Merry Little Christmas

Epilogue

Three Years Later

The McCarthy's were rich now. Turns out money isn't the only thing that can buy everything after all, and even though they were the wealthiest bakery in all of Paris France, money to them couldn't even compare to the kind gestures Andrew Knight blessed them with for a year.

The McCarthy's could never repay him. Nor could they ever repay Madame Elizabeth Wood, the lady who made it all possible. Without her, they would never make it out of New York alive.

Now the McCarthy's owned a Bakery. One called Coco Sweets. Of course, Andrew Knight had become the head baker, who was rich in both money, and in kindness, along with Isabella, who had been known to be the best child baker at the age of fifteen.

Isabella smiled at how far she had gotten. She smiled now for more reasons than she could count. Every night before climbed into bed and even after she had said her prayers to the lord who had helped her get through it all. She smiled even after she was tucked inside her bed, then even after she fell asleep that night.

She was grateful beyond words. But most of all she was grateful for a blessing; a new chance to start their life over, this time assured to be kept that way for as long as they live. To finally get a chance to settle down with their lives because this time, it's not going to go anywhere. They were sure of it.

Madame Elizabeth Wood, the woman who had given the family a donation of fifty dollars, later gave them a bonanza of more than enough to start their lives off fresh, to wipe the slate off clean, the only remnants were the life lessons and people prominent in their lives. And they all came to a life where they never ever expected to come across. But it was worth it in the end.

Now, fifteen year old Isabella McCarthy stands in the kitchen all day long, wishing she could stay the night as well. She dabs her sleeve against her forehead, as she takes a moment to take the tray of sweets out of the oven. She steps back to look outside into the window, looking at the great view of snowy Paris, with only the long line of customers eagerly waiting for a chance to get inside the bakery blocking it.

She would never get tired of the view, she promised herself, as she gazed at the Eiffel Tower she could make out with her bare eyes. She was that close. She had gotten so far, and her seeing that very tower she thought she would never see back tracking three years ago, proves it.

Isabella heard footsteps from a separate room, aside from the Christmas music playing in the background, inching its way closer to her. But she didn't move. Instead, she stayed scrutinizing the beautiful view. Like she was frozen in time.

"Hi." Someone from out her gaze whispered, as she heard the footsteps coming near her again.

"Hi," She replied, still staring at the window.

She finally turned around, seeing the face of Niall. If she didn't know him three years ago, she would say he was a different person. "It never gets old." She said, almost inaudibly.

"I know," He sighed. "It's beautiful." Isabella waited for Niall to finish what he was going to say. "And since today is Christmas, I think we should go celebrate."

"How?"

"To backtrack. All the way to when we first started."

"You mean, go back to Crumbs and Bites?" She asked, confused.

"No way! What are you, crazy?" He laughed. "I mean bake the bar things!"

Isabella face palmed. "Really? Three years and you still don't know the name?"

"Nope. And never will." He shrugged.

"Oh, stop it silly bean!" She laughed. "Come on, let's go make some German Chocolate-Pecan Pie Bars." She messed up Niall's hair and chased him out the door.

Although Christmas may not be as little anymore, it was still very merry. And that, will never change for as long as they live. For the first time in a while they did feel a deal of certainty. They felt safe and loved. Unharmed by everything that once damaged them. Every thought abruptly perished away into the depths of the cold snow that Christmas. And of course, the music of the snow falling gingerly that Christmas had given them gratefully had been dancing to the happy ending note to the song.