Chapter 21
It’s finally Christmas Day. My dad and I are spending the holiday at Finn’s house, and I’m trying to look cute while still being comfortable — the classic holiday struggle. As soon as we walk up to the front door, I knock, and a moment later Finn’s mom opens it with a warm smile.
“Merry Christmas, Mrs. Hayes,” I say. “My dad and I brought gifts for you and the family.”
“Merry Christmas to both of you,” she says, hugging me. “And how thoughtful! You didn’t have to do that.”
My dad adds a polite “Merry Christmas,” and she returns it before stepping aside.
“Come in, come in. Food has been served — feel free to grab a plate.”
We walk inside, and before I can even take off my coat, Finn steps out of the kitchen. He comes straight to me, wraps me in a hug, and kisses me softly.
“Merry Christmas, babe.”
“Merry Christmas, love,” I say, hugging him back.
My dad joins Finn’s parents in the living room, and then I hear fast footsteps on the stairs.
“Hi Lola!” Mya beams, holding something behind her back. “I have a gift for you, and I hope you’ll like it.”
“You do?” I smile and kneel to her level. “You’re so sweet to think of me, Mya.”
She hugs me tightly, and I hug her back.
The day goes by in a warm blur of food, laughter, and conversation. Eventually Finn’s dad claps his hands together.
“Let’s open gifts since we’re all here today!”
Finn, Mya, and I get up from the table and head to the living room. I sit on the lounge chair, Finn takes the couch, and Mya practically vibrates with excitement. I’d spent a lot of time putting together Finn’s gifts — a custom blanket with photos of us and our friends, plus some new gaming gear he needed. I wrapped everything individually and placed them under the tree earlier.
Whatever he got me, I already knew I’d love it. I’ve always been more of a giver than a receiver.
We watch Mya tear through her gifts, proudly showing each one to us. Her joy is contagious. Then she pauses mid‑unwrapping, grabs a small gift, and walks over to me with a shy smile.
“This is for you, Lola.”
“Really?” I take it gently. “Thank you, sweetheart.”
“Open it! Open it!” she says, bouncing.
“Okay, okay,” I laugh.
Finn leans forward, curious, as I tear the wrapping paper. When I finally open the box, my hand flies to my mouth. Inside is a custom necklace and bracelet set — both with our names on them.
“Aww, Mya… this is so sweet of you. I’ll wear your jewelry every day. Thank you. I love it.”
She beams, and I turn to Finn.
“Babe, can you help me with the necklace?”
“Of course,” he says, getting up. He stands behind me, carefully fastening it around my neck, then kisses my cheek.
“There you go.”
“Thank you,” I whispered.
“Always.”
Later, Mya is happily playing with her new Barbie and the outfit I got her. Finn and I slip upstairs to his room for a little privacy.
“This is for you,” I say, handing him his gift.
He tears into the wrapping paper like a little kid, and when he opens the box, his whole face lights up.
“I love it. And—oh my god, new gaming gear? This is amazing. I needed some new ones. Thank you, babe.”
He kisses my forehead, and I smile. “I’m glad you love it.”
Then he hands me a box. “This is for you.”
I open it, and my breath catches. Inside is a large custom painting of the two of us — beautifully done — and a delicate glass swan figurine. Beside it is a small note:
I love you. Merry Christmas, babe.
I look up at him, emotional. “Finn… this is amazing. I love it so much. I’m going to hang it in my room and cherish it forever.”
He takes a breath, then says the words I’ve been waiting for:
“I love you, Lola.”
I freeze for a moment, overwhelmed, then smile. “I love you too.”
He sits beside me, voice soft. “Ever since we kissed that one day, I couldn’t stop thinking about you. And now that you’re mine… you’ve been such a positive light in my life.”
My heart warms. “You were there for me during one of the hardest times of my life. You never left my side. You’ve shown me what it feels like to be treated right — to be loved openly. You’ve been the best boyfriend I could’ve asked for.”
His expression melts, and he leans in to kiss me. I kiss him back, and the moment deepens — warm, tender, full of emotion. We stay close, wrapped up in each other, letting the world fall away for a little while.
The rest… stays between us.
All I know is that I want a future with him. Maybe even a marriage someday.
But for now, I’m just grateful for this moment — for him, for us, for everything we’re building together.