Page 75 of Inherited Holiday

This town did bring out the best in me once I stopped fighting it. I don’t know if it was Christmas or just plain old age, but I found the magic that lay within.

With the shove from my grandfather, I got everything I ever wanted.

My dad shook my hand before doing the same as Felix and pulled me into another tight hug.

“I love you, son.”

“I love you too, Dad.”

I did the only thing left for me to do. I drove Noelle up to the woods where we’d see all the Christmas lights in town.

As soon as we got up there, she beamed. “I love it here.”

“Me too.”

“Now I can have my way with you.”

I grinned, loving the way her eyes lit up from my simple response. I shook off the sentiment, grabbing her hand again.

“You see, Miss Woods. I discovered the love of a woman and its power over me.”

I backed her up into the tree, pressing her up against it with my right arm locking her in place by the side of her face. It was then she noticed we were under a mistletoe.

“You had the love of a girl back then, too,” she recapped, kissing down the side of my neck.

“I have your gifts for you.”

She peered up at my eyes through her long lashes.

“As in more than one?”

“Open it and find out.”

I handed her an envelope first. “What is this?”

“I’m just doing my job.” I grinned.

Once she saw the document in her hand, she sucked in air, startled by what she was seeing.

“Just call me Santa Claus.”

“Oh my God! You gave me the bakery?”

I kissed her. “Now you own a piece of the town you love so much.”

“I can’t believe this…”

“You deserve it.”

I continued my gentle torture for a few more seconds until I handed her the next present.

“Nicholas, how are you going to top this?”

“Let’s find out.” I grinned again.

When she pulled out a diamond, her mouth dropped open.

In one swift motion, I dropped to my knees and professed, “I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?”

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