Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 91216 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91216 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
I hand her the box, watching as she carefully unwraps it, her fingers tracing the golden ribbon before gently pulling it loose. She lifts the lid, and I hear her sharp intake of breath.
Inside lies a delicate silver necklace, a small snowflake pendant hanging from the chain. Tiny diamonds are set into each point of the snowflake, catching the light and sparkling brilliantly.
“Jack, it’s beautiful,” Chloe whispers, lifting the necklace from its velvet cushion. “It’s too much.”
I shake my head, gently taking the necklace from her hands. “It’s not too much. It’s perfect for you.”
I move behind her, brushing her hair to the side. As I fasten the clasp around her neck, I place a soft kiss on her shoulder. The snowflake pendant settles right above her breasts, glittering in the Christmas lights.
“There,” I murmur, my breath warm against her skin. “Beautiful.”
Chloe turns to face me, her eyes shining with emotion. She touches the pendant gently, then looks up at me. “Thank you, Jack. I love it.” Her eyes meet mine, shimmering with unshed tears. “Thank you for making this year . . . not so hard.”
I cup her face in my hands, thumbs brushing away the tears that have started to fall.
She leans in, pressing her lips to mine in a kiss that’s both tender and passionate. When we part, she rests her forehead against mine, her fingers toying with the snowflake pendant.
“What a crazy night,” she says.
I smile at her words. “Crazy good, I hope?”
“The best,” she affirms, her eyes sparkling. “I never thought I’d enjoy Christmas Eve again, but here we are.”
I pull her closer, wrapping my arms around her waist. “Here we are. And I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
Chloe snuggles into my embrace, her head resting on my chest. I can feel her heartbeat, steady and strong, against my skin.
“But,” I add with a sigh, “I do have to be at the station at seven a.m.”
Chloe pulls back slightly, looking up at me with a mix of admiration and disappointment. “You’re working on Christmas Day? For one of the firefighters? I remember you saying that.”
I can see the conflict in her eyes. She doesn’t want me to leave, but she also appreciates the gesture. I stroke her cheek gently.
“I know, I’m sorry. I made the promise before . . . well, before tonight happened,” I explain softly. “I don’t have any kids or family, so—”
“I think it’s sweet,” she interrupts.
“But the other guys working tonight and I are cooking Christmas dinner at the station. We’re allowed to invite family and guests to come join us, and I’d love to have you come if you don’t have any other plans tonight.”
Chloe’s eyes light up at my invitation, but I can see a flare of hesitation cross her face. “Really? You want me to come to the fire station for Christmas dinner?”
I nod, running my fingers through her hair. “Absolutely. I know it’s not a traditional Christmas dinner, but—”
“No, it sounds perfect,” she says, her smile growing. “I’d love to come. I just . . . I’m not family. Are you sure it’ll be okay?”
“Of course it’s okay. The guys will be thrilled to have another guest. We always cook way too much food anyway. But fair warning . . . we are still on shift. So if there’s a call, we may have to get up in the middle of dinner and bolt. So as long as you’re flexible and know you might be left with the other fire wives or girlfriends.”
Chloe’s face lights up. “That sounds amazing, actually. I’ve never experienced anything like that before.” She pauses, a thoughtful look crossing her face. “Will I need to bring anything?”
I shake my head, pulling her close again. “Just yourself. And maybe a big appetite.”
She laughs softly, her breath warm against my chest. “I think I can manage that. Especially after tonight’s . . . activities.”
I chuckle, running my hand down her back. “Speaking of which, we should probably get some sleep if we want to be functional tomorrow.”
Chloe sighs contentedly, snuggling closer. “You’re right. But I don’t want this night to end.”
“We don’t have to end,” I murmur, kissing the top of her head. “This is just the beginning.”
We settle into bed, Chloe’s back pressed against my chest, my arm draped over her waist. The Christmas lights continue to twinkle softly, casting a warm glow over the room. Outside, the snow falls silently, blanketing the world in white.
Just before sleep claims me, I hear Chloe whisper, “Merry Christmas, Jack.”
“Merry Christmas, Chloe,” I reply back, my heart full.
As consciousness fades, my last thought is of tomorrow. Of Chloe at the firehouse, sharing a meal with my colleagues, becoming a part of my world. It’s a future I never dared to imagine, but now can’t imagine a life without her.