Falling For Mr. Sundae | ✔

40. Christmas S'mores

It was cold. Way too cold to be at the beach after dark. I started to wonder why we agreed to meet here instead of somewhere warmer. Like Sprinklez. Even though it looked packed when we drove by.

Apparently, Tim created some type of ice cream drink that involved hot chocolate and people were obsessed with it. I even heard that the owner of The Cherry Creamery tried to buy the recipe.

"You need thicker hoodies," I complained, pulling the grey fabric tighter around me.

Julian wrapped his arm around me, pulling me closer, which helped a little. "Maybe you should've worn all the ones you've stolen at once."

"It's not stealing if I'm your girlfriend."

We followed the glow of the fire to find our friends sitting around enjoying its warmth. Kells and Brittany jumped up and hugged me as Julian caught up with Bobby and Ariel. I didn't want the hug to end because it had been four months since I'd last seen them. Also because it was freezing and they were warm.

"What took y'all so long?" Brittany asked once the hug ended.

I told them about how we stopped by Julian's house first and his mom made a dinner that put us to sleep. And how when we went to my parents' house we somehow got talked into watching the twins while my mom and dad slept. We also fell asleep doing that.

"Oh, so you're getting some mommy and daddy practice in?" Kells teased.

"I'm ignoring you now," I said, making a show of turn my back to her and facing Brittany. "How's school?"

"I hate science," she groaned. "Forensics isn't as fun as it looks on CSI."

I held back a laugh, shaking my head at her.

"Well, my graphic design classes are going great," Kells announced proudly.

I never thought I'd hear her talk about learning that way. Brittany seemed shocked as well.

"What does your teacher look like?" Brittany questioned, a suspicious glint in her eyes.

"What's that got to do with anything?" She retorted, staring into the fire, a slight smile on her lips.

"Oh, he must cute," I laughed.

"Not the teacher," she defended. "But his aide. Oh my God. I might be ready for a commitment."

We continued catching up and filling each other in on our first few months of college. Kells was somehow finishing her class work while going out almost every day. Brittany says she's already gained the freshman fifteen, which I didn't see. Bobby and Ariel got a place together near their school—Julian and I placed bets on whether or not they'd get engaged by February.

Now, I sat between Julian's legs, my back pressed to his chest, knees pulled up, as I finished off my third Christmas s'more—a regular s'more except with peppermint flavored marshmallows. 

As everyone reminisced about how much they missed living with their parents who graciously always made sure the fridge was always stocked, Julian whispered to me, "Can I show you something?"

Excitement bubbled throughout me. I nodded and we stood, telling everyone we'd be right back.

"Don't come back with your pants on inside out," Bobby called after us.

"What the hell does that mean?" I heard Brittany ask before their voices faded out.

Julian weaved his fingers in between mine as we walked back up to the parking area. "You're not going to ask a million questions?" He joked.

"Nah. I like your surprises," I told him.

"I was going to wait and give you this on Christmas," he said, pressing a button on his keys and unlocking his car. "But can't wait."

"So, now you're the impatient one." I flashed a teasing grin at him.

"For tonight. Then you can have the title back." He motioned for me to get in the car and I did.

"Are we going somewhere?"

"Glovebox." He tilted his chin towards it.

I looked at him as if that would tell me what was going on in his head. When I opened the glovebox there was a small gift wrapped box in there. A smile appeared on my face, even though I had no idea what in the box.

"I don't know if you'd like it," he said, his shaky nerves evident in his voice. "I saw it and I thought...you probably won't like it. Now that I think about it, it's kind of dumb..."

He was too busy rambling to notice I had opened the box. Inside was a thin gold chain, a tiny "J" charm hanging from the middle. Truthfully, I didn't realize I was the kind of girl who wanted to wear her boyfriend's initial around my neck until this very moment.

"Julian," I started, ending his nervous rant. "I love it."

His shoulders relaxed. "You do?"

I took the necklace from the box and held it out to him. "Put it on me."

He took the necklace from me and I held my hair out of the way while he fastened it around my neck. I turned back to face him, adjusting the charm lay right between my collarbone.

A smile stretched across his face when he saw it. Six months together and he's smile still got me, every time.

"Thank you." I leaned over and gave him a peck on the lips.

Before I got too far he pulled me back, wanting more than just a peck and I was happy to oblige.

      //
Hi! Hello! That's the end!

Thank you oh so very much sticking around and reading this story despite the plot holes and poorly developed characters. You're truly awesome!! 😘