Scrooge

Epilogue - Haylee

“I cannot believe this kitchen,” my mom says excitedly, clearly in her element in Alex’s kitchen. Alex surprised us and flew everyone to the Hamptons for Christmas. Now we fill his holiday home with so much noise, people, and stuff that I am not sure his place has ever seen this much action. Some of his staff members weave in and out, cooking, cleaning, and helping us get organized.

“I cannot believe that pool. Who needs a pool when you literally live twenty steps from the ocean?” Dad says with a chuckle, picking at the dishes Mom has prepared.

“Anyone seen the kids?” Jillian asks, coming into the kitchen, glancing around.

“They’re here,” Alex grits out as he walks into the room, and I look down to see one kid on each leg, hanging off him. All of them wear snow jackets, and I laugh at the sight.

“I took them out for a snowball fight,” he says, and then I spot his damp hair and a little remaining snow melting on his shoulders.

“They won?” I ask teasingly as Jillian grabs her kids, shuffling them upstairs to change, the two of them now soaked through.

“Lunch is almost ready,” Mom says, and there is a feast. Alex had his team prepare everything, but Mom still wanted to make a few dishes, and she and Dad get busy organizing the food, while Alex’s staff walks it to the dining table.

“Sunflower… walk with me,” he says, holding out his hand, and I push off the kitchen counter. Grabbing his hand, I’ll let him lead me anywhere he wants to go.

“Where are we going?” I ask, leaning on his arm as he walks me through the house to the formal sitting room. It is where the tree stands proud. A large ten-foot tree fully decorated. The fireplace is lit. The space couldn’t be any cozier, and it’s easily one of my favorite rooms to enjoy.

“I want to give you your Christmas present.”

“Present? But you already gave me the gallery?” I shake my head but can’t stop smiling, feeling extremely overwhelmed and spoiled. Spotting the gift I got him wrapped and under the tree, I hope he likes it.

“I have something else for you,” he says with a quirk of his lips, walking us toward the tree.

“Oh, me first!” I know I need to get this out of the way. God, I hope he doesn’t hate it.

“You sure?” he asks, watching me closely.

“Yes. Sit down,” I say, and he takes a seat on the sofa as I grab the gift.

“Now, you don’t have to pretend you like it,” I tell him, and he scowls, pulling me closer.

“I will love it.” The words are spoken against my lips as he kisses me sweetly.

Handing him the gift, I hold my breath as he unwraps it, watching his face morph into shock.

“Wow,” he breathes out as he looks at a portrait of himself.

“What do you think?” I ask, scrunching my face, hopeful.

“It’s amazing. I love it. I mean, I don’t often look at myself, but this is uncanny.” He takes in the features of his face, the sharp business tie around his neck. “I will put this in my office so everyone who visits can see exactly how talented you are,” he says, his smile wide as he gives me another kiss that has my stomach swooping along with his words.

“Thank you, Sunflower. Now, it’s my turn.” Walking to the large box in the corner of the room, he picks it up like it’s fine china or something. “You better sit down for this.”

“Ooookaaayy,” I say tentatively, taking a seat, excitement swirling.

“Merry Christmas, Sunflower,” he says, placing the box on my lap before kissing my forehead. I pull the loose ribbon and lift the lid.

“Oh my God!” I squeal, just as the puppy inside jumps up and licks my face. “Alex!” I yelp in delight as this little fluffy furball tries to jump out, and I grab him, pulling him to my chest.

Alex laughs at the sight. “You always wanted a puppy.”

I look at the collar, the name Henry embroidered on it.

“Henry. Oh, I love you, Henry!” He licks my face, cuddling against me.

“Looks like Henry loves you too. We both do,” Alex says, adoration shining from his eyes as he sits next to me.

“I love you,” I tell him, tears in my eyes. I have never felt this level of happiness before in my life.

“I love you too, Haylee.” Pressing a kiss to my lips, he puts his arm around me, petting Henry. “You know, it’s started snowing…”

I look outside, seeing fresh snow starting to fall to the ground. My chest warms at how perfect this is.

“It has,” I say on a sigh, snuggling up to his side.

“The fire is going, Christmas carols are playing, and the whole family is here,” he murmurs, and I smile at the contentedness in his voice.

“This is the best Christmas ever.”

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