Page 44 of The Princess Home for Christmas

Epilogue

Christmas morning. Thomas woke from the bedroom on the west side. He was impatient to find Dahlia. He had plans for this morning and he wanted them to go as smoothly as possible.

He trekked down to grab some breakfast. The typical meeting was postponed so that they could gather quickly as everyone woke to the family room. Their tree was lit and decorated, the boughs shading a pile of presents like Thomas had never seen.

On his way out of the dining hall, Dahlia met him and grabbed his hand. “Merry Christmas.” She raised to tiptoe and kissed his mouth.

“Merry Christmas beautiful.”

“You ready for this? The Valdez family Christmas can be a bit much.”

“I’m ready. If you recall I’m an old pro and perhaps even helped create some of the more raucous traditions.”

She signed. “I forget you were that boy. True. No warning necessary for you.” She squeezed his hand. “Everything is better when you are in it. Thanks for being here.”

“I wouldn’t miss it. Mother is spending Christmas with Jonathon, Chloe, and the kids. Theresa is back at the hospital. And even if they were all clamoring for my attention, I wouldn’t want to spend Christmas with anyone else.”

They made their way into the already growing crowded family room.

Nico and Jo laughed together on the chairs at the head of the room. The brothers teased they were like thrones for the pair of them. Nico had shrugged. “Fitting.”

Trane and Seraphina snuggled together under a blanket at the corner of a couch. She clutched a mug to her chest, sipping. Even under huge baggy pajamas, she looked ready to burst. The baby would be born any day.

Trip and JC joked and teased. They hadn’t sat yet. The two of them had so much energy all the time. Dahlia didn’t know how they did it. She wondered if they would announce their news today. Dahlia’s eyes wandered over to the stunning gingerbread depiction of the palace

Daniel and Melodia. What a stunning pair. Melodia drew gazes wherever they were. Every room seemed that much more beautiful because she was in it--even now with hair piled on top of her head. They wore matching pajamas. They would. Daniel had his camera out.

Thad and Sage entered together, laughing. They shared the couch with Trane. This was Sage’s first Christmas with them, and Dahlia was happy they had been able to stay for all of the festivities. They spent most of their time as partner CEOs in NYC, and Dahlia missed them.

And Lucan and Queen Anna. Dahlia half expected to see Lucan in the back in the shadows as he had always been, but since Anna had come back into his life, he was more in the center of things. But always looking to Anna. His eyes rarely left her. Thinking of their story, Dahlia’s eyes misted, grateful they had figured things out.

And now, Dahlia too, with a man she would love to spend the rest of her life with. The family felt so complete. And yet, as she eyed her mother, in her customary chair next to the tree, the empty chair beside her brought a familiar ache. Perhaps their father joined them. His memory always would. He would be brimming with joy were he to see his family overflowing with love and happiness.

And then Thomas cleared his throat. “Might I have everyone’s attention?”

Happy expectation bubbled through her.

“I could not be happier that you are all present to hear this. Might I take a moment?” He looked to Nico, who nodded and waved his hand.

“I have loved Dahlia from the beginning. And I love her even more now.” He dropped to one knee and Dahlia thought her smile might break her face.

“We are so much better together than when we are apart. And so much stronger. Everything I bring to the table, you make better. Dahlia, would you make me the happiest of men and be my wife?”

Dahlia couldn’t contain her happiness. “Yes, Oh yes!!” She pulled him to his feet and he wrapped her in a hug.

Then he placed a stunning ring on her finger, round cut, brilliantly sparkling and it fit perfectly. “Thank you.” She whispered.

Then his lips found hers and she was filled with the warmth of their union, with the peace of something so very right in her life and the wholeness of having found another who completed all the rough and missing parts of her.

Then everyone cheered and clapped and mother started passing out presents. “You are much better together than you could ever be alone, all of you. I’m so happy. I speak for your father when I say, you have made us the happiest of parents.

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