It wasn’t often I woke before Jake, so the luxury of lying
next to him and watching his sleeping face in the pearly-rosy light of dawn felt just that: a luxury.
He looked completely and totally relaxed in a way he hadn’t
since we’d returned from London. Gone were the lines of worry and stress around
his eyes. Gone were the dark shadows beneath his eyes. The line of his mouth
was soft. He didn’t just look relaxed, he looked content. Happy.
The Boy Who Got Everything He Wanted for Christmas.
I studied the threads of silver in his pale hair, the flecks
of platinum in the gold bristle on his lean jaw…neither of us was getting any
younger, but growing old together more than compensated.
My gaze traveled back to the kissable curve of his lips, but
no. He needed this extra bit of sleep after the last week. I could wait. A
little while anyway.
I’d been awake since five or so. Scout was lying against my
legs, snoring peaceably, and Tomkins was curled atop the nest of pillows against
the headboard watching me watch Jake.
“Hey, Cat,” I said soundlessly.
As if he understood, Tomkins responded with a silent meow.
I smiled then smiled again remembering the night before.
“Will you marry me, Adrien-with-an-e?”
“Baby, I thought you’d never ask.”
That was the truth. I really had never expected that we
would actually marry. Never thought I wanted to be
married—until I’d seen that little velvet box in Jake’s hand.
So make that The Two Boys That Got Everything They Wanted
for Christmas.
I raised my head to look at the table in front of the
fireplace. I studied the half full champagne glasses, the litter of wrapping
and ribbons, and that small blue velvet box.
“Nope, not a dream,” Jake said. His voice sounded rusty and
his smile was sleepy—but still content. “Having second thoughts?”
“Ha.”
I kissed him then, gave into the simple pleasure of his
mouth against mine, his taste and smell and touch.
When I lifted my head, he reached up and brushed my hair
lightly back from my eyes.
“From this day forward?” Despite the smile there was
something tentative in his eyes.
I smiled too, didn’t try to hide my happiness or play it
cool. We were so far past any of that nonsense. This was us and we had fought hard to get here.
I said—and I meant every word, “Happily Ever After.”
Thank you Josh! That was beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYour calendar this month really made the season brighter, it means a lot to me. Thank you for your time and efforts, it is much appreciated!
A very Merry Christmas to you, and all the best in the world! <3
L.
I'm so glad! Thank you for saying so.
DeleteAhhh that was beautiful
ReplyDelete:-)
DeleteWhat a lovely surprise! Thank you 😍😍😍
ReplyDeleteThe Patrons voted and A&J won. :-D
DeleteThank you so much for sharing this happy, shiny, content, PERFECT moment with us. It’s like witnessing the love and happiness of one’s dear, longtime friends! My heart is full of joy and warmth this morning. :-) Thank you, dear.
ReplyDelete<3 <3 <3 You say the loveliest things.
DeleteOh, now that just made me cry. Happily ever after. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteAwww. <3 But that makes me happy.
DeleteOh, finally! So happy for them. And it's so sweet to read it on Christmas Day. Thank you, Josh!
ReplyDeleteSavanna
You're very welcome. Thank you for reading!
DeletePerfect!
ReplyDelete:-)
DeleteThank you for that beautiful coda, if any two have fought for their happily ever after, it’s Adrien and Jake!
ReplyDeleteI have to agree! These two earned their HEA.
DeleteThis is truly a hard earned HEA ❤️
ReplyDelete:-D Agreed. <3
DeleteMerry Christmas !!! That was really sweet!
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading and commenting!
DeleteI want more!
ReplyDeleteLOL YOU'RE WELCOME.
DeleteAs special as it could get! Thanks so much. Yes they fought and won: Happiness ever after, indeed. Thanks for the Calendar, it is always a joy to the (Josh-)world. I wish you a merry christmas and a happy New Year (sorry, you can't hear me sing it to you ;-) )
ReplyDeleteAnke from Germany
:-D :-D :-D
DeleteJosh, over the years you’ve created vivid characters to tell your stories. I love so much about all of them. But for me, there are no characters closer to my heart than Jake & Adrien. Through five brilliant novels they fought for their happy ending. Any time you grace us with a new look into their lives, it is a sheer delight. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Susan. <3 That was lovely.
Delete*happy sigh*
ReplyDelete:-D
DeleteHallelujah! It's about time Josh....none of us are getting any younger y'know. ��
ReplyDeleteLOL
DeleteI love Adrien and Jake, To bits. Most deserved HEA ever! <3
ReplyDelete:-D :-D :-D
DeleteI just happened to read this a couple of hours after I finished this year's playing of the 'So This Is Christmas' audiobook. Perfect.
ReplyDeleteHa! That's perfect timing.
DeleteAwww... The best Christmas coda ever!
ReplyDeleteThe happily ever after for Adrien and Jake worth a lot!
Thank you, Josh. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Thank you so much, Irene!
DeleteSO damn sweet and so well deserved for these two. Thank you for this! :)
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome!
DeleteThank you for this extra special finish to this year's advent calendar. Very best wishes to you and your family ow and into the New Year!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Karen! :-)
DeleteLove these two. Perfect punctuation point. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for reading and commenting, Sandymg.
Delete"I smiled too, didn’t try to hide my happiness or play it cool. We were so far past any of that nonsense. This was us and we had fought hard to get here"
ReplyDeletePerfect :) You know that whatever the future brings, they will share it together, with no more lies and pretence. They've fought hard for this and nothing will stand between them any longer.
Thank you, Josh :)
That's exactly right!
DeleteJust now seeing this! Where have I been?! Loved it. So fitting. Wonderful coda to close out the year. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank YOU, Steve. <3
DeletePerfect! But, I still want more Adrien and Jake...
ReplyDeleteAnd that's the way it should be! ;-)
DeleteGAH...I’m so behind! This is perfection! �� Thank you so much for this extra glimpse into Jake and Adrien’s world.
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome!
DeleteI will never get tired of those two.
ReplyDeleteIt's always a pleasure for me to revisit them.
DeleteThat was truly special but I want more. What about the story of their journey as seen through Jake's eyes.That would be a real challenge and put a whole different angle on the story. I do so want to know Jake's thoughts.
ReplyDelete