her heart was racing because this was a first for her and she hoped he loved it.

“Holy…Chloe, this is…this is amazing!” he said, his voice filled with wonder. “Is this hand-painted?”

She nodded. “You won’t be able to use it out on the slopes, but it’s something that I hope you’ll want to display. It was a labor of love.”

“This is the most thoughtful thing I’ve ever received. I can’t believe you did this.”

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