Page 40 of Once Upon a Holiday Vacation
“Happy New Year!” The shouts from inside barely registered as Weston’s arms wrapped tighter around me, pulling me closer.
I melted into the kiss, my hands finding their way to his chest. I could feel his heart racing beneath my palms, matching the frantic rhythm of my own. The world around us faded awayuntil there was nothing but this moment, this kiss, this man I’d loved for so long.
When we finally pulled apart, both of us were breathless. Weston rested his forehead against mine, a brilliant smile lighting up his face. “Wow,” he whispered.
I laughed softly, feeling giddy and lightheaded. “Yeah, wow.”
“Happy New Year,” he whispered, his thumb gently caressing my cheek.
“Happy New Year,” I answered back, grinning like a fool as I adjusted my glasses which had gone slightly askew. “So, um, what happens now?”
His eyes sparkled with mischief and warmth. “Well, I was thinking we could start with dinner tomorrow night. Just the two of us. What do you say, East? Ready for a new adventure?”
My heart swelled with hope and excitement. “West, I’d go anywhere with you.”
EPILOGUE
EASTON
The Grand DiningRoom buzzed with excitement, a symphony of clinking cutlery and animated chatter. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched my parents’ excitement, taking in the opulent surroundings of our first family cruise.
“Oh, Easton, honey, isn’t this just marvelous?” Mom gushed, gesturing with her fork. “I’ve never seen so many options for breakfast! Did you try the made-to-order omelets?”
I nodded, adjusting my glasses. “They’re great, Mom. I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.”
Weston leaned in close, his breath tickling my ear. “Your parents are adorable,” he whispered. I felt warmth spread across my cheeks. Even after all this time, his proximity still had that effect on me. I cleared my throat, trying to focus on the conversation at hand.
Dad chimed in; his enthusiasm palpable. “And the activities! Did you see they have a rock-climbing wall? Maybe you could give that a go, Weston. Show off those firefighter muscles of yours.”
Weston laughed; a sound that never failed to make my heart skip a beat. “Maybe later, Mr. Beckett. I hear there’s a pretty impressive gym on board too.”
“Speaking of activities,” Mom interjected, her eyes twinkling, “your father and I signed up for a ballroom dancing class this morning. Can you believe it?”
I raised an eyebrow, amused. “Really, Dad? I didn’t know you had it in you.”
Dad puffed out his chest, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. “Oh, you just wait and see, son. I’ll be sweeping your mother off her feet in no time.”
Mom rolled her eyes good-naturedly. “Just try not to step on my toes while you’re sweeping, dear. I’d like to enjoy the rest of the cruise without limping.”
As they bantered back and forth, I felt a surge of affection for my family. I glanced at Weston, who was watching the exchange with a fond smile. It struck me then, how seamlessly he fit into our dynamic, how natural it felt to have him here with us.
“What are you thinking about?” he asked softly, catching my gaze.
I shook my head, feeling suddenly shy. “Just... how happy I am, I guess. How perfect this all is.”
His hand found mine under the table, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Me too, East. Me too.”
As my parents continued to chat excitedly about their upcoming dance class, I let myself bask in the warmth of the moment. The cruise ship, the breakfast, the company—it all felt like a dream come true. And as I looked at Weston, his blue eyes twinkling with joy, I realized that sometimes, love stories do come true after all.
When we’d finished eating, I felt a gentle nudge from Weston, his voice low and warm. “What do you say we hit the pool? Seems like a perfect morning for it.”
I nodded, a smile tugging at my lips. “Sounds great. We could use some sun.”
We stood, and I turned to my parents. “Have fun at your class, guys. Try not to outshine everyone else on the dance floor.”
Mom laughed, pulling me into a quick hug. “We’ll try our best. You boys have fun too.”
“Ready to go change?” Weston’s voice broke through my thoughts as they walked away, arm in arm.
