Page 24 of A Very Grumpy New Year

“Alright, I’ll come to work for you guys at Semper Fly. I need to put in my two weeks' notice, though.”

“Alright.”

I giggle, and he smiles down at me.

“I love you, Cora.”

“I know. I love you two, psycho.”

“You’re the only one who makes me crazy,” he whispers, and I smirk as his lips land on mine.

His kiss is filled with so much promise for our future and I smile as I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him back, trying to pour all of my love and hopes for the future with him into it.

“We’re getting married,” he announces against my lips and I laugh.

“Not today.”

“Soon,” he grumbles, and I nod.

“Soon.”

He kisses me again, and I jump up, wrapping my legs around him.

“Now, I’ll help you move back into this room in a little bit, but there’s something that I wanted to do first,” I tell him and he smirks.

“What’s that?” He asks, already walking back towards the bed, his hard cock rubbing me through his boxers.

“Come back to bed, and I’ll show you,” I whisper, and he kisses me as we both fall down onto the mattress.

Then, the two of us get started making this year the best year yet.

TEN

Huxley

Five Years Later…

Snow blanketsthe rolling hills of Wolf Valley, turning the town into a cozy postcard scene, and our house glows with warm light against the night. The party is in full swing, our house bustling with voices and laughter as we celebrate the coming New Year with our closest friends and family. Somewhere in the chaos, Kip is telling a story so dramatically I can hear the kids shrieking with laughter from here. Ginger shoots me a knowing smile, and I stifle a laugh as Kip continues his wild tale. It's good to see him and Ginger so happy and to know that all of us, the “found family” we built, are together to welcome another year.

“Alright, everyone!” Olive Baker’s voice calls out as she swoops into the room, her hands full of drinks she’s trying not to spill. “Who’s ready for a toast?”

Everyone cheers, the excitement contagious as we start to gather in the main room. I feel Huxley’s hand at the small of my back, pulling me close. He’s wearing the sweater I bought him last Christmas—a dark, forest green that matches his eyes—and even after all this time, I still get butterflies just looking at him.

“Happy New Year,” he murmurs into my ear, his voice warm as he squeezes me a little closer.

“Almost,” I whisper back, smiling up at him. “But I’m not complaining about the early start.”

I feel a rush of love and gratitude for this man who’s been my partner through all of it—the laughter, the challenges, the quiet moments when it’s just us, side by side, sharing a look or a touch that says everything we don’t need words for.

As everyone gathers around, Huxley lifts his glass, and the room falls quiet. I glance up at him, surprised he’s the one taking the lead, but he just smiles down at me, giving me a gentle wink.

“Alright, everyone,” he begins, his voice deep and warm. “It’s been another good year, and having all of you here with us means more than you know. Let’s raise a glass to family, to friends, and to all the memories we’ve made and have yet to make.” He pauses, and I can see the hint of emotion in his eyes. “Here’s to many more years of laughter, love, and unforgettable moments.”

Everyone cheers and clinks glasses, and I feel myself tearing up a little as Huxley pulls me in for a quick kiss. I glance around the room, taking in the faces of all the people who mean so much to us, feeling that familiar warmth of Wolf Valley.

As the festivities continue, people start to spread out. Kip and Ginger join us, drinks in hand, and Kip grins at Huxley.

“Nice speech, man,” Kip says, clapping Huxley on the shoulder. “Never thought I’d see the day you’d take the lead at a party.”

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