Page 65 of Axton

“Maybe one for my brother too.” She said.

Done.

“Thank you, Santa.” He handed her a candy cane and she raced over to me. “Did I do it right?”

“You did perfect.”

Belle

I stood as stiff as stone as Michael wrapped his arms around me and ice skated. He was laughing because I was so scared. “Loosen up and move with me.” He was behind me and practically holding me up.

I tried and eventually I started to catch on. I almost fell about twenty times, but my protector always caught me. It started to snow so I slowed, and he pulled me into him. He laughed when I opened my mouth and tried to catch a snowflake on my tongue.

“You…are adorable.” He kissed the tip of my nose.

I scrunched my nose. “But you have to think that as my soon to be fake husband.”

“I think that as the real guy that wants to date you.” He kissed the tip of my nose again. “Next time, that might not land on your nose.” Hewarned me and yes, I wanted that so bad. A real kiss on my lips. I should have asked Santa for a real Michael kiss for Christmas. “Come on, let’s go around one more time.” He took my hand and off we went.

Twenty minutes later, we were curled up together under a blanket with hot chocolate in our hands. The horse was pulling our carriage, and I couldn’t describe the feeling of it. “I don’t feel as old tonight. For the first time in my life, it’s like all my dreams are alive and I don’t have to hide my thoughts and dreams anymore.” I rested my head against his shoulder as the carriage took us around the lake so we could admire all the Christmas lights. “Is this what they call Christmas Spirit? I know someone outside wants me for evil things, but I have a huge amount of hope in my heart.”

He squeezed me a little tighter. “That sounds exactly like Christmas spirit.”

“Do I have to be a religious person to enjoy this holiday or is being faithful to God enough?”

He kissed the top of my head. “Being faithful to yourself is the same as being faithful to God. No, you do not have to subscribe to a certain religion.”

“I can be faithful to you as well.” I said.

He lifted my chin then lowered his head. My heart raced then he kissed me on the nose.

“Dang it! I hoped you’d miss that time.”

He chuckled as he looked down at me. “Bellemy Ashford, you are so much more than I could have dreamed when I first saw you in that bed.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “That was super cheesy. Not cringe but definitely cheesy.”

He threw his head back and laughed. “We don’t have to rush anything.”

I rolled my eyes. “Whatever.” I really did think it was cute.

He chuckled. “You’ve only been here for twenty-four hours and you’re already rolling your eyes like Morgan and Addie.”

“I’m a quick learner.” I bragged.

He squeezed my body again. “That’s an understatement. You’ve made some huge strides in a very little amount of time.”

I saw the lake and the Christmas lights danced as they reflected in the water as snow fell from the sky. “Michael look at it. He’s here you know, God. It’s so beautiful and maybe this is a sign. He likes the path I’m taking. Nothing has ever felt so right in my life, despite the fact that I don’t know what will happen tomorrow.”

“What path do you think he’s happy you’re taking?”

I turned my head and looked up at him. “Can I ask you a question?” I avoided his question.

“Sure.”

“I’ve met a lot of people in my life. I went to college and there were a lot of people there. I student taught and met students, teachers, fathers, and lots of other men. I visited other communities and met men more like how my family is, but I never met someone like you. I never felt someone near before I saw them. Never felt anxious like there’s butterflies in my stomach, and I never felt so safe. Does that scare you? Because oddly enough, it doesn’t scare me.”

His eyes softened. “You’ve known me for a week. I can be moody at times, and I might not end up being who you think I am.”

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