The world beyond looked like a snow globe come to life, pristine and magical, and somehow made just for us.
"This is my first real Christmas in a long time,” I whispered against his skin, soft with wonder and contentment.
Connor's arms tightened around me, protective and possessive. "What do you mean, sweet girl?"
I traced lazy patterns on his chest, following the sculpted lines of his muscles. “You know, it was just... me. No decorations, no magic, no one to share it with after I left. Just another cold day in December."
The pain in my voice must have shown because Connor's hand cupped my face, thumb brushing over the apple of my cheek.
“Hey," he murmured. "Look at me."
I lifted my eyes to meet his, finding them darkand fierce with love.
"You'll never spend another Christmas alone," he promised, each word carved in stone.
"Never. This family, this love, it's yours now, Sierra. Every December for the rest of your life, you'll wake up to stockings stuffed over the fireplace, presents under the tree, and people who love you more than you know.”
Fresh tears spilled over at his words, but these were warm and healing instead of hollow.
"I never thought..." I started, then shook my head. "I never dared to hope for something like this."
“You have it," he replied simply, pressing a kiss to my forehead. "All of it and more.”
I knew that meant the snow, the lights, the chaos that would come with Adrian planning Christmas morning—all of it.
I laughed through my tears, the sound bright and genuine. "Is Adrian going to be completely insufferable on Christmas morning?”
“Yes. He probably has matching Christmas pajamas for everyone already wrapped and waiting."
Connor's smile was fond despite his exasperated tone. "And Jax will grumble about it while secretly loving it”.
The firelight danced across his features, highlighting the strong line of his jaw and the gentle curve of his mouth when he looked at me.
Somewhere in the distance, I could hear the faint sounds of our chosen family—low laughter, animated voices, musical giggles.
"This is everything I never knew I wanted," I breathed, my heart so full it felt like it might burst.
Connor's hand found mine, fingers interlacing. "You deserve it. Every Christmas morning, every moment by the fire. You deserve to be loved."
The scent of pine needles and cinnamon mingled in the air, mixing with the woodsmoke from the fireplace and the faint sweetness of hot chocolate from the kitchen.
It was the smell of home, belonging, and dreams I'd given up on years ago, suddenly coming true.
"I love you," I whispered, the words carrying the weight ofeverything I felt—gratitude, wonder, fierce devotion, and a joy so bright it rivaled the Christmas lights outside.
"I love you too, sweet girl," he replied, his voice thick with emotion. "More than you'll ever know."
We sat in comfortable silence, watching the flames dance and the snow fall, two souls who'd found their home in each other.
The week would bring chaos and laughter, probably some tears from me when everyone inevitably went overboard with presents, and definitely more of Connor's protective hovering.
But tonight, it was just us, the fire, and the magic of my first real Christmas.
As drowsiness began to pull at my eyelids, I smiled against Connor's chest, feeling utterly content. The universe itself was celebrating this moment of perfect happiness.
I'd found my family, my love, my home. And for the first time in my life, Christmas felt like the miracle it was supposed to be.
"Merry Christmas, Connor," I whispered sleepily.
