Page 23 of Gingerbread Hearts

“Dreams change, Violet.” He closes the distance between us. He takes my hands in his before he continues, “You’re my new dream.” He releases my hands to cradle my face in his hands.

I’m speechless. I don’t know how to respond. He kisses me. It’s gentle, as if he’s unsure if I want to feel his touch right now. It’s over quickly, and I pull myself free.

“What does this all mean? What do you want from us.” The past argument is on the back of my mind. I’m confused. I need Jake to tell me exactly what he sees this going. I want to know his thoughts up front before diving into anything together.

“I give you my heart, my love. I want to be with you in any capacity that you’re willing to have me. If you need your own space and life in Kastle Harbor, then we can do long-distance. If you want to move in with me in the city, then I can help you pack.”

He steps closer, closing the space I had made between us. Once again, he kisses me gently on my lips, lingering before pulling away.

“I don’t know what to say.”

“I just want you, Violet. If you want your space and to do long-distance, then I will start booking train trips tonight. If it means the only way that you’ll let me love you is if we’re in Kastle Harbor, then that’s what will happen.” Jake’s smile is wide, full of the love that I have been keeping myself from getting too close to in the past. “Besides, I think my grandmother would love it if you joined us for Christmas day.”

I don’t know what to say. The lump in my throat keeping me from replying. The silence stretches out between us, his smile wavers with the passing minutes. I close my eyes and try to imagine my future once more.

No matter what change I make, Jake is there. He’s constantly in each and every made-up future I try to conjure up.

“I think,” I finally say as I open my eyes and meet his gaze, “that I would love to have you with me here in Kastle Harbor. If you really think that will make you happy.”

Jake pulls me into a tight embrace. His warmth is radiating between all of the layers we have on. In this moment, I know I made the right decision. The connection between us something stronger than we imagined.

“Oh, Violet,” he says as he kisses the top of my head, still holding me close against him. “I love you.”

“I love you too Jake,” and as the words leave my lips, I know that they’re the truth. For once my future is full of happiness. It’s no longer a future where I’m alone and grieving the past and the heartache that left me weary of love.

I love this man, and I can’t wait to tell him every day.

EPILOGUE

VIOLET

Only a week has passed since Jake and I exchanged those three silly words that when strung together formed a life altering, all powerful phrase. Telling someone you love them, and hearing it in return, is magical. Each and every time it’s said, it feels just as wonderful as the first time. Whether it’s while fully clothed or naked, the murmurs of affection have only solidified the passion and deep connection we both felt from the very beginning.

I love him. And he loves me.

I smile and think about how my life is changing all for the better. I’ve gone from someone who spent nearly all of my time alone or with just Bethany, to being invited to dinners with Jake’s grandmother and talking about family vacations. I really adore how eager Jake is for me to spend more time with his family. We’re even going over for Christmas Eve dinner tonight with his grandmother.

This holiday season has been crazy. And I can’t wait to see what the next year holds now that I have Jake by my side. He’s been working with his assistant, Sally Leone, on all of the logistics surrounding his move. I’ll help him go to the city and pack up his apartment. Luckily for both of us, he doesn’t have a lot of stuff he wants to keep.

Jake is getting rid of his bachelor pad and everything associated with it. I didn’t ask him to, but he’s been over the moon trying to figure out how to mold himself into my tiny world of Kastle Harbor. My heart is full, bursting. The knots in my stomach are untwisted and my body is finally at ease. While my brain knows we’re moving fast, my heart is more than willing to be swept up in his.

I’m wearing a sparkly Christmas sweater, complete with metallic threaded pom poms, with jeans and boots. I’m comfortable but ready for a small holiday feast. I check the clock. Jake is always punctual and he should be here any moment.

He’s picking me up at the bakery so I can bring my goodies. I wanted to help, but his grandmother is apparently quite the cook and insists on covering all of the dishes.

Except for sweets, of course.

I’m thankful to be welcomed with open arms into the Barlow family.

I see him pull up and watch him as he walks into the bakery. He shakes some of the snowflakes out of his hair. Despite his height and muscular build, I can’t help but think of him as a teddy bear sometimes. Adorable and extremely huggable.

The moment he sees me in front of the counter he strides over and pulls me into an embrace. He smells like pine trees and freshly baked bread. I wonder if he helped with any of the cooking. I inhale deeply as I nestle into his hug.

“Sorry I’m running a little late,” he says into my hair before pulling away from the hug. “The snow is starting to come down out there.”

“No worries, I was just putting the finishing touches on the cookies for the dinner.”

“So, what did you finally decide on making? I know you’ve been torn between sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, and what was the other kind?” His grin is big as he continues, “Oh yeah, something extra chocolatey and not festive at all.”

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