Page 57 of A Gift of Time
“Yeah, she signed on with us,” I said, returning his smile. “We’re launching an ad campaign mid-January for her chocolate factory, using Valentine’s Day as the incentive to buy.”
After last Christmas, I’d gone back into work to my old job.
Logan had come onto me again, and instead of being rude to him like usual, I’d asked if he wanted to have coffee with me during the lunch break. That had allowed us to actually talk, and just like I’d come to know in the other reality, Logan was a great guy.
We’d become friends, and he stopped trying to get down my pants. I also introduced him to Gage—who was an accountant in this reality, which was why I hadn’t known him well in the other one—and they’d hit it off just like I’d hoped they would.
They were approaching almost ten months of being a couple.
I’d also gotten the director of marketing job in September. It had happened by accident. Or by fate. Whichever.
There’d been a potential client who hated every pitch Rick had given him. The client was Mr. Duncan, the man I’d done the toy campaign for. He was a local business owner, but he was an important asset to our company, and Rick wanted to reel him in like the big catch he was.
Overhearing my boss talk about it one day, I’d approached him and offered a suggestion: a huge Christmas advertisement, showcasing Mr. Duncan’s unique toys as they danced toThe Nutcracker. It would give us enough time to create a story board and get it filmed in time for the holiday season.
When Rick went back to the table with Mr. Duncan, he’d come out of there about half an hour later with a huge smile and a new promotion for me.
“What are you thinking about?” Caden asked.
“Just how amazing my life is,” I answered before looking down at him. “But what makes it the most amazing is having you as my husband.”
We’d gotten married in the spring, and it had been the best day of my life. The location had been in the park in front of a gazebo and surrounded by our closest friends and his mom. As we’d said our vows, I had cried, which had made Caden tear up as well.
He’d just looked so fucking beautiful in his tux, and I’d been thankful he was mine. Having almost lost him last Christmas, I didn’t take any moment with him for granted.
After the ceremony, we’d had the reception outside at twilight, under a canopy. Fairy lights had hung from some of the trees, creating an almost magical feel. And when we’d had our first dance as husbands, I had kissed him, knowing we had an incredible life ahead of us.
“So you don’t regret marrying me?” Caden asked, pulling me out of my head.
I scrunched my face up in a playful way. “Hmm. Now that you mention it…” He slapped my arm, and I laughed. “No. I don’t regret marrying you. You’re my everything, silly man.”
“And you’re my heart,” he replied, giving me a lovesick look. “Even if you’re grumpy sometimes.”
“I’m never grumpy,” I said, raising my brows. “You’re the one who turns into freaking Godzilla when you’re hungry.”
He rolled his eyes, but grinned when he turned his head.
When it was time to roll out the dough, he took it out of the refrigerator and plopped it on the counter. He took some flour and sprinkled it on the surface before spanking the dough—which made me crack a perverted joke.
“Go away,” he said with a snort. “You’re worse than a teenager. I’ll call you back in here after I put the cookies in the oven.”
“Fine,” I said before pecking a kiss to his lips. “Love you, sweet thang.”
His lips twitched with a smile. “Love you, too.”
Christmas music drifted from the living room, and I went that way, softly smiling when I recognizedThe First Noel.
Exactly one year ago, Caden and I had stood in that very room, fighting about stupid shit because I’d been so selfish. And I had nearly lost him because of it. So much had changed since then.I’dchanged.
I wasn’t just a better husband, lover, and friend to Caden, but I was a better person all around. Happier. I’d gotten a second chance.
My gaze landed on the clock above the fireplace, and I walked closer.
As my fingers traced the golden designs, I smiled. I’d once called it the demon clock from hell, thinking it had taken Caden away from me, but after the fact, I’d understood that it had helped me.
Now, it sat as a reminder in my life, just like Nick had once said it would.
“Time is not to be wasted or taken for granted, and this will always remind you that every second is a blessing.”
A reminder that love was the greatest treasure of all.
The End
