novelxo Chapter Christmas with My Ex’s Dad: EPILOGUE
The last thing I expected to come home from work too is Griffin sitting in a large armchair near the tree, dressed head-to-toe in a Santa Claus outfit. The plush red suit, hat, and faux white beard suit him far better than I ever could have imagined. He grins at me, his hazel eyes sparkling with mischief. “Merry Christmas, Faye.”
“You’re still a few hours off.” I burst into laughter, covering my mouth as I take in the sight. “Griffin, what on earth are you doing?”
“Santa’s here to make sure you’ve been good this year.” Griffin pats his lap, his grin widening. “Come on, take a seat and tell me what you want for Christmas.”
A blush creeps up my cheeks as I hesitate, my gaze fixed on Griffin’s twinkling hazel eyes. Something in the way he looks at me stirs a sense of playful adventure within me, urging me to let go of my inhibitions and join him in this festive charade.
“Alright, Santa,” I say, walking over and carefully settling onto his lap with a giggle. “You’re ridiculous, you know that?”
Griffin chuckles, adjusting my position slightly so we’re both comfortable. “Santa takes his duties very seriously, young lady.”
As I look into his eyes, I can see past the humor and mischief – there’s a genuine warmth and affection there, which makes my heart race even faster than before. Griffin tilts his head, his voice playful yet sincere. “So, Faye, have you been naughty or nice? And what can Santa bring you this Christmas?”
I smile softly, feeling a wave of contentment wash over me. My gaze sweeps across the beautifully decorated room, then back to him. “Honestly?” I murmur, finding it difficult to put my emotions into words. “I think I already have everything I need this year.” I gesture to our surroundings and to him, feeling a surge of gratitude for all that has led me to this moment. “This… all of this is more than enough.”
Gently, he brushes a stray strand of hair from my face, tucking it behind my ear with a care that sends a shiver down my spine. “And what about what I want for Christmas?”
“What do you want?” I ask him, my voice barely above a whisper.
He leans closer, the scent of pine and cinnamon mingling with his own cologne, intoxicating me. His voice drops to a tender tone. “All I’ve ever wanted is you, ever since I laid eyes on you…”
Griffin presses a gentle kiss to my temple, then my cheek, each touch setting my skin ablaze. His lips trail softly down to my neck, sending shivers through me. “Having you here, you being mine… it’s everything I could ask for.”
My heart swells, the warmth in my cheeks intensifying as I lean into his touch. “Yours,” I whisper against his lips, sealing the promise with a tender kiss.
Griffin’s breath, warm and teasing, tickles my skin as he adds, “Though… it would be nice if you quit your job. Santa doesn’t like the idea of you being ogled by other men.”
I can’t help but laugh, light and happy. “I’ll consider it, Santa. But no promises,” I say, my eyes twinkling with amusement.
He reaches under the tree, retrieving a small, beautifully wrapped box. “Santa did bring you something, though.”
Curiosity takes over me as I take the box from him. My fingers tremble slightly as I unwrap it to reveal a delicate bracelet adorned with a small charm shaped like a snowflake. A gasp escapes me, tears springing to my eyes. “Griffin, it’s beautiful.”
His smile is tender, and the love I see in his eyes takes my breath away. He brushes a thumb across my cheek, wiping away a stray tear. “Just like you,” he whispers, his voice soft and sincere.
I clasp the bracelet around my wrist. “Actually, I do have a Christmas present for you.”
He starts to get excited. “What is it, Faye?”
Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I let the words pour from my heart. “I love you, Griffin. I’ve loved you for a while now, but I wasn’t sure if I should say it. But tonight, seeing how much effort you put into making this night special… I can’t hold it in any longer.”
Griffin’s eyes widen, surprise and joy reflecting in their depths. He cups my face, his touch gentle yet firm, as he leans in closer to me. “Faye, I love you too. More than anything in this world.”
His confession sends a shiver down my spine, and I can’t help but beam at him, tears threatening to spill from my eyes once more.
“Really?” I ask, seeking reassurance even though the evidence is right before me.
“More than you can possibly imagine,” he replies, the sincerity in his gaze leaving no room for doubt.
With that, he presses a tender kiss to the top of my head, sealing our declarations of love for one another. “I can’t wait to spend next Christmas with you, Faye. And every one after that.”
“Me neither,” I whisper, my eyes meeting his once more. “Here’s to many more Christmases together, to new traditions and countless memories.”