This is a short story set at Christmas after Assassins! Accidental Matchmakers. If you haven’t read that yet, you can find it at all major book retailers, including Chapters Indigo.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8
Friday the 27th of December, 2002 – Parry Sound, Ontario
“You’ve thought it all out, haven’t you?”
“Down to the ten strings of fairy lights in my backyard,” admitted Jason. He picked up the manual again. “Have we bonded enough? Can we get Kennedy in here to save us?”
Gerard chuckled. “She’s probably chomping at the bit to help us. Go ahead.” He stopped Jason from getting up with a hand to his shoulder. “And, son, we would be thrilled to welcome you to our family.”
Jason grinned, relieved. “Thank you.”
Late that night, he cuddled Kennedy close in her childhood bedroom, running his fingers over her shoulder and trying not to think about the expanse of bare skin he had access to further down. He shifted his hips, relieving the pressure of her leg that was draped across his body. She grumbled in her sleep and squeezed him tighter before relaxing and snuggling deeper into his embrace. Her breath tickled his chest on each exhale. He traced her left hand as it rested on his abdomen, imagining the delicate ring encircling her finger. Only four more days, he thought. Hopefully.
Jason sighed. Despite his early start and the busy day, he didn’t feel tired. Moonlighting as the Phantom meant that he was often up late, and he was used to that routine.
Gently, he shifted Kennedy until he could stand up.
“Hmmm?” she mumbled in her sleep, turning her head to follow him. “You ‘k?”
“Not tired yet. I’m going to go grab a quick bite and maybe do a workout,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead. She tilted her chin up for a kiss to her lips, which he happily provided.
“I know how to tire you out,” she said sleepily, eyes still closed.
He chuckled. “You do indeed. But not tonight. Go back to sleep.”
“Mmm’kay.” She yawned and burrowed into the spot he had left.
Jason picked up his pyjama pants and slipped them on, foregoing his shirt. He tiptoed out the door, closing it quietly behind him. He listened carefully to the silent house; only muffled snores met his ears. Satisfied he wouldn’t be spotted, he jumped through shadow to the main floor to avoid the creaky stairs, and walked into the kitchen.
Despite being in the last quarter, the moonlight was bright enough to reflect off the snow, making the kitchen shine. He opened cupboards, searching for a glass and plate, and placed them on the counter. He was halfway through making himself a sandwich when he heard a loud creak on the stairs. Company, he thought. Not Kennedy; she would be quieter. He finished making his sandwich and took a bite before putting everything back in the fridge. “Hello,” he said quietly after swallowing. “Can I get you anything?”
Lilah stepped in from the hallway. “I should have known I couldn’t sneak up on you,” she said, just as softly. “I’ll take some pineapple, please.”
Jason washed his hands, got a bowl, and took out the freshly cut pineapple from the fridge. He scooped out a handful. “More?” he asked.
Lilah shook her head, and he placed the bowl in front of her at the table.
He brought his own midnight snack over, taking another bite.
“What brings you down here at this hour of the night?” Lilah asked, choosing a piece of fruit.
Jason twisted his lips. “I’m used to patrolling at this hour. My internal clock didn’t get the memo that I’m on vacation.”
Lilah snorted a laugh. “Poor baby.”
Jason grimaced. “I’ll just go exercise and tire myself out, and then I’ll be fine to sleep.”
“After a snack.”
“Of course.”
Lilah selected another piece of fruit. “Gerard told me that you’re going to ask Kennedy to marry you.”
“Yes.” Jason watched her closely. “You think it’s too soon.” It wasn’t a question.
“It’s only been three months since you met.” Lilah inclined her head. “Granted, those first couple weeks were rather intense, what with the attacks and the disappearances.”
“You can say that again!”
Lilah sighed. “There’s no question that you two are meant for each other.”
“Waiting to ask her is only delaying the inevitable,” Jason said in agreement. “If she isn’t ready, then I’ll wait until she is, but I believe it’s only a matter of time. So I want her to know what I’m feeling and what she means to me.”
“And does that involve a ring and forever?” Lilah asked.
“Yes, it does.” Jason shifted to face Lilah head-on. “She’s it for me. She’s my forever. I can’t imagine anyone better suited for me than she is, and vice versa.”
“I think she feels the same way about you.” Lilah sighed. “You two make me feel old. My baby girl, already getting married.” She sniffed.
“Don’t think of it as losing a daughter, but gaining a son?” Jason teased. “I know I’m not much—”
“Don’t you dare insult the man my daughter loves.” Lilah said, glaring at him. “Even in jest.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Read Part 5 Dec 22, 2022