Chapter 10 New Year’s Eve
By late afternoon, the whole cabin felt warm and comfortable in a way I wished I could bottle. The storm had eased, sunlight catching on the snow outside like it was trying to show off. Inside, the kitchen smelled of herbs and something sweet Mike guarded like a dragon guarding treasure. Drew set the table with this quiet focus, while Josh checked the oven for the fourth time. Patrick moved around the room like he was running security for a state dinner. And Jake—sweet, golden Jake—hovered between teasing them and trying to help, even though he kept getting gently pushed aside.
He reappeared a minute later, carrying a banner with the proud smile of someone who had worked way too hard on something simple.
“Okay,” he said, holding it up. “No one judge.”
The banner read: HAPPY NEW YERS.
Josh stared. “You lost a letter.”
“It didn’t fit,” Jake said defensively.
I covered my mouth. “I love it.”
His entire face brightened. “Knew you would.”
Patrick tilted his head. “We’re not adding glitter.”
“I didn’t say glitter.”
“You thought glitter.”
Jake sighed. “I’m deeply misunderstood in this house.”
I walked past and squeezed his hand. “You’re just dramatic enough.”
He grinned at me, soft and fond. “For you? Always.”
Dinner turned out incredible. Josh pulled out my chair with a small kiss to the top of my head. Drew made sure I ate more than one bite. Mike poured sparkling cider as if he were the host of a cooking show. Patrick refilled everything before anyone asked. Jake told a story about him and Josh trying to cook Christmas dinner for their dad years ago, and by the time he got to the part where they nearly set the kitchen on fire, I was laughing so hard I nearly dropped my fork.
“Not our best moment,” Josh admitted, rubbing his jaw.
“But memorable,” Jake added.
After dinner, the music stayed low and warm. Lights from the tree flickered across the living room. Josh moved toward me first, hand extended.
“Dance with me,” he said softly.
I took his hand, and he pulled me close, his thumb brushing my hip. We swayed gently, the kind of slow dancing that felt less like movement and more like breathing. His forehead pressed to mine.
“Almost a new year,” he murmured.
“Yeah,” I whispered.
He kissed me—slow, warm, steady—like the whole world had narrowed to that one moment. “I love you,” he said against my lips, quiet but sure.
I barely had time to melt before Jake stepped in, smiling like he’d been waiting patiently, even though I knew he hadn’t.
“My turn,” he said.
Josh smirked but released me with a gentle brush of his fingers.
Jake slid an arm around my waist, resting his forehead against mine. His movements were easy and unhurried, like dancing with me was the most natural thing in the world.
“You look happy,” he said.
“I am.”
“Good. You deserve that.” His smile tilted a little. “Also, I get to claim credit for at least half of it.”
I laughed. “Bold claim.”
“You love it,” he murmured.
Mike was next. He tugged me toward him with a grin and dipped me before I could protest.
“Mike!” I yelped.
He chuckled, pulling me upright. “Relax, honey. I’ve got you.”
“You better,” I muttered, cheeks warm.
He brushed a kiss to my forehead like it was nothing.
Drew took my hand next. His touch was gentle, grounding. He didn’t say anything at first; he just held me, swaying slowly.
“Thank you,” he finally whispered.
“For what?”
“For trusting us. For choosing us.”
My throat tightened. “You make it easy.”
He pressed a soft kiss to my temple before stepping aside.
Patrick didn’t ask. He simply held out a hand. When I placed mine in his, he guided me close, one hand settling warm at my waist, the other brushing lightly against my neck.
“Happy New Year, love,” he whispered.
“Best one I’ve ever had,” I admitted.
“You’ll have more,” he said, voice low and steady. “With us.”
Before I could respond, Jake called, “It’s almost time!”
He dragged everyone into the living room. Drew checked the clock. Mike grabbed the cider. Josh pulled me against his chest, his arms wrapping around me like he had no intention of letting go. Patrick stood close behind me, hand at the back of my neck, warm and grounding.
Jake wedged himself on my other side, shoulder pressed to mine. “Perfect spot,” he said, satisfied.
Mike laughed. “You mean you shoved your way in.”
“Semantics.”
The countdown flashed on the screen.
10…
9…
8…
Jake tugged everyone into a messy, ridiculous group hug, arms everywhere, laughter spilling into the warm air.
7…
6…
5…
Patrick’s thumb brushed my neck softly. Drew kissed the top of my head. Mike squeezed my hand. Josh’s breath warmed my ear.
4…
3…
2…
My chest felt too full.
1…
“Happy New Year!” they shouted, voices overlapping.
Warm lips pressed to my cheeks, my forehead, my jaw—Jake’s soft kiss at my temple, Josh’s at the corner of my mouth, Mike’s quick kiss on my cheek, Drew’s gentle one against my hair, Patrick’s slow, warm kiss at my shoulder.
I laughed, breathless and overwhelmed in the best way. “You guys are ridiculous.”
Josh murmured against my ear, “We love you.”
“I love you too,” I whispered, and everything inside me settled.
The snow outside glowed under the moonlight, the whole world quiet and new. Inside, surrounded by warmth and hands and steady affection, it felt like stepping into the next year already held.
A beginning.
A promise.
Home.