Page 48 of The Holiday Boyfriend

I finally pulled out of my shock and beamed at him. “There's only one answer to that,” I said before leaping into his arms and crashing our lips together. Jim hugged me tight, anchoring me in this moment and giving me a taste of what countless more moments like this in the future would be like.

The music ended when the kiss ended, but we didn't pull apart. Our arms were still wrapped around each other as we looked around, not wanting this moment to end. I looked back at the tree to the message in the lights that conveyed Jim's love. Above it all, at the very top of the tree, was the pair of Doves watching over this moment.

The Doves were said to bless couples with an eternity of happiness, but I didn't need their blessing to know that Jim and I were forever.

EPILOGUE

JIM

Christmas Day

“Dear, what do you think about this dress?” Mom's voice carried from the other room to where I sat on the couch.

“You look beautiful, Bella,” Edna replied. The love in her voice was so obvious. Loud giggling ensued as they continued to trade compliments back and forth.

I groaned and hung my head. “Lovebirds, can you two flirt later? Austin and his family are waiting for us.”

Mom walked out in a pretty red dress that was completely different from her usual style, but Edna was right. Mom did look beautiful and, more importantly, confident as she smiled brightly at her girlfriend.

Ugh. Did people my mom's age still call their partners their girlfriend or boyfriend? That thought led down a dangerous rabbit hole of imagining what Mom and her girlfriend had been up to since the night of the last dance, and that was something I didn't need to think about. My poor mind would be tainted.

“Alright, we're ready. You're so dramatic,” Mom said as she ruffled my hair as she passed by the couch. I let out another groan and stood to follow the two ladies out of the house.

Austin's parents suggested having us over for Christmas dinner, and we'd readily agreed. Since Austin and I were best friends, our families had grown closer over the years, but we’d never had a reason to spend the holidays together. Until now…

The three of us carried out the presents we were contributing to the White Elephant gift giving, as well as the pumpkin pie Mom had insisted on making, loaded Eddie in the back seat, and made our way to Austin's parents' house. I could see Austin looking out through the front window, and my cheeks stretched at the thought that he was waiting for me.

I got out of the car as soon as I'd parked and turned off the car. Austin had seen us too and was running out the front door. I opened my arms, waiting to catch him, but Austin ran right past me.

Shocked, I turned around to find Austin on the ground playing with Eddie, telling him what a good boy he was in a high-pitched tone. I stared at him with my mouth hanging open, while Mom and Edna were standing close to each other, chuckling at my misery. I shot them a glare before turning to Austin.

“What? No welcome for your boyfriend?” I said with a pout. He looked up at me from his spot on the ground. His hand never stopped rubbing Eddie's short fur.

There was amusement in his eyes as he said, “I know my priorities.” He then got up and went to the two ladies who were watching us and gave them hugs. “It's great to see you again, Bella, Edna.”

Meanwhile, I narrowed my eyes at him and crossed my arms while I watched them laugh and greet each other with hugs and kisses on the cheek. It was a couple minutes later that hefinallyturned to acknowledge me.

With a teasing smile on his lips, he came up and kissed my pout away. There was no way I could stay mad at him when this was how he welcomed me. My arms involuntarily wrapped around him to pull him closer, but quickly dropped to my sides at a woman's voice.

“Eww, you two are worse than our parents,” Gemma said from the doorway. Her nose wrinkled like she'd tasted something sour.

Austin turned to her and rolled his eyes. “Nobody said you had to watch.”

It was Gemma's turn to roll her eyes. “Ma said to stop keeping our guests out in the cold and dinner's about ready,” she threw over her shoulder before disappearing inside again.

Austin rubbed the back of his head and turned to the rest of us. “Should we head in?” he asked so shyly that it had me laughing and pressing a quick kiss on his cheek.

We carried our stuff inside and helped bring out the rest of the dishes to the large dining table. His parents sat at one end, my mom and Edna at the other, and Austin and I sat beside each other, with Gemma directly across from Austin.

It didn't take long for us to start chowing down on the food. Compliments were thrown around the table as we cleaned our plates within minutes and went in for seconds.

“Your feet are in my way,” Gemma grumbled as her body swayed. A short yelp immediately followed.

“Ow!” Austin pulled back and shot a glare at his sister. “You're heading off to college next year, so how can you still be so childish?” Austin said, which only earned him another eye roll.

“It's okay. I know you love me deep,deepdown inside,” Austin said with a hand to his heart. Gemma pretended to gag.

“Gemma! We have guests,” Austin's momadmonished with a stern glare. Gemma's expression immediately changed to one of innocence as she looked at her mom with puppy dog eyes.

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