“Who could have predicted Breckin Roberts would lose his heart to a lass like you?”

“Gee, thanks, Z.” My hip bumps hers as we watch Breckin walk across the overly decorated school gym for some drinks.

She giggles. “Every time he looks at you, I blush. You two are in so deep.”

She has no idea. “The decorating committee outdid themselves. I barely recognize this place.”

“I know, right?”

Trees twinkle throughout the gym. Everywhere I look, there are balloons, ribbons, and fabric in white and silver. Giant snowflakes and glittery stars cover the walls and hang in doorways and around the stage, where a DJ plays music. When Breckin asked me to the Yuletide Ball yesterday afternoon, I thought he was teasing.

* * *

“I probably should have asked before my soul imprinted on yours, but do you have a date for the Yuletide Ball tomorrow?”

We’re snuggled on his couch watching a movie, my head on a pillow in his lap as his hand combs through my hair. The Christmas lights Breckin weaved around the mantle earlier in the week wink at us. Elias left an hour ago to work a little angel magic at the school so my attendance reflects an early dismissal due to illness. Breckin’s father is gone, and except for a brief description of what happened on the mountain, neither Breckin nor Elias will tell me much of what went down.

I roll my head and look up at Breckin. “The ball? No, I don’t have a date. There’s a group going stag, and I’d considered it, but that was . . . before.”

“Do you want to go?”

“Right. Like you want to go to a school dance.” I laugh and roll back to my side, focusing on the movie.

Twenty minutes later, Breckin’s hand stills in my hair again. “Vivie?”

“Hmmm?”

“I want to take you to the dance tomorrow night.” My heartbeat accelerates. “Nothing about being with me is going to be normal for you. I want to give you normal. School dances, prom, ice-skating at the park—”

I fly into a sitting position. “Wait. Are you asking me to prom?”

Breckin laughs, his hand taking mine and weaving our fingers together. “I’m sorry it’s not some crazy social media–worthy request. I could plan one, if you need that.”

“Are you kidding? All I need is you. And normal is overrated, Breckin.” I pull his face to mine. “By the way, my mom is expecting us at the clinic for dinner tonight.”

“That’s reasonable. I should formally meet my girlfriend’s mother.”

“Yeah, you should,” I agree, kissing him soundly.

* * *

“May I have this dance?” Breckin’s lips tickle my ear as he steps up behind me, his hand curling around my hip.

I take the cup of punch he’s holding for me and turn into his chest. “You dance?”

“Drink, and come find out.” He winks and walks by, continuing to the edge of the floor and slipping his hands into his pockets. Waiting.

I take one sip and set the cup on a table. Zara is already on the floor, along with everyone else we’ve been sitting with, but I don’t care about them. Right now, it’s me and my angel.

His eyes sparkle as I join him. My hands slip between his waist and arms, and press his back, bringing him closer. He keeps his hands in his pockets, a smile playing on his lips. I’m wearing four-inch heels, and still he looks down at me. So not fair, but I love it. I hold his stare.

After a moment, he caves, and I’m wrapped in his arms. His unnatural heat sears through my gold velvet dress, warming my skin. His chin rests on top of my head as he inhales deeply.

“Ginger and mint,” he says with a touch of humor. His lips kiss my hair, before he pulls back. “That was how I knew it was you that day. I smelled ginger and mint, and I knew.”

I press my cheek to his chest. “What happens next?”

I didn’t mean to ask, but the questions linger. Sebastian’s words won’t let go of me. He said I had a calling. He questioned if I would stick with Breckin. He insinuated Breckin knows more than he’s telling me.

Breckin inhales deeply. “We live. We celebrate being seniors, and we do all of those things normal couples do.”

“Breck.”

“Vivie.” His fingers dive into my hair and tilt my head back. “I have found the one whom my soul loves.” He quotes a Bible verse, as though every answer we need lies in those words. “We were not put together to be torn apart. I don’t know what comes next. I wish I did.”

I close my eyes and push away the uncertainty. He’s an immortal angel. He can think that way. I’m not sure I can—I almost died once. He has until his birthday—four months—before his father returns and he’s forced to join him. What then? I shiver, and Breck shushes me, like he knows where my thoughts turned.

Shifting, he lifts me at the waist and hoists me to face level. “All I know is that you are my soul. I will do whatever it takes to keep you and to call you mine.”

Hugging his neck, I touch my forehead to his. “I have found the one whom my soul loves,” I repeat as my lips touch his.

Our paths collided eight days ago, but our souls were destined for each other. Our future chosen long before we were born. That is what I know. How? There’s no explanation, but deep within, something sings when it sees Breckin Roberts. And when I close my eyes, it tells me our story is far from over.