Absolutely nothing.
“I love you too, Luke. So much.”
He kissed me so hard he took my breath away.
“Move to Appleridge. Live on my orchard farm with me.”
“Luke…I…my job…”
“You can keep your job. I’ll drive you there every day. I can’t bear the thought of not being with you every day, Bea.”
“I know, me either,” I whispered.
“Then there’s your answer…” Luke said with such hope, such love, such passion, how could I ever turn away this sweet, handsome, delicious man?
“Okay.”
“Okay? As in, you will?”
“Yes. I love you, Santa.”
“And I love you, Mrs. Claus.”
It was the best Christmas I’ve ever had.
And when we escaped the Inn two days later after being buried from the storm, Luke brought me to his log cabin on his orchard, and I met Mr. Pickles, his adorable gray-and-white cat, along with all his soon-to-be apple trees, bundled up for the winter season.
Anywhere I was with Luke would feel like home, but his cabin felt like a dream come true, a place I’d always dream of raising a family in, and here it was, with my favorite Santa by my side.
EPILOGUE
Luke
Two years later
Eight months after meeting Bea,I married her among the apple trees in my orchard, the fall season popping with colors and abundant with fruit.
She looked radiant in her lacy white dress, and we celebrated with a huge party and a honeymoon to Hawaii, her dream vacation spot. We spent a month there, exploring the islands and immersing ourselves in the wonderful culture of the native people.
I used some of my savings and splurged on a yacht rental, and with only the blue ocean water and my woman, life was fucking fantastic. We fucked, tanned, swam, ate delicious food, and slept on repeat.
On the islands, we explored the lands and attended pig roasts and luau shows. And when we headed back to Appleridge, restedand tanned, our new life began with Bea teaching in Apple Falls, and me tending to my orchard.
When Christmas rolled around, we worked as Santa and Mrs. Claus, and this time, Katie had nothing to say, considering we were husband and wife.
I knew it would become an annual tradition, and sure enough, we were back in Appleridge’s Christmas village the following Christmas.
It was the night before Christmas Eve, and so far, it had been our busiest night yet. A snowstorm was due to start tonight, and it seemed like everyone in town came out. It kind of reminded me of two years ago when I first met Bea…yet this time, she came home with me every night, just like last year.
“Babe,” Bea said, her face glowing as she changed into her Mrs. Claus suit. “A big snowstorm is coming tonight.” Her excitement was contagious, though I wasn’t quite sure why, considering we always got snow around here. But if she was excited, then so was I.
“Wooo, more shoveling,” I joked as I pulled her in for a kiss.
“No, silly. It’s like the first Christmas we spent together. We’ll be snowed in again. This time in our warm, comfy home with Mr. Pickles and our even bigger hot tub.” Bea stood on her tiptoes and placed her lips against my ear. “I’ve also got a surprise.”
“A surprise? You know I have everything I’ve ever wanted in you, darling.”
“You like this surprise, though. I promise.”