Page 38 of Christmas Embrace

“I will never forget this, Alpha.” Kade hugged Logan and patted him on the back, finally releasing him. He wiped his eyes, drying them, overwhelmed with happiness.

“Well, happy holidays, guys. Hate to run but it’s late and gotta get my girls home. I can see myself out.”

“Thank you, Alpha.” Sydney rushed into Kade’s arms. “This is the best Christmas I’ve ever had in my life.”

“I guess we’re not moving.” Kade brushed his lips to the top of her head, his heart pounding. “We’re parents. Official parents. I never thought…”

“You’re going to be an amazing father. No, you are an amazing father,” she corrected.

“I can’t believe he waited all night to say something.” Kade released an audible breath. “I was prepared to leave.”

“I love that about you. That you were willing to do anything for Zach and me.”

“Today when I held him…there was no other choice. The Alpha could have easily denied us. Insist he be raised with the wolves.”

“My faith is restored. It really is a time of hope. Miracles.”

“Speaking of faith.” Kade pulled away slightly, but still held Sydney close, losing himself in her eyes. “Human traditions are a choice, you know. I’ve lived a long time, and this is the first time I’ve ever felt like celebrating any holiday. Truly. You’re my family now. We have so much to be thankful for.”

“We do. Next year, will you dress as Santa? For Zach and for me,” She winked.

“You know I will. And I look forward to it.”

“And I’ll bake cookies. Wrap presents.”

“Speaking of presents…”

“I thought we were waiting until tomorrow, Kris Kringle.”

“No love, Santa Claus came tonight.” He reached toward the top of the tree, and gingerly removed a silver heart ornament. Kade focused, deliberately slowing his pulse, tamping down his excitement, so as not to spoil the surprise. “I’ve been thinking for quite some time now that Mr. Claus needs to work on making Mrs. Claus a missus.”

“Hmm… is that so?” She flashed him a flirty smile.

“I’ve wanted this for a long, long time, but I want to make it official.” Kade knelt before Sydney, still holding her hand.

“What are you doing? Kade…I…”

“I gave you my heart years ago when I first met you in Philadelphia. I asked you that day, and now I know more than ever this is what I want. We’ve been through Hell and back. I almost lost you forever. I won’t ever regret doing what I did, because I love you, Sydney. And like a miracle, Zach was brought into our lives. I’ve watched you. I’ve seen the woman I love more than anything in this world fall in love with our son. You’re an amazing mother. My best friend. My cheerleader. My lover. I want you in my life forever. Not just bonded…but bonded for eternity as my wife.”

Tears streamed down Sydney’s face as Kade presented the silver heart. She gave a small gasp as he opened it, revealing a ring, an enormous emerald surrounded by diamonds.

“Sydney Willows, will you marry me?”

Chapter Eight

Will you marry me? Time stopped as she heard Kade’s words, her heart only beating for the one man she’d ever truly loved.

She smiled and gazed into his eyes, her heart full of eternal love for her vampire. “Yes.”

“Yes,” he repeated, nodding.

“Yes.” Sydney’s heart pounded against her ribs as he slid the ring onto her finger. She knelt to meet him, cupping his cheek.

“You’re everything to me.” Their foreheads touched, as she spoke softly. “I wasn’t ever expecting to meet you. I never thought I’d find love. But that day on the docks. Your eyes.” She smiled, dragging her thumb along his jaw. “That sexy accent.”

“You were feisty and beautiful. There was no way I would have let you go.”

“Everything has changed. It’s different but everything is better now. I’m sorry I took so long to say yes,” she laughed. “To say yes again. To realize that it’s okay to remember being human. To raise a family. To get married.” Her lips brushed his. “To be your wife.”