Holly Garland on Santa's Lap [COMPLETE]

🎁Bonus Gift ~Part 1~The Return of the Christmas Curse

"Oh no!!! Not again..."

I collapse onto my mattress, feeling like I'm falling apart, staring in despair at the object in my hands—something that could flip my entire life upside down.

"Ginger? You awake?" Nick yells as he climbs the stairs.

"Nick, wait!!!" I yell, springing out of bed. "Don't come in! I'm wrapping your gift!"

"Oh?" he says from behind the door. "Alright, well hurry up, my arms are full!"

I scramble to open the drawer on my nightstand and grab the little box with the tie clip and cufflink set I bought him. Dumping it all into the back of the drawer, I replace it with the object clenched in my fist.

There. Safe. Nick won't stumble upon it in there. He'd never dare open his Christmas present early.

I sit back on the bed, trying to look casual and relaxed.

"Okay, you can come in, Nick..."

He steps into the room holding a tray with breakfast and a single red rose in a tiny vase.

"Happy birthday, Gingerbread!" he beams, kissing me on the lips before setting the tray on my lap.

"Oh, Nick, you didn't have to!" I murmur, my heart still reeling from what I just discovered.

"Of course I did! You only turn twenty-eight once, and you're always grumpy when you wake up. A big breakfast is the only thing that cheers you up! So, scrambled eggs with cheese, crispy bacon, and pancakes dripping with melted butter and maple syrup? Guaranteed to kick off your birthday right."

The sight—and smell—of all my usual favorites makes my stomach churn. I can't help grimacing.

"Uh-oh, is it not working today? You've got a weird look on your face..." Nick says, frowning. "What's up?"

"Nothing, I'm fine. Just... not super hungry, that's all."

"You sure? You've been acting kinda off the last few days..."

"Yeah, sorry... It's just the whole Christmas curse thing creeping up on me again. It always starts on my birthday, and I can't shake the feeling it's not over yet. Makes it hard to have an appetite, you know?"

"Oh, babe, you don't need to stress. Everything's gonna be fine. I'll stick by your side the whole time! Your family better behave themselves at the cabin this year, or they'll have to deal with me. I promise. Okay?"

"Yeah, I know, but—"

"No 'but'! To prove everything's gonna be great, I'm giving you your birthday present right now. I'm hoping it'll bring that smile back!"

"Oh, you really don't have to," I protest again.

"Yeah, I think I do! It's either now, in the car on the way to the Poconos after work, or in front of your entire family tonight. Since you've already booked lunch with your best friend, I want my moment."

Nick goes to his nightstand and pulls out a box.

Okay. We seriously have the same lame hiding spots.

"Here!" he says, sitting beside me and handing me the small case. "Happy birthday, Holly!"

Oh my gingerbread cookies. Is this happening?

Is it what I think it is?

I've waited for this moment forever. Practically since the day I met Nick. A year ago now.

But now that it's here, it feels like some cruel cosmic joke. How ironic.

I can't accept Nick's proposal.