I smiled gently. "It's okay." I felt my eyes shimmer at the thought of spending this Christmas and every one to come without my parents. "I have Dace."
She nodded sadly. "You do have him."
I leaned in and hugged her tight. "You should go, Dee. Kyle's waited long enough for your holiday to start."
"I needed to see you." Her eyes were misted. "I love you, Ella."
"I love you too." I grinned. "Go on, have a Merry Christmas. Say hi to Kyle for me and call me when you get back."
"You know I will." She slid down from the stool, kissed me on the cheek and dashed for the door. "I love you!" She called loudly before shutting the door behind her.
I sighed, pushing my roll away as I set my elbows on the counter. I couldn't stop thinking of my parents and how this was going to be my very first holiday away from them. But I did have Dace and for that I was thankful.
Warm hands settled on my shoulder, working soothing circles into the tense muscles of my shoulders. "How was your visit?"
"It was good." I sighed. "Short and sweet."
"Are you all right?" He asked gently.
"I am." I turned in the seat, hugging him to me as I buried my face in his chest. "Because I have you."
"You'll always have me." He promised.
"Then I will always be okay."
"Just okay?" He kissed the top of my head.
"So long as I have you, I'll be happy."
"That I can settle for." He said adamantly and I laughed.
"I'm in love with you Dace Demi."
"And I am in love with you, Angel."
***
"Wake up, Angel!"
"No," I moaned. "It's still dark."
"It's Christmas." Dace kissed my nose. "Wake up."
"It's early."
"You're always up this early." Dace stated matter of fact. I felt his hands move slowly over my ribs and I knew he was moments away from tickling me awake. I forced my eyes open to glare at him.
"But it's Christmas."
"And Daman and I both decided to wake up early so you wouldn't be the only one awake. And you pick the one day we drag our asses out of bed for you to sleep in." He shook his head incredulously. "You're ridiculous."
I giggled. "I've gotta keep you on your toes."
"Come on, Angel." He tugged me. "We're both really excited for you to open your gifts."
I frowned. "I said small, Dace."
"Don't worry, they're small."
I eyed him warningly as I wiggled out of bed. "All right, let's go open presents."
"Finally." He rolled his twinkling blue eyes.
"I'll race you!" I said as I dashed for the door. I heard Dace's steps close behind mine and I screamed a laugh as I descended the steps, tumbling into the living room. And just like always, moments before I was kissing the floor, Dace's arm wrapped around my waist, steadying me on my own feet.
"You really need to learn to walk."
"I was running."
"Smartass." He tapped my butt and Daman rolled his eyes.
"Coffee's on, Ella."
"Are you tired, Daman?" I teased. His hair was a wild mess and his eyes were squinted against the lights twinkling against the tree. The sky was dark and the light from the tree and fireplace was all we had to light the room.
"Me tired?" He shook his head. "I love being up before five in the morning."
I laughed. "I hear this was your idea."
He raised his brows at Dace who snickered. "I think it was his idea."
"I thought so too." I looked behind me at Dace and he pressed a quick kiss to my lips, startling me.
"Uh," Daman groaned. "I haven't even had my coffee."
Dace grinned and I poked him in the ribs. "Let's open the gifts."
Dace laughed and Daman made a beeline for the tree. "I cannot wait to see what you got me."
"I bet my present's better." Dace muttered.
"You both better love your presents." I bantered playfully.
Dace reached under the tree for a very small, paper-thin present. "I want you to open yours first. He handed me the present and I grinned. "I think I can manage." I tore carefully at the wrapping paper, pulling two white tickets from the shiny red wrap. I read them and gasped. "Hawaii?"
"I wanted to give you paradise, Angel." Dace grinned. "Hawaii was as close as I could get."
I jumped into his arms, my heart feeling light as a balloon in my chest. Tears of complete blissful happiness flooded my vision as Dace held me close. His heart beat quickly against mine. I closed my eyes and breathed him in. I'd never been so happy in all my life. The year I thought I'd lost everything was the year I found the keeper of my soul - my best friend - my lover. And I couldn't have been happier.