Unconditionally (BOOK 3)

A New Tradition

"Why does this place seem familiar?" Felix couldn't contain his smile even though you could see his cold breath in the air once he spoke. He knew exactly what this place was.

"Because it is." And that smile was definitely contagious.

I took him here, back when we first started dating. The same Christmas songs were playing; I remember when he asked me to dance as if there weren't people around. Everything was so...pure back then.

"Christmas lights?" Felix beamed, full of excitement. "I've always wanted to go to one of these!" He looked away from the window and leaned in to kiss me. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." I smiled after returning the kiss.

We started to walk along the lit up path, hand in hand, staring in awe. Gentle holiday songs were playing in the distance to set the tone. It wasn't crowded so it was rather peaceful.

Felix hooked his arm around my waist and stayed close as he kept his eyes on the decorated trees.

Sleigh Ride by Ella Fitzgerald began to play, making Felix gasp dramatically. "This is one of my favorite Christmas songs." He moved his arms to the rhythm, bumping his hip into mine. "Dance with me." He held both my hands and swayed them back and forth as I stood there slightly embarrassed but also loving every second. His happiness made me smile. "Come on, you too cool or something?"

"No, you just know I don't like drawing attention to myself in public." Even though I didn't want to dance with him, it didn't break his spirit. He was still smiling and singing, twirling himself around in my arms as I stood still.

"Alright, alright, I'll stop embarrassing you." He kissed me as the song ended.

It's crazy how time flies. We were really just a couple of kids back then; yet my love for him has never faded.

"Oh my god, wasn't this the song?" Felix gasped.

"Well I'll be damned." I smiled. Sleigh Ride started to faintly play through the speakers. We were the only ones here because I'm sure everyone is with their families. "It was." I took his hand and spun him around slowly.

"Will you dance with me this time?" He asked jokingly, assuming I wouldn't. But I think because we're alone, I'm a little more open to embarrassing myself. I held out my hand for him to take which he gladly accepted. We swayed back and forth, trying not to laugh because we knew just how dumb we looked. "Hopefully we can do this next year without one of us having a broken arm."

"Sounds good to me." I gently held the sides of his face and brought him close for a kiss. I faintly smiled, still keeping my lips to his, then he removed my hand and put it around his waist. I knew to do the same with the other and held him to keep him warm.

"Jinnie?" We looked up at the night sky and it actually started to snow.

"I hate snow."

"I love snow." We both said simultaneously. Although I find this to be an inconvenience, seeing Felix smile makes me happy.

"I love you." I almost sounded as if I was in disbelief. Maybe I was. But that would be because I've never felt so passionate about anything in my life. "I mean, wow."

"Did you just figure that out or something?" He laughed.

"Obviously not. I'm just having a moment, don't mind me." I started to become slightly embarrassed and hid my face in his shoulder.

"I love you too, Jinnie." He kissed my cheek and rubbed my back underneath my sweater, making me shiver from his cold hand. "So much." He shoved his arms inside my jacket, desperate to stay warm. "I'm sorry again about today."