Page 24 of A Fairytale Christmas

He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her flush against him, as his lips knew her better, the taste of her mouth sweet. She did the same, grazing his bottom lip with her tongue before exploring his taste in return.

Both mingling, each growing increasingly more breathless as the kiss continued. It was dizzying.

When Mike finally broke away, not wanting to push her too far too fast, his pupils were wide with the thrill of their kiss. He licked his lips as Penny’s head rested against his chest, her soft breaths filling the air around him, her heart beating in tune with his.

“I don’t know how to do this … ” she whispered.

“You don’t have to do it alone. I’ll help you figure it -everything- out.” He pulled her close again. She lifted her head, looking into his eyes. “Say the words, and I promise I will be right there, every step of the way.”

Mike fought the urge to kiss her again, his jaw clenching as he waited for her response.

She pressed her head to his chest and tried to breathe.

It was a big decision, which would change her life utterly if she made it.

Could she make such a choice?

She raised her head, determination in her eyes, and kissed him. He needed no encouragement. Her words were barely audible over the sound of his pulse in his ears, as they melted between their lips. “I think I know what I want.”

He pressed his smile against her lips.

Finally they parted, and Mike turned her to the city’s skyline, Penny’s back pressed against his chest, as his arms wound round her.

They both looked out on the twinkling, snow-covered city, the future unknown, but their shared hopes as bright as the scene that lay before them.

“Merry Christmas,” he whispered softly.

And for Penny, for the first time in a very long time, it truly was.