Page 81 of Dark Christmas

Her smile tells me I made the right call.

As we finish breakfast, Amelia gets a text from Claire. She checks it, then glances up at me with a smile. "Claire’s asking if we want to do a playdate at Dolores Park in an hour or so."

I’m always down for Sasha and William to hang out. The two of them are becoming fast friends. “Sounds good to me,” I say, scooping Sasha out of his highchair. “He could use some outdoor time.”

We clean up the kitchen and head out, Sasha bouncing in my arms as we make our way to the car. As we walk, I glance at Amelia. “How’s the next book coming along?”

She grins, that familiar spark in her eyes. “It’s still in the idea phase. Honestly, I’m still basking in the success ofThe Duke’s Secret Heir—it blew up beyond what I expected.”

“That’s because it’s good,” I remind her. “But don’t let it go to your head,” I add with a playful wink.

She laughs, nudging me with her elbow. “Don’t worry, I won’t. I’m simply happy to let the muse visit whenever she’s ready.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Like Jack Kerouac said, ‘Sometimes you have to chase the muse down.’”

“Chase her down, huh?” she teases, glancing over at me. “Guess I better start running then.”

As we make our way to Dolores Park, the clouds start to part, letting some sunshine break through. We round a corner, and suddenly the city stretches out before us, a perfect view of the bay, the skyline, and the people coming and going, living their lives. I pause for a second, taking it all in.

Amelia glances up at me, curiosity filling her eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” I tell her. “In fact, everything is exactly right.”

She tilts her head, still looking confused. “What do you mean?”

I take a deep breath, realizing this is it, the moment I’ve been waiting for. “There’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you. But there’s never been the right time. Until now.”

Confusion shadows her face, but I see a flicker of realization starting to form as I reach into my coat pocket. I pull out the small box I’ve been carrying with me for weeks, and her eyes go wide as she stares at it.

This is it. The life I never thought I could have, right in front of me.

I take a deep breath, locking eyes with her, feeling the weight of the moment settling in. “You came into my life when I least expected it. I wasn’t looking for anyone and yet, there you were. You’ve made me realize that I don’t want to live without you. I can’t. Not now, not ever.”

Her eyes glisten as I continue. “I want to start this next chapter with you and Sasha together, as a family. I can’t imagine my life any other way.”

I open the box, revealing the ring inside. Her hands fly to her mouth, and I drop to one knee, the words coming easily. “Amelia, will you marry me?”

She gasps, and then the tears spill over. “Yes!” she exclaims. “Yes, yes, a thousand times, yes!”

I slip the ring onto her finger, my heart filled with more joy than I’ve ever known. I stand back up as she wipes her eyes, grinning at me, her smile radiant. But then she takes my hand, placing it on her belly. I feel the warmth of her skin, and suddenly, it clicks.

I blink, processing what she’s trying to say. “You mean—”

She nods, her smile growing even wider. “We’re having another baby.”

I fist pump the air, excitement rushing through me. Sasha, watching us from his stroller, giggles, sensing the good vibes. I pull her close, our lips meeting in a tender kiss, as we whisper our I love you’s.

And just like that, happily ever after begins—again.

---