“Of course. The happiest of tears. But where did you find this picture?”
“I got some help from your grandfather.”
I smiled. “I’ll have to thank him.”
“Are you ready for one last thing?”
“There’s more?” I blinked a few times to clear my vision.
“Just this.” He pulled out a small branch of mistletoe from his jacket pocket. “I figure it’s a new tradition.”
“I’m only kissing you on one condition.”
“Yes?” He held the mistletoe over our heads.
“You promise we’ll be kissing under mistletoe tomorrow. I need to know mistletoe kisses aren’t bad luck.”
He took my hand in his. “Savy, I plan on kissing you under mistletoe every Christmas for the rest of my life.”
“Then what are you waiting for?” I smiled.
“For that smile, and it looks like I got it.” He pressed his lips against mine, and once again, I lost myself in his kiss.
After several more kisses I finally tore myself away from him, and we walked inside. Everyone was hanging out by the fire, and I headed into the kitchen to pour Glen and I some egg nog.
Glen happily accepted his glass from me when I returned.
“Could I have everyone’s attention for a minute?” My dad asked with a smile.
No one said anything, but we all looked at him.
“I have an important question to ask Gina, and I wanted to make sure I asked it when the entire family was here.”
Glen reached for my hand and squeezed it.
Dad smiled at me before he walked over to where Gina stood with a hand over her mouth. He fell down on one knee in front of her. “Gina, you already know how much you mean to me, but I think it’s about time we make it official. Will you do the honor of being my wife?”
Gina’s ‘yes’ was drowned out by everyone’s cheering. We all knew what her answer would be.
After I gave my congratulations Glen pulled me into his arms for another kiss. “Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas.” I returned my lips to their favorite spot, pressed against his.
Chapter Fifteen
Savannah
Five Months Later
I packed up the last of my bags. I still couldn’t believe that freshman year was over. I was filled with mixed feelings about finishing up school. On one hand I got a break from classes, but on the other hand I had more time to miss Glen. I’d really hoped we’d be able to find a way to spend the summer together, but it looked like I was going to be waiting until July to see him again. At least we had video chats and lots of texting to help pass the time. I just wished there was some end to all the waiting. If I had some date in the future when we’d at least live on the same coast it would have been so much easier to handle.
“Are you excited about living in the house next year?” Jade sat on the edge of my bare mattress.
“It will be better than the dorms.”
“Yeah, I agree.”
I picked up the last picture frame sitting on my desk. It was a picture of Glen and me from spring break. I’d used all of my extra spending money to fly out to Colorado to visit him. The trip had been worth every penny.
“You’re missing him, huh?”
“Don’t I always?”
She shrugged. “At least you have someone to miss. I don’t even have that.”
I sat down next to her. “You will.”
“I hope so.”
“I know so.” I smiled. I was so much more upbeat about relationships now.
A knock on the door stopped Jade from replying.
I wasn’t expecting anyone to stop by. Most of the dorm was empty already. “Who is it?” No one answered, so I slowly opened the door. “Glen!” I screamed his name and ran into his arms.
He picked me up. “Hey, love.”
“What are you doing here? I thought you said you couldn’t make it down until July.” My heart was racing a mile a minute. I couldn’t believe he was there.
“There’s been a change in plans.” He set me down but didn’t let go of my hands.
“Oh?”
“I only need twelve more credits to get sophomore standing, so I’m taking them this summer.”
“Taking them here?” My jaw dropped. Was he serious?
“Yeah, it was part of the deal when they accepted my transfer application.”
“You’re going to Harrison next year? You’re going to be here?” I started to cry, and I didn’t bother to stop the happy tears from spilling down my face.
“Looks like it. I’m actually going to be moving in with someone you kind of know. Jade helped set it up for me.”
“With who?” I looked at Jade. “And how did you keep this from me?”
Jade grinned. “I wasn’t going to ruin the surprise, and it’s with Kyle. He was looking for a roommate so it worked out. And on that note, I’m out of here.” She hugged me. “I’m going to go finish packing.” She walked out of the room and closed the door behind her.
“I don’t know what to say.” I looked up at Glen. “This is unreal.”
“Say you’re excited. That you’re glad I’m moving here.”
“Excited is an understatement.” I leaned up and wrapped my arms around his neck. “I’d rather show you.” I pressed my lips against his.
I may have started the kiss, but he quickly took over. He pushed his way into my mouth, and I reveled in the familiar taste of him, needing more and more.
Eventually I broke the kiss. “It looks like I won’t be spending so much time on the phone anymore.”
“I can think of much better ways for you to spend your time.”
“Oh yeah? Why don’t you show me?”
“I was planning on it.” He wrapped his arms around my waist. “And just so you know, when I told you I planned on kissing you under the mistletoe for the rest of my life, I wasn’t just talking about Christmas. I’m going to install a permanent branch above my bed.”
I laughed. “As if we need the excuse of mistletoe.”
“Okay, good point. I’ll just plan on kissing you for the rest of my life.”
“That sounds perfect.” I brushed my lips against his.
“Beyond perfect.” He bit down on my lip lightly. “And one more thing.”
“Yes?” I murmured without moving away.
“It looks like we’re going to find out if you keep me cool at night.”