Page 37 of Holidate Scramble
Blood rushed to my cheeks as several heads turned in my direction, whispers and knowing glances rippling through the crowd.
"This Christmas season has reminded me of something essential—that success isn't measured by titles or salaries, but by the impact we have on others' lives and the joy we find in living our own." His voice strengthened. "That's why I've accepted Dr. Merrick's offer to join Cape Cod Regional permanently as head of the cardiac surgery department."
A buzz of surprise surged through the guests. From the corner of my eye, I saw Adrienne's face contort with fury, her nails digging into her velvet clutch.
"I'm staying in Starlight Bay," Rhett continued, "because this community has become home in ways Boston never did. Because here I've found friendship, purpose, and—" his gaze found mine again, "—the kind of love I never expected to find. The kind worth rearranging your entire life for."
My breath caught. Had he just said love?
"So this Christmas, I'm embracing what truly matters—relationships, and the courage to begin again." A genuine smile transformed his face, reaching his eyes and softening the lines around them. "Thank you all for welcoming me into your town and your hospital. I look forward to serving this community for many years to come."
Applause erupted as he descended the steps. I stood frozen, unable to move as he made his way toward me through the crowd, stopping to shake hands and accept congratulations as he came. When he reached me, he took both my hands in his.
"I should have told you," he said quietly. "But I was waiting until I was certain of my decision—of us."
"And are you?" I asked. "Certain, I mean?"
"About us? Completely." He lifted my hand and gently pressed his lips to it. "I’m falling for you, Piper Summers. I didn't plan to, didn't expect to, but here we are. If you’ll have me."
"Rhett," I began, but words failed me. Instead, I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him, right there in front of the entire gala. Whistles and scattered applause broke out around us, someone dropped a glass, and I heard Mayor Reeves' distinctive laugh from nearby.
When we broke apart, I was laughing through tears that had somehow escaped without my notice. "I’m head-over-heels for you, too. And yes—yes to all of it."
Across the room, I caught a glimpse of Adrienne stalking toward the exit, her spine ramrod straight, her heels striking the floor with staccato anger. But her manipulation no longer had power over me. Rhett had chosen—not his ex-wife, not his past or the way of least resistance. At the fork in the road ahead of him, he’d chosen the path less traveled. He'd chosen us.
As the orchestra struck up "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," he led me back to the dance floor, pulling me close as we swayed to the music. The scent of his cologne mingled with the pine decorations and spiced punch, creating a memory I knew I'd cherish forever.
"Merry Christmas, Piper," he murmured against my hair.
I closed my eyes, savoring the moment—the music, the gentle fall of snow visible through the windows, the solid strength of Rhett's arms around me. After weeks of planning the perfect holiday for everyone else, I'd somehow found my own miracle.
"Merry Christmas, Rhett."
Epilogue
Rhett
CHRISTMAS DAY, ONEyear later.
"Stop checking your pocket, you'll wear a hole in your jacket," I muttered to myself, forcing my hand away from where the ring box created a slight but—hopefully—unnoticeable bulge.
"Did you say something?" Piper called from the bathroom, where she was putting the finishing touches on her makeup.
"Just talking to myself about the weather," I replied, turning to look out the window at the crystalline flakes drifting past. "Might need chains if this keeps up."
