by J. L. Jarvis
“I love you.”
That knocked the wind out of her.
Annie couldn't believe this was happening. If she could, she would be happy. Finn had just said he loved her. But instead of filling her heart with love, it felt like he’d ripped open a wound—one that had never quite healed.
He turned to her. “I've loved you since right after college.”
“Well, that makes sense. I should've known that when you went off to Europe with that girl.”
“Why do you think I came back early from Europe? I know I told you I came back because I missed you. The whole truth is that I realized I loved you.”
“I don’t believe you, because I loved you. And if you loved me back, I would’ve known.”
“Not if I was a jerk.”
She stared at the swirling snow and muttered, “I can’t argue with that.” She couldn't bring herself to look at him. This was all too much. She didn't know what to think, let alone what to do.
Finn shook his head slowly. “I came back, and you’d already run off with Matt. You were married. I’ve spent my life wishing I could have stopped you.”
Now she was scared—scared to hear one more word. Scared to have hope. Scared most of all to give in to what her heart wanted.
“Annie, look at me.”
She felt as though she were moving in slow motion. She struggled to turn and look into his eyes. Please don’t hurt me.
“Annie. I love you. I don’t want to lose you again.”
She said, “I loved you. But when you left for Europe, I knew you didn’t love me. And then I met Matt. He swept me off my feet. He was the antidote to you. I thought I’d be cured. I’d be happy. Obviously, that didn't work out according to plan.”
Finn sighed. “I’m not thrilling like Matt or charming like Alex. I’m just the guy next door who’s always loved you but didn’t get it at first. But I do love you, Annie.”
He brushed a loose strand of hair from her forehead. He barely touched her, but it made her pulse race. He leaned closer until she thought he would hear her heart pound. His gaze softened, and she felt herself lean toward him. He took her face in his hands.
“Oakley.”
His lips touched hers, gently at first, then his lips parted and his kiss grew more urgent. Annie slipped her arms about his neck while he wrapped his arms about her waist. His palmed pressed the small of her back, and she gave in completely to that kiss. She didn't want it to end. But it did, and he kissed her again. For most of her life, she had dreamed of his kiss, but she never imagined how the mere touch of his lips could make her head spin and her body feel like a fireworks display. He pulled away just enough to gaze into her eyes with a warmth that spread through her.
“Finn Burton.” She felt as though she had to say it to confirm it was happening, then she kissed him again.
Outside, the large flakes of snow floated down like they had been all day. Inside, the fire in the wood stove crackled and filled the cabin with its usual warmth. But Annie and Finn’s world had changed.
Finn and Annie stayed up talking most of the night. When the power came on in the morning, Annie went home to get some sleep. That wasn’t easy. She had so much to think of, and her heart was so full. But she managed a few hours before she got up and started cooking. She still couldn’t quite believe her perfect Christmas had turned into something she’d never dared dream of.
Finn came over in the late afternoon for a Christmas Eve dinner. She’d always known life could be this happy for others. She just never believed it would be for her. After dinner, Annie started to clear the table, but before she could stand, Finn touched her hand to stop her. “This is so new. It still feels so fragile. I want to give you all the time that you need, but—brace yourself, Oakley. I know it sounds kind of sudden after more than two decades—but I’ll probably love you forever.” He was quietly certain.
Peace settled as gently as new falling snow. She and Finn were in love. It was simple and true.
Annie pressed her lips to his. This was the man she had loved all her life. By the time the kiss ended, they were wrapped in each other’s arms in the midst of a world full of promise. Christmas Eve was a time of new beginnings, and this Christmas was theirs.
At last, now she knew. This would be the year Finn loved her back.
Epilogue
Christmas Eve, five years later
Finn opened the door for Regi and Alex. Annie rushed to join them. “Merry Christmas!”
When the greetings and hugs were all finished, they’d barely made it the few steps to the great room when Regi said, “I can’t wait any longer. Look at this!”
She held out her left hand, which boasted a new brilliant blue tanzanite ring. “We’re engaged!”
Annie hugged Regi. “I’m so happy for you!” And she was. Years before, Regi’s boyfriend had dumped her in miserable fashion on New Year’s Eve. Alex saw her through the breakup, first as friends then eventually more. By then, Finn had come around to appreciate Alex for the upstanding guy that he was—especially when he wasn’t a rival for Annie’s affections.
Finn opened a bottle of champagne to celebrate the engagement and was just handing Regi her glass when they heard a car pull up and park in the driveway.
Annie pulled on her coat and went out to greet their new guests. Connor and Ella were just barely out of the car when a four-year-old brunette hopped out and ran down the walkway to Annie and Finn.
“Charlotte! Slow down.” Ella shrugged helplessly. Her daughter was already in her grandmother’s arms. When Charlotte was done hugging Annie, Finn picked up his granddaughter and carried her into the cottage.
Charlotte said, “Wait!” Finn stopped in the doorway so Charlotte could reach up and touch the horseshoe.
Annie said, “You know, my grandmother—your great-great-grandmother—once told me that the first one to pass under this horseshoe gets to make a wish.”
“Put me down, Grandpa.” Charlotte ran halfway up the walkway and then ran back under the horseshoe and into the cottage. “I made a wish. When will it come true?”
Annie and Finn exchanged glances. She said, “It might take a long time.”
Charlotte’s eyebrows furrowed, but Annie continued, “But this one’s a Christmas wish, and I believe Christmas wishes are worth waiting for.”
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Acknowledgments
Bridget B. Walker, MD, thank you for sharing your medical expertise.
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Editing by Red Adept Editing
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About the Author
J.L. Jarvis is a left-handed former opera singer/teacher/lawyer who writes books. She received her undergraduate training from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a doctorate from the University of Houston. She now lives and writes on a mountaintop in upstate New York.
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