Christmas with My Grumpy Ex (Feuding Hearts Christmas #1)

21. A Christmas Promise

MAX

I stand in the middle of Carson and Quanie's living room, my heart racing with anticipation. The Wellington Estate has been transformed into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights, snow-dusted trees, and festive decorations everywhere. Quanie's love for Christmas is on full display, and I can't help but smile at the thought of how perfect this setting is for what I have planned.

"Max!" Ellie's voice carries through the foyer, and I turn to see her walking in, her eyes wide with wonder. "This is... incredible. What's going on?"

I cross the room to her, taking her hands in mine. "Surprise," I say softly, unable to keep the grin off my face. "Remember that family Christmas photoshoot you've always dreamed of? Well, welcome to your dream come true."

Ellie's eyes fill with tears as she looks around, taking in the scene. Our families are gathered, all dressed in matching Christmas pajamas. Amelia runs up to us, practically bouncing with excitement.

"Ellie! Do you like it? Daddy and I helped plan everything!" she exclaims, throwing her arms around Ellie's waist.

Ellie kneels down, hugging Amelia tightly. "I love it, sweetie. It's perfect."

I watch them, my heart swelling with love. This is everything I've ever wanted - Ellie, Amelia, our families coming together. It's the kind of Christmas magic I'd almost stopped believing in.

Quanie waddles over, her hand resting on her very pregnant belly. "Alright, lovebirds," she says with a grin. "Let's get this photoshoot started before I pop!"

We laugh, and I lead Ellie to the center of the room where a beautiful Christmas tree stands. Our families gather around us, and I can see the emotion in Ellie's eyes as she takes it all in.

"Okay, everyone!" Quanie calls out, somehow managing to direct the shoot even in her condition. "Let's start with the whole family. Max, Ellie, Amelia in the center. Everyone else, gather around!"

As we pose for the photos, I can't take my eyes off Ellie. She's radiant, her smile brighter than all the Christmas lights combined. This is the moment I've been waiting for, the perfect setting to ask her the most important question of my life.

After a few group shots, Quanie directs us into smaller family groupings. When it's just Ellie, Amelia, and me, I feel a sense of rightness settle over me. This is my family. This is where I belong.

"Daddy," Amelia whispers as we pose, "are you gonna do it now?"

I shake my head slightly, giving her a wink. "Soon, sweetpea. Just a little longer."

Ellie looks between us, curiosity in her eyes. "What are you two whispering about?"

"Nothing!" Amelia and I say in unison, causing Ellie to laugh.

As the photoshoot winds down, I catch my mother's eye. She gives me a subtle nod, and I know it's time. My heart starts racing again as I step forward, clearing my throat to get everyone's attention.

"Before we wrap up," I say, my voice carrying across the room, "there's something I'd like to say." I turn to Ellie, taking both her hands in mine. "Ellie, these past few months have been the happiest of my life. You've brought light back into my world, love back into my heart, and joy back into Amelia's life."

Ellie's eyes widen as she realizes what's happening. I can see tears starting to form, and I have to swallow hard against the lump in my own throat.

"I know our journey hasn't been easy," I continue, my voice thick with emotion. "We've had our share of misunderstandings and missed chances. But through it all, my love for you has never wavered. You're the missing piece of my heart, the one I've been waiting for all along."

I drop to one knee, pulling a small velvet box from my pocket. Gasps and excited murmurs ripple through our gathered families, but I only have eyes for Ellie.

"Eleanor Hawthorne," I say, opening the box to reveal a stunning diamond ring, "you've made me believe in second chances and Christmas magic. You've shown me what it means to truly love and be loved in return. Will you make me the happiest man in the world and marry me?"

Tears are streaming down Ellie's face now, but her smile is radiant. "Yes," she whispers, then louder, "Yes! A thousand times yes!"

The room erupts in cheers as I slide the ring onto her finger and stand, pulling her into a deep kiss. When we break apart, both breathless and grinning, Amelia crashes into us, wrapping her arms around our legs.

"We're gonna be a real family now!" she exclaims, her joy infectious.

I scoop her up, and the three of us share a tight hug. This is everything I've ever wanted, everything I never thought I'd have again after losing Laura. But here we are, surrounded by love and family, starting our new life together.

Our families surge forward to congratulate us, hugs and kisses being passed around freely. My mother pulls me into a tight embrace, whispering, "I'm so proud of you, darling. You've found your happiness again."

As the excitement starts to die down, Quanie's voice cuts through the chatter. "Alright, folks! Now that the lovebirds are officially engaged, who's ready for some of my famous Big-Ass Chocolate Chip Cookies?"

We all laugh, the festive mood heightened by the proposal. As Quanie starts to waddle towards the kitchen, she suddenly stops, grabbing Carson's arm with a grimace.

"Uh, honey?" she says, her voice strained. "I think those might have to wait. The baby's coming!"

The room erupts into chaos once again as everyone springs into action. Carson looks like he might pass out, but he quickly snaps into gear, grabbing Quanie's hospital bag.

"Okay, everyone!" my mother calls out, taking charge of the situation. "Carson, get Quanie to the car. Andy, you drive them to the hospital. The rest of us will follow in separate cars."

As we all scramble to get ready, Amelia tugs on Ellie's sleeve. "Ellie," she whispers excitedly, "it was my Christmas wish! I wished for us to be a family and for the baby to come!"

Ellie kneels down, pulling Amelia into a hug. "Well, it looks like Christmas magic is real after all, sweetpea," she says, her voice filled with emotion.

I watch them, my heart so full it feels like it might burst. This is what family is all about - the love, the chaos, the unexpected moments that bring us all together.

As we're about to head out the door, my mother pulls Ellie and me aside for a moment. She has a mischievous glint in her eye that I've learned to be wary of over the years.

"Before we go," she says, a smile playing at her lips, "there's something I think you should know, Ellie dear."

Ellie looks at her curiously. "What is it, Patricia?"

My mother's smile widens. "I've had my eye on you since those college photos Max used to keep. Did you really think it was a coincidence that you were hired for the gala?"

I feel my jaw drop as I realize what she's saying. "Mother, did you...?"

She winks at us. "Let's just say I've always had a knack for recognizing true love. And you two? Well, you were meant to be together. I just... nudged things along a bit."

Ellie looks stunned for a moment, then bursts out laughing. "I can't believe it," she says, shaking her head in amazement. "You've been playing matchmaker all along!"

My mother pats Ellie's cheek affectionately. "And I'd do it all again in a heartbeat. You two belong together." She glances over at Andy, who's helping Quanie into the car. "Now, don't you worry about Andy. We'll have him married off by next Christmas."

I groan, but I can't help laughing. "Mother, please. One wedding at a time."

She waves her hand dismissively. "Oh, hush. A mother's work is never done." With that, she sweeps out the door, leaving Ellie and me shaking our heads in amusement.

As we follow the others out to the cars, I pull Ellie close for a moment. "Are you ready for this?" I ask softly. "For our new life together?"

She looks up at me, her eyes shining with love and happiness. "More than ready," she says. "I can't wait to see what our future holds."

I lean down to kiss her, pouring all my love and gratitude into it. When we break apart, we're both a little breathless.

"Let's go welcome the newest member of our family," I say, taking her hand.

As we climb into the car, Amelia chattering excitedly in the backseat about her new cousin, I feel a sense of peace and rightness settle over me. This is what I've been searching for all along - this love, this family, this sense of belonging.

We pull out of the driveway, following the caravan of cars headed to the hospital. The night is clear, stars twinkling overhead, and the Christmas lights of the neighborhood blur into a kaleidoscope of color as we drive.

I glance over at Ellie, her engagement ring catching the light as she holds Amelia's hand. My girls. My family. My heart.

As we rush towards the hospital and the newest addition to our family, I can't help but marvel at how much has changed in just a few short months. From that first awkward meeting in the hotel lobby to this moment, speeding towards our future together, it's been a whirlwind of emotions and revelations.

But through it all, one thing has remained constant: my love for Ellie. It's grown stronger, deeper, more certain with each passing day. And now, with this ring on her finger and our families joined in celebration, I know that we can face anything life throws our way.

The future stretches out before us, full of promise and possibility. There will be challenges, I'm sure. But there will also be joy, laughter, and love - so much love.

As we near the hospital, Ellie squeezes my hand. "I love you," she says softly.

"I love you too," I reply, my voice thick with emotion. "Always."

And in that moment, with the woman I love by my side and our daughter in the backseat, I know that this is just the beginning of our happily ever after. The best is yet to come, and I can't wait to experience it all with Ellie and Amelia by my side.

The magic of Christmas, it seems, is alive and well in the Wellington family. And as we rush towards new beginnings and the promise of tomorrow, I silently thank whatever forces brought Ellie back into my life.

This is our time, our love story, our family. And it's more perfect than I ever could have imagined.

Thank you for reading Christmas with My Grumpy Ex !