The Perfect Christmas - Debbie Macomber [54]
“Aren’t you making assumptions you have no business making?”
“Is this really so difficult?” she asked.
“Yes,” he groaned.
Cassie gently laid her head against his chest and sighed meaningfully.
His sigh echoed hers. “Oh, I give up. You knew I’d fallen in love with you.” He drew her toward him and rested his chin on her head.
“I hoped so.”
“I do love you, Cassie.”
“And I love you.”
He leaned down and shattered what remained of her composure with a single kiss.
“You seriously want to marry me?” he whispered.
“More than I’ve wanted anything in my entire life.”
“And children. You want children.”
She nodded, knowing he wanted them as much as she did. “Two or three, at least.”
He closed his eyes.
“You’re going to be a wonderful father. And a wonderful husband.”
“Our babies are going to inhabit my heart the same way you have. I see it happening already.” He gazed down at her with such tenderness it nearly brought tears to her eyes.
“Inhabit your heart,” she repeated. “And you’ve moved into mine.”
“I couldn’t forget you for even a second,” he whispered, holding her close and breathing the words against her hair. “I’m not sure what it is about you that’s different from all the other women I’ve met, the other women who fell in love with me…or thought they did. I just know you were right when you told me I loved you.”
His arms tightened around her. “You’re right about Christmas, too.”
“I figured as much.”
“Am I so easy to read?”
“No.”
“We’re going to have a very good life together,” he murmured. “And every Christmas—”
Her phone rang, interrupting him. Cassie was content to let it ring until Simon released her.
Checking call display, she said, “It’s my brother.”
“You should answer it.”
Nodding, she reached for the receiver. “Hello, Shawn.”
“Merry Christmas.” Shawn’s greeting sounded happier than she could remember hearing in a long, long time.
“Merry Christmas,” she said in return.
“You seem happy… Any particular reason?”
“Simon’s here.”
Shawn hooted with laughter. “He couldn’t hold out, could he?”
“Thankfully, no. Christmas came early for me.”
“Me, too,” Shawn said. “Come and join us, both of you.”
Half an hour later, the four of them sat in front of a crackling fire in Angie’s small rental house in West Seattle. The clock above the mantel chimed midnight.
“It’s Christmas,” Angie sang out as she leaned against Shawn.
Simon’s arm was around Cassie’s shoulder. “Christmas,” she echoed. Then she spoke softly into his ear. “My perfect Christmas, Simon. I have it right here, right now, with you.”
Epilogue
From: Cassie
Sent: Thursday, December 1, 5:35 p.m.
To: Mom; Pete; Shawn&Angie; Phyllis&Harry; Amanda Snelling; Bob; JohnFitz
Cc: Simon
Subject: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
Hi, Everyone,
I know what a busy time of year this is, so wanted to send our invitation now. I’m not even going to try to fancy it up.
Here goes: You are all invited to dinner with Cassie and Simon on Christmas Eve. Come at 7. Our house. Significant others welcome! Bring a favorite Christmas memory to share! RSVP.
Not to be a bossypants, but the sooner you can let me know, the better. Look forward to catching up with everyone!
Cassie (and, of course, Simon)
From: Shawn&Angie
Sent: Thursday, December 1, 5:45 p.m.
To: Cassie; Mom; Pete; Phyllis&Harry; Amanda Snelling; Bob; JohnFitz
Cc: Simon
Subject: RE: Dinner on Christmas Eve—Save the Date!
Hi, Cassie and Simon,
Thanks for this! Shawn and I will be delighted to attend. We’re flying out of Portland and into SeaTac on the 23rd, staying with my mom and dad.
What’s on the menu? Let me know what we can bring.
I’ll bet you can guess my favorite Christmas memory (and yes, it involved your charming brother, Shawn!) Angie
From: Cassie
Sent: Thursday, December 1, 6:30 p.m.
To: Shawn&Angie