Page 142 of David's Love

But I’m not doing that bad myself.

“It’s official,” he says.

Julie smiles.

“I still can’t get used to this,” she sincerely admits.

“You will. I’m sure you will,” I say before moving my eyes to him.

“Ready?” he asks.

“Yes, I am.”

“Good. I can’t wait to get there. I’m hungry,” he says, taking my hand.

He kisses my lips before walking both of us to his car outside.

The streets are crawling with people. Some buying gifts. Others picking up a Christmas tree. Some, like us, rushing to a party.

The holiday season is in full swing, and everybody got into the holiday spirit.

We climb into David’s car. I sit in the front. Julie sits in the back between our seats.

We pick up Miranda first and then my mother while Chloe takes a cab.

We all arrive at about the same time.

A handful of cars are parked in front of Sexton’s residence. Their house is lit like a Christmas tree.

Thea and Ed arrive, and then Chloe.

And we all wait in the front so we can all get together before walking in.

By now, the news has made the rounds, and everybody knows that David and I are engaged. I haven’t had the chance to talk to anyone extensively, but in a way, it’s better that way.

Life flows impetuously, and we flow with it.

David squeezes my hand gently as the people inside the house walk outside to witness the official lighting of the Christmas tree.

Everybody looks up at the huge tree adorned with lights, Christmas balls, and tinsel garlands.

The lights turn on, and people cheer.

But my eyes are on him. And his eyes are on me.

“Next year, we’ll organize a party like this,” he says, "and invite everybody.”

“I can’t wait,” I say, my eyes blurry with happy tears.

He tilts his lips down and kisses me.

“I truly lucked out with you, Elizabeth,” he says, smiling.

“I can say the same thing. I love you, baby.”

“I love you, too.”

Some people start cheering near us, and as we look around, we notice Thea and Ed. Dahlia and Lex. Eve and Thiago. And Chloe, who wags her finger at me playfully.

My mother. Miranda. And Julie.

And Rain.

They all look at us.

“Men, it took you a while,” James says, grinning and patting David on his back. “Congratulations to both of you,” he says, squeezing my shoulder. “Let’s get this party started,” he says,and people cheer again before we all head inside, our hearts filled with joy.

This will be the best Christmas ever.