the fire between us

chapter 40

The next morning, I wake up to the soft warmth of sunlight filtering through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over the room. I blink a few times, still groggy from the long, fun-filled night before. As I shift under the covers, I feel something—or rather, someone—close beside me.

Before I can even fully process the thought, I feel a soft kiss on my forehead, and my eyes flutter open to see Martinus smiling down at me. His eyes are warm, and there's a playfulness in his expression that instantly makes me smile.

"Good morning," I whisper, my voice still a bit sleepy.

"Morning, baby," he replies softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from my face. His voice is deep, still hushed from waking up, and it sends a wave of warmth through me.

"Marry Christmas," he adds with a grin, leaning down to kiss me again, this time on the lips—gentle and sweet.

I giggle softly against his kiss, my heart feeling full. "Merry Christmas to you too."

We lay there for a moment, wrapped in the cozy quiet of the morning, the world outside still peaceful and covered in snow. It's the kind of moment that feels perfect in its simplicity—just us, here together, on Christmas morning. There's a sense of magic in the air, not from the decorations or the games, but from the connection we share.

"How long have you been awake?" I ask, snuggling closer to him, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against me.

"Not too long," he murmurs, his hand gently stroking my arm. "Just long enough to realize I wanted to wake up next to you like this."

I smile, feeling the warmth of his words. "You're cheesy, you know that?"

He chuckles, his breath soft against my ear. "Maybe, but you love it."

"Yeah, I do," I admit, laughing softly as I close my eyes again, savoring the quiet moment. "This is the best way to wake up."

"Agreed," he whispers, and for a while, we just stay like that—wrapped up in each other, letting the peaceful Christmas morning unfold around us.

"When will the others be here?" I ask softly, my voice still thick with sleep as I look up at Martinus. I nestle deeper into the cozy warmth of his chest, feeling completely content in this peaceful moment.

He glances over at the clock on the bedside table, his arm tightening slightly around me. "In a few hours," he replies, his voice just as soft

A smile tugs at the corners of my lips as I think about the day ahead. It's been a while since I've seen his family, and the thought of celebrating Christmas together fills me with warmth. The house will soon be filled with laughter, the smell of delicious food, and the festive spirit of the holiday.

"I can't wait to see them," I murmur, my eyes still closed, savoring the last few moments of quiet before the day fully begins. "It feels like it's been forever since they were last here."

Martinus hums in agreement, his fingers tracing gentle patterns on my arm. "They're looking forward to it too. My mom's been talking about it for weeks." He chuckles softly, the sound rumbling in his chest, and it makes me smile.

"I love your mom," I say with a grin, picturing her excited face. She always goes all out for Christmas, and I'm sure this year will be no different. "It's going to be nice having everyone together."

"Yeah, it will be," Martinus agrees, his hand stroking my hair as we lie there in the quiet morning light. "Christmas just isn't the same without family around."

I nod, feeling the same way. Christmas has always been about gathering together, sharing moments, and making memories. I'm glad I get to be a part of his family's celebration this year, especially since they've welcomed me with open arms.