Page 91 of My December Darling

EPILOGUE

CATALINA

Two Years Later

After a rough night at the Lake Aurora hospital, I spend the short drive back to Luke’s and my apartment dreaming of my boyfriend’s arms wrapped around me, only to be met with silence when I unlock the front door and step inside our small but welcoming home. Luke left a side table lamp on for me, but the couch where he usually falls asleep while waiting for me is empty.

“Luke?” I search the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom for him, but my call remains unanswered, further adding to my disappointment.

Spending the last year living with Luke has clearly spoiled me. Somewhere between moving in together and falling in love, I forgot what it felt like to be alone. Now that I remember the unsettling feeling that plagued me for years, I’m even more grateful for Luke’s love, companionship, and ability to make the worst days a little more bearable.

Before hopping in the shower, I text Luke to ask where he is, but he doesn’t reply to my message. I distract myself by heating up some leftovers he saved me, scrolling through and commenting on the photos my sister sent me of nursery room ideas she is considering, and letting my brain rot for a few minutes on social media.

I’m so distracted by a video of a dog being reunited with its long-lost owner that I don’t hear Luke unlocking the front door until it is already slamming shut behind him.

I pop my head out of the kitchen. “What were you up—” My question dies as my gaze drops to the massive rectangular box in his arms. “Oh my God.”

His beaming smile expands even wider. “Surprise?”

I run up to him and throw my arms around his neck, ignoring the LEGO set pressing against his chest. “How did you get one?”

He kisses the top of my head. “I waited in line for over ten hours and hoped I would get lucky.”

I blink twice. “You waited ten hours?”

“Yes.”

“By yourself?” I grab his hand and drag him over to the couch.

“Aiden kept me company for part of it.”

“Why did he ditch you?”

“Why else?” He arches a brow.

I grab the box from Luke’s hands and place it on the table before straddling his lap. He grips my hips, holding me in place while I pepper his cheeks with soft kisses.

“I take it you’re happy?”

“Are you seriously asking me that? I never thought we stood a chance at getting one.” I tip my head in the direction of the limited-edition LEGO set of our favorite science-fiction cinematic universe. According to the frequently asked questions page on their website, there were only a few hundred thousandmade in the whole world, which sounds like a lot until people consider the popularity of the movies.

“I had to try.” His beaming smile is infectious, and I find myself returning his with one of my own. It’s astonishing how only a few minutes in Luke’s presence eases the oppressive sadness that has been following me ever since I found out my patient wasn’t responding well to their treatment.

“What’s wrong?” He cups my cheek.

“I didn’t say anything.”

“You don’t have to.” He readjusts our positions so I’m settled against his side, tucked protectively under his arm.

I sink into him with a sigh.

“Rough day?” he asks.

“Yeah.”

“Want to talk about it?”

“Not exactly.”

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