Page 23 of The Mistletoe Promise

“Does this mean that you’ll be here for Christmas?” he asks, and I can hear the hesitancy in his voice.

“I’m here for as long as you want,” I tell him, knowing that I want to be here for the rest of my life. I feel safe, secure, and wanted. All the things that I never felt from Aaron.

His arms tighten around me, I feel his lips press against my forehead. “Kitten,” he says, and I can hear the smile in his voice. “I want you here always.”

"So," I say grinning, tracing lazy patterns on his skin. "About round two..."

Frankie's laugh rumbles through his chest. "Already? Damn, Kitten, you're insatiable."

I lift my head to meet his gaze, a mischievous glint in my eye. "Are you complaining?"

"Not at all," he growls, rolling us over so he's hovering above me once more. "I told you, I'm here for whatever you need."

Yes, I’ve never felt so wanted and beautiful as I do with Frankie. I guess my Christmas wish is coming true too.

All I want for Christmas is to be loved and wanted.

EPILOGUE

FRANKIE

One year later

Amanda sinks down onto the sofa with a low groan. “I’m so happy that everyone had a good time.”

“Kitten,” I say as I reach for her feet to give them a rub. She left the house before six this morning and has only returned now and it’s almost nine in the evening. “You go all out for your events, it was only natural that you’d go epically all out for The Christmas Wishing Tree this year, especially when it was your own company that was sponsoring it.”

Eight months ago, Amanda took the plunge and started her own business Blissful Moments Inc. An events business that is thriving, she’s inundated with clients, thanks to her work on the Christmas Wishing Tree last year.

Amanda leans her head back against the sofa, closing her eyes as I massage her tired feet. "I know, but this year felt different. The pressure was on, you know? I couldn't let anyone down."

I nod, understanding her perfectionist tendencies all too well. "And you didn't. The tree was magnificent, the lights were breathtaking, and I saw more than a few teary-eyed people hanging their wishes."

She peeks one eye open, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Really?"

"Really," I affirm. "You created magic, Amanda. Pure magic."

She sighs contentedly, relaxing further into the cushions. "I just hope I can keep this momentum going. The business is doing well, but..."

"But nothing," I interject gently. "You're amazing at what you do. Your passion shows in every event you plan."

“I can’t believe how full the tree was with wishes, I don’t think we had any space left for any more to add,” she tells me with a smile.

I reach into my pocket. “Well, I did get a wish,” I begin as I pull out the ornament that contains my wish. “I thought maybe you could help me fulfill it."

Amanda leans forward, watching me carefully. "Oh? And what wish might that be?"

I hold up the small, glittering ornament. My heart races as I carefully unroll the tiny scroll nestled inside. Amanda watches, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"Well," I say, my voice slightly shaky. God, why the hell am I so nervous? "My wish saysI wish that Amanda Jones to be my wife."

There's a beat of silence. Amanda's eyes widen, her lips parting in surprise. I slide off the couch, lowering myself to one knee before her. From my other pocket, I produce a small velvet box.

"Amanda," I begin, my voice thick with emotion. "You've brought so much joy into my life. I want to spend the rest of my life loving you. Will you marry me?"

Tears well up in Amanda's eyes, spilling over as she nods vigorously. "Yes," she whispers, then louder, "Yes! Of course, yes!"

I slip the ring onto her finger, just before Amanda throws her arms around me, nearly toppling us both onto the floor. I slide my arm around her waist and kiss her, the little ornament with my wish sits on the coffee.

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