Page 20 of Holidays and Handcuffs

When we finally pull apart, I rest my forehead against hers, my heart racing. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited to hear you say that.”

A small smile tugs at her lips, and she bites down on her bottom lip. “I need you to do something for me.”

“Anything,” I say, still breathless, without hesitation. I’d give her the world if she asked for it. “Just name it.”

Her expression grows serious, and I feel her tense slightly in my arms. “I need you to take me back to my parents' house.”

I blink, surprised. “Back there?”

She nods. “I’m tired of being under their thumb, tired of living in their shadow. I’ve had enough.”

I feel a swell of pride rise in my chest as she straightens her shoulders. “Take me back there,” she says firmly.

Without a word, I lead her back to the car, my hand on the small of her back. Half an hour later, we arrive and the moment we walk through the front door, her parents immediately start in on her, but Emily raises a hand to silence them.

“I’m done,” she says, her voice steady. “I’m done being your spare, your afterthought. I won’t live under your thumb anymore. I’m my own person, and I won’t let you control me anymore.”

Her mother looks stunned, her father speechless, and Billy’s standing there, fuming but too scared to speak. I’m so damn proud of her.

Without another word, I pull her into a kiss, right in front of her family. They can’t control her anymore. She’s free, and she’s mine. “I’m so fucking proud of you.”

“Take me home,” she murmurs against my lips smiling.

“Your wish is my command, Princess.”

Epilogue

Two Years Later

Emily

Two years of marriage, and I’ve never regretted choosing Jack over my family. Not once. He’s everything I never thought I’d have. My best friend, my protector, and the only person who’s ever truly put me first.

It's December 26th, our second wedding anniversary. I can hardly believe it’s been two years since I finally stood up to my parents. The very next day, Jack proposed, and we didn’t waste any time, by sunset, we went down to the courthouse, signed the paperwork and we were married. My family wasn’t there, and honestly, I didn’t miss them for a second.

Our bags are packed, and tomorrow we're headed to the Bahamas for a week’s vacation with his parents. Just like Jack promised. Every Christmas, we have a tree we decorate together and a feast at Christmas that make the entire house smell like home.

As I watch him in the kitchen, his muscles flexing under the fitted T-shirt he’s wearing, I feel a warmth spread through me that has nothing to do with the oven’s heat.

He’s been cooking breakfast, humming to himself, completely unaware of the news I’m about to drop on him. I lean against the doorway, just watching him, my heart swelling with love. My pulse quickens as I clear my throat.

“Jack,” I say softly. He looks up, flashing me that easy, devastating smile that never fails to make my heart race.

“Hey, Princess. Breakfast is almost ready. Bacon's crispy, just how you like it.”

I step closer, biting my lip. “I... I have something to tell you.”

His brow furrows slightly as he wipes his hands on a dish towel, turning toward me with full attention.

“What is it? Is everything okay?” he asks, his voice instantly serious.

I reach for his hand, guiding it to my stomach, watching his eyes widening as realization dawns. “I’m pregnant,” I whisper, my voice thick with emotion as I show him the double-lined test strip.

Jack freezes for a second, his eyes locking with mine. But then something softens in his gaze, and a slow, knowing smile spreads across his face.

“I knew it,” he murmurs, his hand splaying over my belly.

“You knew? How? I only found out this morning.”

---