I wrapped myself in a blanket as I sat by the fire. The logs crackling while Michael Buble’s voice softly filled the room. The guests had left hours ago and the kids had fallen asleep, excited that Santa would be here in the morning. I liked this time of night when the house was asleep, and I could finally find that moment alone.

As I sipped on my hot cocoa I heard footsteps coming close. I knew who it was even before he appeared. It was as if my body was aware of where he was at all times, reacting to him instantly.

Whatever this was between us was unexpected. I’d never craved somebody like this before. It was a need for connection, a need to be loved, and in his arms, I felt alive. I hadn’t felt that way in a long time and I was afraid to lose it again.

He leaned against the doorframe and crossed his arms over his arms. “Why are you down here all alone?”

“I’m drinking hot cocoa,” I stated, lifting the mug.

His eyes glanced over to the window and he smiled. “I love waking up to a white Christmas.”

I stared down at the marshmallows that floated in my cup. “Me too,” I murmured in response.

“Can I sit down?”

I looked up at his handsome face, the firelight flickering on his handsome features. Dragging the blanket aside I gestured for him to sit beside me. His broad frame took half the seat and I found myself practically in his lap, his arm around me, his fingers wrapped around my shoulder.

“Just lay back, Angel.” I sighed and melted into him, cherishing the warm feel of him.

“Your brother told me everything.”

I smiled. “I knew he was up to something.”

He chuckled. “I think he reads hearts.”

“Why is that?”

“Because he told me that if I wanted you, I needed to be patient. And then he told me that if I broke your heart, he’d break my legs.”

I laughed whole-heartedly as I stared up at him. Reaching up I caressed his cheek. He leaned his head back, closing his eyes and sighing.

“Are we insane?” I whispered, stroking his chest.

“I’m sure others might say so.”

“I don’t believe in love at first sight.”

“Neither do I.”

We sat there in silence for a long time, thinking, wondering, just enjoying the moment. He’d take sips of my cocoa as we stared into the fire. Every now and then, he’d stroke my hair softly while I lay my head on his lap. It was a perfect moment, one I didn’t want to end.

“If we do this, we have to go slow.” I whispered.

He chuckled. “I’ll go slow, fast, hard, anything you want Angel.”

Sitting up, I straddled his lap. “Why are you so handsome?”

“Why are you so pretty?” Small little creases lined the edges of his eyes and I reached up, tracing them with my fingertips.

“Don’t be scared, Angel,” he rubbed my back gently, reassuringly.

I smiled. “I’ve lost so much in this world, I don’t know if I could do that again.”

“Then don’t. You just let me worry about that. Live your life, but just occasionally remember that I’m there for you if you need me.”

I giggled. “I’ll need you a lot more than that.”

“Well good then. Because I want to be a part of your life if you’ll let me.”

I hugged him tight, needing to feel him. His strength, his heat, his arms cradling me. I wanted to fall in love again, and if this was the man who was willing to go through it all with me, I would be stupid to say no to that.

“Oh!” He exclaimed, and I leaned back startled.

“What is it?”

“I just remembered something.”

He gently removed me from his lap and went over to the tree. “I was going to give this to you tomorrow morning,” he looked over his shoulder at me and winked. “But it’s already tomorrow so it counts.”

“You got me something?”

“I wasn’t sure why I picked it up, but now I know why. Aha! Here it is!”

He turned back holding a small neatly wrapped box. Handing it to me, he sat back down beside me.

“But I didn’t get you anything,” I murmured sadly.

“You’re enough of a gift for me, Angel. Trust me. Now open it.”

I glanced at him before gently pulling the silver bow off. Taking my time not to ruin the wrapping which was so pretty.

“Would you just rip it open?”

His impatience made me laugh and want to tease him. “But it’s so pretty.”

He rolled his eyes and tapped his fingers on his knee as he waited for me to finally get it open. When I did, I simply stared at it. It was a small crystal angel ornament. For a moment I didn’t know what to say and then a rush of emotions came at me at once. Turning to him, I gripped him and hugged him to me.

“Whoa,” he chuckled, nuzzling my neck.

“Thank you. It’s beautiful.”

He tinkered with it for a moment, his brow furrowing. “It was weird when I saw it, it just called out to me. Who would have thought…” He turned to me, his words lingering between us. Gently he cupped my cheek. “I don’t care what anyone says. I don’t care if it sounds crazy. But this…this just proves that some things happen for a reason.”

He grabbed my hand and pressed it to his chest. “Do you know why I went to that bar last night?”

I shook my head.

“Your brother was meeting me there. I dumped him for you.”

My mouth gaped open and I looked from the angel in my hand back to him. “It’s all too coincidental.”

“Like I said. I don’t care if people don’t believe. I believe. And all I know, is I want you to be mine.”

“And I want you to be mine too,” I cupped his cheek and as tears ran down my face, he kissed me. The burn between us was sweet, overwhelmingly so, yet as he pressed me into the cushions, and he made love to me on that couch, there were no more questions, just a love that was slowly building.