Jobe Bellingham (1)

The lights of Madrid filtered through the window as you finished hanging a sweatshirt in the closet. After an eight-hour journey and a full day with the Bellingham family, the fatigue was finally starting to set in.

Remembering it all still brought a smile to your face: the weeks you spent saying a resounding "no," the fruitless calls from Denise, Jude, and Mark trying to convince you to leave Germany, and the frenzy that erupted last night when you finally gave in. Jobe had shouted with excitement, her family celebrated via video call as if they'd won a championship, and her mother had greeted you today with more love and attention than she would her own children.

Warm arms wrapped around your waist from behind. Jobe rested his chin on your shoulder, snuggling close with a peaceful sigh.

"My mom's already organizing Christmas dinner with your favorite dishes," she murmured, smiling against your neck. "Jude already complained because she never spoils him like that."

He gently turned you in his arms to face you, with those dark eyes full of light.

—Thank you for coming. I know you wanted to stay in Germany, but it makes me ridiculously happy to have you here.

He left you a tender kiss on the cheek and another on the lips, squeezing you tightly before finally going to bed to rest.