Page 49 of Unwrapped

Ivy nudges me with her elbow, and we exchange a knowing look. “They’re hopeless,” she whispers, trying not to laugh.

“They’re going to tear each other apart before they figure it out,” I say, grinning. “Or maybe that’s just their version of flirting.”

Ivy giggles, shaking her head. “God help them if they ever figure it out.”

Zane raises an eyebrow at Tessa, clearly enjoying the verbal sparring. “You know, Tessa, if you spent less time being mad at me and more time having fun, you might actually enjoy yourself for once.”

Tessa’s lips twitch, but she quickly suppresses the hint of a smile. “I do have fun, Zane. I just don’t find your ego nearly as entertaining as you do.”

Zane steps closer, his eyes gleaming with a challenge. “Maybe you just haven’t seen the right side of me yet.”

Tessa blinks, caught off guard by the subtle shift in his tone. She opens her mouth to respond but seems to falter for a moment, her confidence wavering just slightly.

Ivy leans in closer to me, whispering with a grin, “Do you think they’ll finally kiss this New Year’s or keep pretending to hate each other?”

I smirk, pulling her closer to my side. “They’ll probably argue right up until midnight and then pretend like nothing’s happening. But I give it a month before they finally crack.”

We share a quiet laugh, the buzz of the room fading into the background as the countdown to midnight approaches. I glance around the apartment, taking in the scene of our friends and family gathered together, and for a brief moment, I let myself reflect on how much has changed.

This year started with so many questions, so much uncertainty. I didn’t know where my life was headed, didn’t know if I’d ever find something—someone—that made me feel grounded, whole. But now, standing here with Ivy, my hand in hers, I know without a doubt that everything has changed for the better.

The chatter in the room starts to die down as someone turns up the volume on the TV, and the countdown begins. Everyone gathers closer, champagne glasses raised, ready to toast thenew year. Zane and Tessa are still bickering in the background, though I notice they’ve inched a little closer to each other.

“Ten… nine… eight…”

The room buzzes with excitement, and I turn to Ivy, my heart swelling with anticipation.

“Seven… six… five…”

I take her hand and gently turn her to face me. Her eyes meet mine, and there’s something so pure and full of love in her gaze that it makes my chest tighten.

“Four… three… two…”

I lean in, my lips brushing against hers just as the crowd shouts, “One! Happy New Year!”

The moment the words leave everyone’s lips, I kiss her—soft and slow, savoring the sweetness of her, the warmth that spreads between us. She melts into me, her arms wrapping around my neck as the rest of the room fades away. It’s just us, wrapped in this perfect moment.

When we finally pull away, I rest my forehead against hers, my hands gently cupping her face. “You’ve changed my world, Ivy. You’ve made me realize what’s important, what it means to really live. I can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together, making more memories like this.”

Her eyes shine with tears, but her smile is radiant. “I love you, Asher,” she whispers, her voice shaky. “You’ve changed my life, too. I never thought I’d find something this real, this… perfect.”

I kiss her again, my heart full to bursting. “Here’s to us,” I murmur, our lips still inches apart. “And here’s to the best year yet.”

We toast with our champagne glasses, the rest of the room cheering and celebrating around us, but nothing else matters except for the woman standing in front of me. Ivy is my world now, and I can’t wait to spend forever with her.

Epilogue

IVY-ONE YEAR LATER…

Istand in the quiet bakery, soaking in the peaceful stillness that only comes after hours. The winter sun has already begun to set, casting long shadows through the front windows of Sugar & Spice. The glass display cases, usually filled with an array of colorful treats, sit empty after another successful day. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and we sold out of everything - plus hit our maximum capacity for custom orders.

A year has passed since Asher and I first reconnected, since that magical holiday season that changed everything. Now, as I cradle a warm cup of chamomile tea, I can't help but smile at how beautifully life has unfolded. The bakery is thriving beyond our wildest dreams, and my heart feels so full I think it might burst.

The cinnamon-scented air wraps around me like a cozy blanket as I wander through the space that has become my second home. Tessa and I poured our hearts into every detail - from the warm wood accents to the twinkling lights that stay up year-round. It's everything we dreamed of and more.

Setting down my tea, I head to the kitchen. Even though we're closed for the next few days, I have one more batch of cookies to make - Asher's favorite gingerbread. The recipe cardis worn now from frequent use, though I hardly need it anymore. The familiar motions of measuring and mixing ingredients center me, bringing back memories of that first batch I made for him.

The bell above the door chimes, startling me from my reverie. I peek my head out from the kitchen to see Asher letting himself in with his key, his cheeks flushed from the cold.

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