Page 185 of A Very Merry Enemy
I rest my head on his chest and close my eyes as he draws circles on my back.
All the pieces of my life have finally clicked into place.
“I can’t wait to see everyone’s faces when we tell them,” I say. “Mawmaw is going to lose her mind.”
“They all will.” Lucas chuckles. “Let’s tell them tomorrow.”
“Sounds good.” I let myself live in this moment with him, memorizing the way his strong arms feel around me. “Lucas?”
“Mm-hmm?”
“Thank you for waiting for me and never giving up on us. Thank you for accepting me and loving me exactly as I am.” My voice gets thick with emotion. “And for asking me to marry you.”
“You don’t have to thank me for any of that,” he says as he keeps holding on to me. “Being with you has always been the easiest choice I’ve ever made, and the only thing I’ve ever wanted. You make everything in my life better.”
I press a kiss to his chest. “Good night, future hubby.”
“Good night, Peaches.”
I snuggle into his arms and let my eyes drift closed. His breathing evens out, and I know he’s close to sleep.
But I stay awake a little longer, just taking in how right this feels.
I’m marrying Lucas Jolly. The boy I fell in love with at sixteen. The man who waited years for me. The person who makes me laugh and challenges me and accepts me unconditionally.
This is what happiness feels like. It’s not a big city or a fancy career or a prestigious partnership.
The magic of Merryville brought me back, and there is no other place I’d rather be.
Lucas is my home.
Lucas is my future.
And he’s my proof that wishes upon stars come true, too.
EPILOGUE
LUCAS
Jake and Claire’s house is packed when we arrive.
The living room has been transformed, with gold and silver decorations hanging from every surface. Balloons cluster in the corners and a massive “Happy New Year” banner stretches across the fireplace. Music pumps through the speakers, and at least thirty people are already here, dancing and drinking and celebrating.
“There they are!” Jake shouts when he spots Holiday and me walking through the door. He’s wearing a ridiculous gold party hat that says “New Year, New Me” in glittery letters.
Holiday grins at me. She looks incredible tonight in a black dress that hugs her curves and makes my mouth go dry. Her hair is down in those waves I love, and the ring on her left hand catches every light in the room.
I can’t stop staring at her. Can’t stop thinking about how, two months ago, I was angry and hurt when she walked back into my life. Now we’re living together and planning our future.
“Stop looking at me like that,” I whisper in her ear.
“I can’t,” she admits.
Even though the entire town practically knows by now, we decided to officially announce our engagement tonight.Christmas Day was spent telling our families. Now that those who are most important to us know, we no longer have to keep our love a secret.
We make our way through the crowd. I recognize people from high school and friends from town. Claire has outdone herself with the food. There’s a massive cheese board, sliders, and about five different dips spread across the dining table and counter.
“Lucas! Holiday!” Claire rushes over with two champagne flutes, her own party hat slightly crooked on her head. “You’re here!”
