Page 44 of Christmas With My Ex

It gave us time we needed to figure things out, to grow up, to find ourselves. But now, it feels like everything we went through led us back to this moment.

I cup her face gently, my thumb brushing over her cheek. “So, does that mean I can see you again, after we leave here?”

She smiles, leaning into my touch, and the look in her eyes tells me everything I need to know. We’ve come a long way. We’re not the same people we were before, but somehow, we’ve found our way back to each other.

Her hand moves to my neck, her fingers threading through my hair as she pulls me closer. “I would love that,” she whispers, her voice barely audible.

It's all I can do not to jump up and down. I thought this ship had sailed, that no matter what I did or said, she would never give me a second chance. I'm sure she can feel my heart thumping through my chest.

"I'm sorry for the way I left before. I promise to talk to you as we navigate this. I've grown up a little and more into my roles in life. You'll be pleased to see I can multi-task and the world won't crumble around me."

She shakes her head, pressing her face into my chest . “We both messed up, Nicholas. We were young. We were both hotheads, and I was not realistic. Not only have I slowed down, but I understand my wants and needs aren't the only ones.”

Her breath catches a little, and I can feel the emotion in her words when she speaks again. “But I wanted it to. I wanted us to work. And I would love to try again.”

I close my eyes for a second, feeling the weight of those words settle between us. I want it too. God, do I want it. I realized not long after we split that I gave up a good one, but I was too damned proud and stubborn.

I won't let this opportunity pass me by.

“I want it too,” I admit quietly. "I will put you first. I will put us first."

She pulls back slightly, her gaze searching mine. “And I understand that sometimes your son has to take precedence. I get that now.”

I think about it for a second, then shake my head. “You can both come first. I’ve learned a thing or two about balance.”

Her smile grows, and she leans in, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. It’s not rushed or heated like before—it’s slow, meaningful.

And in that moment, I know it’s not just about the physical connection between us anymore.

It’s more than that. It’s the understanding that we’ve come full circle, that we’ve both changed, but the things that matter, they’re still here.

We lie there for a while longer, the weight of our past falling away with each breath. Her breathing slows and I wonder if she's fallen asleep in my arms.

“I’m glad you’re here,” I whisper, my hand resting on her back, holding her close. "Do you want to go get in my bed? It might be more comfortable."

She nuzzles against me, her voice soft and content. “That sounds amazing.”

SEVENTEEN

Rives

Shepherds in the fields / The night watch they would keep / Till angel voices sang / Glory to the King.

Monday, December 25

8:22am

The soft rustleof movement stirs me awake. The faint scent of fragrant espresso beans reach my nose before I even open my eyes.

I blink slowly, the warm haze of sleep still clinging to me as I adjust to the morning light filtering into the room. My heart skips a beat when I hear his voice before I see him.

“Merry Christmas,” Nicholas’s voice comes softly, and when I finally open my eyes, he’s standing beside the bed, a tray in his hands with coffee and breakfast neatly arranged.

I blink again, trying to wake up fully, and I can’t help the small smile that creeps across my face. Every woman should be so lucky to wake up to this view.

“You didn’t have to do all this,” I murmur, my voice still a little groggy. "And Merry Christmas to you, handsome elf."

Nicholas shrugs, but his smile is warm and genuine. “I figured you might be hungry after your workout last night. Plus, it’s Christmas. Breakfast in bed seemed appropriate.”

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