Epilogue

December 19, 2024

Reeva lay on Jacob's chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her ear like a comforting lullaby. The warmth of his body radiated through her, and for a moment, she closed her eyes, savoring the quiet intimacy they had built over the past few months.

It seemed almost impossible to her that they had only met in October—just two months ago, when the leaves had been crisp and the air had turned cooler, yet everything about that night still felt vivid, as though it had happened only yesterday.

She could hardly believe how much her life had changed since that fateful evening. A chance encounter at a small coffee shop, an exchange of hesitant smiles and shy words, and now here she was, curled up in Jacob's arms, living together with Christmas just around the corner.

Reeva had never expected her life to take such a turn. For years, she had been content in her solitude, preferring the quiet comfort of her own company, her family, and few close friends. But now, the thought of being apart from Jacob for even a moment felt unsettling.

She had spent so much of her life seeking balance—hunting for a sense of peace in the chaos of her thoughts and emotions. There had always been something missing, a void she couldn't quite fill. But with Jacob, everything felt different.

From their first date to their late-night talks to the simple, everyday moments that seemed to carry more weight when shared with him, she realized he was the piece she hadn't even known she was missing. With him, she felt whole, at peace.

Reeva glanced up at Jacob, his strong arm draped casually around her shoulder, his fingers lightly brushing her skin as he absentmindedly stroked her arm. His dark eyes were soft, and content, as he watched her, his lips curled into a faint smile. There was something about him, something grounding, that made her feel safe and understood. He wasn't just her partner; he was her home. The man she had waited for, unknowingly, for years.

She inhaled deeply, her heart swelling with affection. There was so much she wanted to say, but the words didn't seem to do justice to the depth of her feelings. It was amazing, really—how quickly things had fallen into place, how naturally their connection had grown.

Jacob seemed to sense her thoughts. He shifted slightly, his fingers now tracing gentle circles on her arm as he tilted his head toward her. "Baby," he said softly, his voice low and warm, "what are you thinking about?"

Reeva smiled, her lips curving in an almost shy way. She wasn't used to being so open, so vulnerable, but with Jacob, it felt natural. "Just... how different my life is now," she confessed, her voice barely a whisper. She let out a small laugh, one that held both joy and disbelief. "I can't believe it's only been a couple of months. It feels like we've known each other for years."

Jacob chuckled softly, squeezing her tighter. "Feels the same way to me. In the best way." He brushed a strand of hair away from her face, his fingers lingering for a moment longer than necessary. "I never imagined, when we first met, that it would lead here."

Reeva nodded, her heart fluttering at the sincerity in his voice. She had been cautious when they first started dating—so careful not to rush things, not to get ahead of herself. But Jacob had been patient with her, never pushing her to move faster than she was ready for.

Instead, he had shown her what it meant to be loved with unwavering consistency, respect, and tenderness. He didn't just see her; he truly understood her, in a way no one else ever had.

They had spent countless hours together—talking, laughing, and learning about each other's pasts. Reeva had revealed more of herself to Jacob than she had ever shared with anyone, and with each disclosure, he had only drawn closer. He hadn't recoiled from her insecurities or fears; instead, he had embraced them, gently assuring her that she was worthy of love exactly as she was.

The apartment they now shared was modest but filled with warmth. There were still boxes in corners, clothes not yet unpacked, and the lingering scent of fresh paint in the air, but it was theirs. It felt like home. It had taken only a few weeks for Reeva to realize that she wanted this—wanted him—in her life permanently. She'd moved in with Jacob not out of necessity, but out of desire. Desire to build something lasting, something real, with him.

As the Christmas season approached, the streets of the city had transformed into a magical winter wonderland. Twinkling lights lined the windows of shops and apartments, and the scent of pine and cinnamon filled the air. Reeva loved how cozy everything felt—how the holidays, with all their chaos and expectations, seemed to take on a new meaning when shared with someone she truly cared about.

"Do you think we're ready for the holidays?" she asked, her voice light and teasing, though there was an undertone of real curiosity. She has celebrated Christmas before—but the thought of spending it with Jacob, creating their own traditions, felt both thrilling and a little intimidating.

Jacob grinned down at her, his fingers still moving in a soothing rhythm on her skin. "I think we're more than ready," he said, his tone filled with quiet confidence. "Besides, I've got the perfect Christmas tree picked out for us. It'll be our first one together."

Reeva smiled at the thought. She could already picture it—spending Christmas morning in their home, wrapped in blankets, sipping hot chocolate, exchanging gifts. It seemed like something out of a dream, something so simple yet so meaningful.

"Do you know what you want for Christmas?" Jacob asked, his voice soft but filled with anticipation, as though he couldn't wait to make her wish come true.

Reeva blinked, caught off guard by the question. She hadn't really thought about gifts—not in the way most people did. "Honestly, I don't really know. I've never been one to make a list or wish for anything. But..." She paused, looking up at him, her gaze locking with his. "I think just... this. Just being with you, spending time together, creating memories." She couldn't help but feel the truth of it settle deep within her chest. No material gift could compare to what she had found with him.

Jacob leaned down to kiss her forehead, a gesture of tenderness that made her heart swell. "That's exactly what I want too," he said quietly. "You. This life we're building. That's enough for me."

For a long moment, they simply lay there, wrapped in each other's warmth. Reeva could hear the faint hum of traffic outside, the distant sound of people preparing for the holidays, but it all felt so far away. In this moment, there were only the two of them, existing in their peaceful world.

Reeva had never been one to believe in fate or destiny. But now, as she lay in Jacob's arms, she wondered if maybe she had been wrong. Maybe there was something to the idea that the right person could come into your life when you least expected it—at just the right time.

She had spent so much of her life guarding herself, unsure if love was something she was worthy of or capable of receiving. But Jacob had broken down those walls, not with grand gestures, but with steady, quiet care. He had shown her that love wasn't a thing to be earned; it was something that could be given freely, just as he had done.

Looking up at him now, with Christmas lights twinkling in the windows of their apartment and the soft hum of holiday music drifting in the background, Reeva realized that she was no longer the same person who had walked into that arena in Atlanta two months ago. She was stronger, more open, and more willing to embrace the future because she knew that whatever it held, she would face it with Jacob by her side.

"I'm so happy," Reeva said, her voice barely more than a whisper, but it was enough. Enough to communicate everything she felt in her heart.

Jacob smiled down at her, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "Me too, baby. Me too."

And for the first time in a long while, Reeva felt an overwhelming sense of peace. Christmas was almost here, and the future stretched out before her like an open road. Whatever it held, she knew one thing for sure—she wouldn't be walking it alone. She had Jacob, and that was more than enough.