I shake my head, clearing it. “I’m not proud of what I did after I lost my job, but I take responsibility for my actions.”

He watches me and I wonder what he’s thinking. Maybe he’s questioning his feelings for me?

“No chance in hell.”

“What?”

He sits next to me. “I’m not questioning my feelings for you. I know it’s probably too soon to say this, but I love you, Candy Kane.”

Tears well up in my eyes and I throw my arms around his neck.

“I love you, too, Nick Holiday.”

My entire body feels warm, reminding me of sunbathing on a beach. Nick kisses me and when he pulls away I realize his face is glowing, too.

“Nick, what’s happening?”

Golden rays of light radiate from our bodies, intertwining with each other. It’s beautiful and peaceful at the same time.

Nick’s eyes are bright with emotion. “I believe Cupid is here making our love official.”

For some reason this seems perfectly natural. I lean forward and kiss my man.

* * *

Candy’s lips are warm against mine and her tongue explores my mouth. I kiss her back, basking in the joy of the moment. She is no longer on the Naughty List, but on the Nice List where she belongs.

She pulls away and asks, “Is Cupid still here?”

“No. He’s a busy guy. You’ll get to meet him on New Years Eve.”

“Does he really wear a little diaper?”

I laugh. “Not anymore. He only wore it once and it was a dare. Unfortunately that’s what he’s known for now.”

She laughs, too, and I pull her close. I wonder if Cupid has been helping me along this whole time? It’s right up his alley to meddle. Candy puts her hand on my chest.

“This is going to sound crazy. I think I just heard your thoughts.”

This makes me still. Is she serious?

“Yes, I’m serious.” Her nose crinkles and she says, “Eleven. Blue. And I disagree, Bella should’ve ended up with Jacob, not Edward.”

I laugh. “Holy shit! You did hear my thoughts.”

She asks, “Who is Peppermin?”

I wasn’t thinking about him, so it’s strange she’s asking.

“He’s my right-hand elf at the North Pole. Why?”

“He just told me that my room is being prepared and would like to know if I like hot chocolate.”

I am speechless.

She puts her hand over her heart. “Oh, that’s so sweet. He just said you’ve been waiting for me for a very long time even if you didn’t know it.”

I am choked up as I say, “There was a prophecy made a very long time ago by Father Time about my true mate bringing out the best in me. He said she would be my equal in every way, which Merry wasn’t. She never heard a single thought I had.”

Candy’s face is beautiful as she replies, “It’s because you are mine.”

“I’m yours,” I agree.

We kiss and she whispers, “And I’m yours.”

My phone dings and I look down, laughing.

“Figures Jack would ruin this moment.”

Jack: Bro- Peppermin just told me the news. She’s the one?

Nick: She’s the one.

Jack: Bring her home then. Everyone is waiting!

I look at Candy. “Jack said everyone is waiting to meet you at the North Pole. Will you do me the honor of coming to my home? You won’t be able to leave until after Christmas, though.”

She nods. “Yes, I’ll go with you. And I plan on staying much longer than just Christmas.”

I wrap my arms around her and use a little bit of Peace, Joy, and Happiness dust to take us home.