Page 19 of Coffee and Christmas Kisses

I took a deep breath and pulled the key chain out of my pocket, placing it on the table between me and West.

“I have an announcement.” Everyone fell silent and all eyes were on me. I turned to face West, the man who had quickly become the love of my life. “I love you. More than I ever expected. Last year for Christmas, we agreed to start a semi-long-distance relationship, and this year has been the best year of my life. But I’m tired of all the driving back and forth. I’m tired of living in the city where I can’t see you every day. So I rented a house, just around the corner from the coffee shop. I’d like it if you’d consider moving in there with me.”

West looked at me, brows furrowed, lips slightly parted, as he processed what I’d said. “You want me to move in with you?”

I nodded. “I do. I love you and it feels like the right next step.”

A smile broke over his face. “I love you too.”

“So is that a yes?”

“Of course it is,” he practically shouted, leaning in and pulling me into a hug. Mom and Andy broke out in applause and cheered and West released me and turned to them. “Did you two know about this?”

Mom shook her head. “I suspected something was going on, but I didn’t know anything, not for sure. I’m really happy for you two.”

“Me too,” Andy said. “Glad you’ve finally seen the small-town light.”

We all laughed and once the conversation settled, Mom cleared her throat. “Well, let’s have some cookies, shall we?” When everyone agreed, she got up and brought the tins in from the kitchen.

As we passed the tins of snickerdoodles around and ate our cookies, which were imperfect but sweet and delicious anyway, I smiled, warmed. My life was much like the cookies—imperfect but sweet. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The End