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“What is it?”

“I hate to point out the obvious, but you still live in South Carolina.”

“For now.”

“What exactly does that mean?”

“It means I’m making changes. And I want those changes to involve you. Sloane,” he picked up my hand and kissed my palm, “I want more time with you. I want nights, mornings, afternoons, evenings… I want everything. Because I’m pretty sure I’m falling for you, and I want you to fall with me.”

I couldn’t breathe. Because his words pulled me apart at the seams—in a good way. “You’re pulling out all the stops,” I breathed.

“I tend to do that when I want something.” He tugged me gently, prompting me to walk around the table. I sat on his lap. “It’s kind of crazy, right? When we met all those years ago, I had no idea I would be there today, laying my heart on the line. But I’m doing it because, for the first time in a while, I feel hope. I want to hold on to that.”

Tears sprang to my eyes. “I know how you feel. I went into this season dreading it. Now I can listen to a Christmas song without feeling sick to my stomach. And now I can envision a future where I’m free to be who I am—and be happy. I’d like that future to include you.”

“So does this mean you’re going to let me date you?”

I tapped my chin. “Hmm… I’ll think about it.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Really?”

I laughed. “Okay, I thought about it and it’s too late. I’ve already fallen, and there is no one else I want to date.”

“Now that’s what I wanted to hear.” He kissed me, long and hard. And I didn’t care who was watching because I wanted to be in his arms, I wanted to be with him. “Oh, and I’m going to Disney with you too.”

“What if I don’t want you to go?” I teased.

His gaze locked on mine. “Do you?”

Maddox had given me a reason to start again, and I didn’t want to waste anymore time. “Only if you promise to take me to Cinderella Castle.”

“I’ll take you anywhere you want to go.”

I brushed my lips over his. “For now, can we start with my bedroom?” I winked. “We’ll figure the rest out later.”

All my life, I’d heard the stories of all-consuming passion and love at first sight. My mother had bought my father at a fraternity slave auction for twenty-five dollars forty-plus years ago, and they’re still together. I’d always thought they were the exception, though, not the rule. Now, I wasn’t so sure. Even though everything was still new, I already couldn’t imagine life without him. Maddox had brought magic back into my life—the magic of possibilities, the magic of a perfect kiss, the magic of meddling friends and family, the magic of a rekindled connection, the magic of Christmas, and the magic of love. And I couldn’t wait to “date” him. Forever.