Page 99 of Under the Mistletoe
Devin had no idea what she was signing up for when she agreed to join the Kingsley Christmas, but the chaotic joy of the morning had been everything she had never experienced. Now, she wanted to relive it every year.
The presents and stockings were already opened, but with Luke’s family and Libby’s family arriving soon, round two of chaos was just around the corner. For the moment, with Liam in the kitchen helping his parents, the five of them—Devin, Logan, and the three Wallis kids—were in the living room.
Logan sat on the floor by the Christmas tree, doing his best to assemble a train set while Tyce climbed all over him. Easton had jumped in to assist, but Alani was content showing her doll the new toy Nativity they had opened last night just before they’d read the Christmas story as a family. This was the family Devin had chosen.
From the corner of the couch, Devin soaked in the warmth of the moment as Christmas carols played softly and the scent of pine and cinnamon wafted through the air.
Her phone buzzed. It was a message from her mom.
Mom
Merry Christmas! Your dad and I would like to come see you today if you still want us to. Maybe we could take you to dinner.
She stared at the message for a moment before the cushion beside her shifted, and Logan’s arm wrapped around her shoulders. “Everything okay?”
She glanced at the kids, all occupied with the now-running train, then back at Logan, turning her phone toward him. He read the message over. “What do you want to say?”
“I want to see them, but I want to be here.”
He took the phone, typed for a bit, then handed it back without hitting send. Devin read the message he had prepared.
Devin
I want to see you. I’m spending Christmas with Logan’s family, but you’re more than welcome to join us. We’re eating dinner at six if you want to eat with us, or you can just come in the evening.
Her finger hovered over the send button. “Don’t we need to ask your mom?”
“She has this thing called table math?—”
“I’m familiar with her table math.” Devin couldn’t suppress a smile. She had benefited from that very math before.
She studied the text again, then added a few more words.
I love you. Merry Christmas.
She hit send.
“I have another gift for you.” Logan pulled out a familiar blue box with a silver bow from next to the couch.
“Is it a ring?” Alani was suddenly right beside them, peering eagerly at the box.
Logan’s eyes widened. “Uhh…no.”
Devin laid her hand on his arm. “That’s okay. It’s only been a week since you told me you love me. One thing at a time.”
She opened the box to reveal a tiny silver Christmas tree charm for her bracelet. “It’s perfect.”
Holding it out to him, she presented her wrist for him to clip it on next to the mistletoe charm.
“This is for the hope of many Christmas trees and holiday adventures to come,” Logan said, fastening the charm with a gentle smile.
As the warmth of the moment enveloped them, Devin knew this was just the beginning of a beautiful journey filled with love, laughter, and countless Christmases together.
Alani ran to the train, and Logan brushed a quick kiss across Devin’s lips, then whispered in her ear. “I promise a better Christmas kiss when we don’t have an audience.”
“I look forward to that.” Her phone chimed, and she picked it up.
Mom
