Accidentally in Love

Forever In Your Eyes

Christmas has a very distinct smell. It's a mixture of fresh pine, wood burning on a fire and pie baking in the oven. It was an aroma I savored as I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply.

The wonderful scent filled my lungs, allowing warmth to instantly spread to my extremities and my muscles to relax. As my eyes fluttered open, a soft smile stretched my lips at the sight before me.

For the first time, every person I loved was in the same room on Christmas. My dad had flown in a few days ago and the boys had a few weeks off before they left for their next tour, meaning they were able to spend Christmas at home. Currently, they all sat in the living room in front of the fire, chatting happily as Melanie bounced a giggly Sophie in her lap.

I still had a hard time comprehending that my baby girl was over a year old. Although she grew every day, in my eyes she would always remain the little girl who giggled constantly and was unconditionally affectionate.

Smiling as Haley came to join me in the kitchen, I opened the oven door slightly to check on the black pecan pie currently baking inside. Connor had insisted on cooking dinner, citing that he didn't want the mood to be ruined by burnt food. This comment had been award with a swift smack to his arm, but I had reluctantly agreed, seeing as he was definitely a finer cook than me. However, I wanted to contribute in some way, so I had asked to make dessert, and as of this moment, my creation seemed to be coming along quite well.

Haley hopped up on the counter next to me, swinging her stocking clad legs lightly as her fingers gripped the granite counter top. "The house looks incredible."

My smile widened as I shut the oven door and turned to face her. "Thanks. I love it as well."

We had moved into our new house a little over a month ago, but it wasn't until a couple days ago that we finally unpacked the last box. It seemed everything had finally fallen into place.

"Did you think, two years ago, that we'd be here today?" Haley asked, pushing her lips to the side.

"No," I replied honestly, "I never expected to meet someone like Connor. And I definitely never expected to have a baby. But I did expect you to still be my best friend."

Haley rolled her eyes but a smile stretched her lips. "You'll always have me, babe."

I grinned in response. "I know. Just look at us now, both young and in love."

My statement was meant to tease Haley. Much as I had been when Connor first declared his love for me, Haley was afraid of commitment. She had never been in a relationship long enough to fall for the man. Usually, when I joked that she was in love with Alec, she would immediately deny it and change the subject.

However, this time, she began to blush profusely. My eyes widened in delight and my grin grew as I realized the implications of her lack of response. "You're not going to deny it?"

"I can't," she whispered, "It's true."

If possible, my smile became even wider. I opened my mouth to reply, but was unable to when Haley let out a groan of frustration.

"I can't believe I'm actually saying this," she said, shaking her head in disbelief as she hopped off the counter, "but I do. I love him. I'm in love with him."

"I'm happy for you, Hales," I replied, stepping forward to give her a hug.

She whispered a thank you before releasing me from the embrace and shaking the emotional moment off. "So when's the pie going to be ready?"

"A few more minutes," I responded, checking the clock quickly and mentally noting the time I needed to remove the pie from the oven.

"Thank God. I'm starving."