Jade slipped down the stairs of her parents’ house, her bare feet silent on the cold hardwood, but relishing the feel of it under her toes.
The Christmas tree stood tall in the den, decorated with strands of popcorn and homemade decorations.
She walked over and looked out the window. Her home was gone. First burned, then bulldozed to leave a clean slate for a new building. She should feel devastated, but right now, she simply felt blessed and thankful to be alive. And doubly thankful that her family was safe and here to celebrate this beautiful day with her.
It had snowed last night, and the world of white in the predawn morning greeted her.
Warm hands slid over her shoulders and she smiled, leaning back into Bryce’s arms. “How was the guest bed mattress?”
“Comfortable and warm. I appreciate your parents for letting me use it. I really didn’t want Mia to beat me to the tree.”
She laughed and turned to see Sasha sniff at the gifts under the tree, then lumber over to her gigantic bed near the fireplace. “Sasha feels right at home, doesn’t she?”
“Of course.”
She turned. “I love you, Bryce.”
A sheen coated his eyes for a moment before he blinked. “I love you too, Jade.”
Her heart stuttered with gladness before settling down to beat a little faster.
“So, I have a question for you.”
Butterflies swirled in her stomach. “What’s that?” she asked. He dropped to one knee and Jade sucked in a deep breath. “Bryce...are you doing what I think you’re doing?” she whispered.
“Shush, you’ll make me mess up the moment.”
“I’m shushed.”
He grinned and gripped her fingers. “So,” he said, “here goes.”
“Here goes what?” Just ask already! She kept the shout between pressed lips, but the yes was already forming.
“Will you marry me? In spite of my insecurities and doubts? Because while I may have those about myself, the one thing I know for sure is that I don’t want to face the future without you and Mia.”
She kissed him. Long and hard and until they were both breathless.
When she pulled away, she had to blink to see through the tears.
He swallowed. “Um...so, can I take that as a yes?”
She laughed. “Yes.” The word finally burst from her. “Absolutely.”
“That was very decisive. Like you know exactly what you want.”
“I do. I want you.”
“Doesn’t get much better than that.”
Except when he kissed her again, she decided it actually could get better.
“Good morning,” a little voice said from behind them.
Jade turned and smiled. Mia stood in the entranceway, one foot on top of the other, her dark hair tangled around her sleep-flushed face. “Good morning, Little Bear,” she said. “Where are the twins?”
“They’re trying to decide if we’re really having Christmas because of the snow.”
“Of course we are,” Bryce said. “Tell them and your grandparents to come on. We’ll open gifts, then I’m making my famous pancakes.” He looked at Jade. “If that’s okay with your mom.”
“I’m sure she’ll love it.”
“Yum!” Mia spun and raced off. Less than a minute later, the three children returned with Jade’s parents in tow. Mia rode piggyback on Gage. He lowered her gently to the floor and stood, mouth open, staring at the tree and the gifts surrounding it. Jessica’s expression mirrored his.
“Well?” Jade’s father asked. “What are you waiting for? It’s Christmas! Let’s open presents!”
The kids yelled and darted for the tree. Sasha raised her head, eyeing the chaos. Deciding all was fine, she lowered her protective stance and watched the paper fly. A bow landed on her nose and she huffed a sigh before swiping it off with a paw.
Tears rose in Jade’s eyes as she watched her family. Bryce was like a kid himself, taking delight in each wondrous moment and gleeful shout of joy. Her mom and dad eyed all three children, watching and laughing. They’d told Gage and Jessica last night that the adoption would be final after the first of the year, and they’d found their forever home. And forever family.
Finally, Bryce rose and joined her. “You’re just taking it all in, aren’t you?” he asked.
“I am.”
“It’s some kind of crazy, isn’t it?” He grinned. “I love it.” He leaned over to kiss her. “And I love you.” Tears shimmered in his eyes as Mia ran over to throw herself into his arms.
He caught her easily and lifted her to plant a kiss on her cheek. “What is it, kiddo?”
“Merry Christmas, Daddy.”
Jade swallowed a sob as Bryce went still. Then he lowered himself to his knees, the prosthetic not hindering his downward motion. “Merry Christmas, sweetheart. This is the best Christmas I’ve ever had, and you want to know why?”
“Yes!”
“Because you—and everyone in this room—are a part of it.” He hugged her, and Mia reached for Jade to make it a group hug. Sasha rose and made her way over to them, pushing her large head into the midst. Jade’s heart swelled to the point of rupturing. Life was never perfect, but it was good, and she was grateful.
“Now, who’s ready for pancakes?” Jade said.
More cheers erupted along with more joy, more love, a couple of excited barks, and more memories to cherish.
It was definitely the best Christmas ever.
Keep reading for an excerpt from Christmas Witness Pursuit by Lisa Harris.