Page 80 of Noel
We spend another twenty, maybe thirty minutes doing final checks, greeting a few more guests, giving quiet nods of approval to the caterers and security and staff who helped pull this off.
But soon, it’s time.The adrenaline rush is wearing out, and I need to get out of here before I collapse.
The elevator doors close, and it’s just us.Our reflection stares back at me in the mirrored panel—his massive frame beside mine, my lipstick slightly smudged, both of us rumpled from the day’s chaos, but glowing.
“Might as well stay if Sigma’s paying,” I tease, trying to make light of everything.But my heart’s still racing from before.From him.
“Sigma’s not paying,” Noel says.
I blink.
“I am.And not because it’s a perk, or because I needed a room,” he continues.“It’s because when I’m with you, I’m withyou.No one else, Holly.”
I turn to him slowly, stunned.
“What?Why?”
He exhales, that crooked grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.But there’s something raw beneath it.Honest.Steady.
“Because I know it’s crazy and fast.But maybe it’s that Christmas miracle people always talk about.”
He takes my hand, huge and warm around mine.
“You walked into my life and nothing’s looked the same since.Everything looksbetter.And I want more of that.With you.”
My breath catches.My heart swells.
“I love you, Holly.I am in love with you.Say you’ll be mine, Tinsel,” he murmurs.“Forever and always.Tell me yes.”
He’s not even asking.
He’sclaimingme.
And somehow, it’s the most romantic thing anyone’s ever said to me.
So, I do the only thing that feels right.
Ileapinto his arms.
Noel catches me like he always does, strong and unshakable, his laughter rumbling in my ear as I wrap my arms around his neck.
“Yes,” I whisper, my voice thick with happy tears.“Yes.Yes to all of it.”
My big, sexy bodyguard just became my Christmas miracle.
And I think I’ve just found my forever.
Epilogue 1: Noel
Christmas Eve.
My favorite night of the year—though it didn’t used to be.
It used to mean long hours, dark roads, and watching the world celebrate something I didn’t believe in.
Now it meansher.
Our house glows with soft gold light and the smell of cinnamon and pine.
