RED NOTES AND KISSES-Chapter 102: FRIDA -

Christmas Eve morning was literally hell.

Frida and Laz were working their butts off to make everything perfect. He was chopping vegetables while she marinated the meats according to his step-by-step guide—which, in the end, he did himself because he thought she’d added too much salt. Their current argument was in full swing.

"What do you mean I added an extra drop of salt?" she whined.

"Look, baby, I know you’re trying to help, but you don’t have to, you know. You can sit your pretty ass down," he pleaded.

She shook her head like a spoiled brat. "No! I want to help make Christmas Eve dinner!"

He actually laughed and moved her gently aside to grab some spices. "Fine, hold my spoon," he teased.

"Ha ha, so funny, Laz—" He kissed her mid-sentence.

"You look too good," he whispered against her lips.

"I’m sweating..." she squeaked shyly, blushing.

"And it’s sexy. Sweating looks gorgeous on you," he rasped, making the kitchen feel like it was a hundred degrees hotter. Was it actually winter? She was boiling.

The oven dinged, thank heaven, and Laz moved to check on the desserts.

He stirred the sauces with meticulous care, ensuring everything was perfect. Meanwhile, Frida busied herself arranging the cute festive tableware they had recently bought. The "Merry Christmas" designs sparkled under the light. She lit candles on the table and placed a lovely rose centerpiece she’d ordered.

She smiled as she arranged cute, heart-shaped name cards at each seat, pairing them with small gifts she’d carefully chosen. It was perfect.

Laz roasted the turkey with such intense concentration that Frida didn’t dare distract him. He included a variety of side dishes: mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables, and green bean casserole.

He was sweating despite the AC on full blast. Frida stirred the gravy and arranged appetizers while Laz meticulously assembled desserts—pies, puddings, cookies, and fresh fruit.

He then set up a variety of drinks: mulled wine, hot cocoa, sparkling water, and soft drinks to cater to all ages and preferences.

By the time they were done, it was nearly 5 p.m., and they had eaten nothing but coffee since morning.

"We gotta get ready; they’ll be here soon!" she panicked.

He held her close, kissing her forehead before wrapping her in a warm hug. "You did good, sweetheart."

She stuttered, staying in his arms. "I didn’t do much. You did most of the work."

He looked deep into her eyes. "There wouldn’t be Christmas without you here. I’m lucky this year—I’ve got the best gift ever."

Her insides melted into a puddle of goo, but then she remembered the time. "It’s freaking 5:30 p.m.!" she yelped, tickling herself out of his embrace.

"You are evil," she muttered, sprinting up the stairs.

He chuckled as she threw him a wink. "Don’t be on the naughty list!"

After a quick shower, Frida changed into a wool body-hugging dress that clung comfortably to her skin. It was short, so she paired it with stockings and boots.

She let her hair fall naturally since the dress was backless and topped it off with a leather jacket. It was a bold look for a family dinner, but hey—who said you couldn’t slay Christmas Eve?

(Okay, no one says that. But still—slay.)

The doorbell rang, and she literally sprinted to answer it.

She opened the door to see Leah, Tyler, Lexi, and Reg standing outside.

"Oh my God! I thought you guys traveled for Christmas?" she squealed, jumping into Lexi’s arms and turning the moment into a group hug.

"Who’d want to miss spending the night at a fancy Airbnb?" Leah chuckled as they walked in.

They settled into the dining room just as another knock came. Frida sprinted to the door again to find Laurel, her mom, dad, Leon, Leo, Danny, and Michael waiting outside.

She squealed, hugging Laurel and her mom tightly. "OMG, I’m so happy you’re here!"

"Oh, my baby," Laurel chuckled.

"I told you we’d come," Evelyn added warmly.

Frida jumped into Leo’s arms. "Baby girl, hug me! You look fantastic!"

"I know, girl," Frida chuckled as Laz wrapped a possessive arm around her waist.

"Watch it, brother," Laz joked, his eyes narrowing playfully.

"Ohhh, sorry, brother. I don’t swing that way," Leo laughed, kissing Danny before walking past them into the house.

"You reek of jealousy," Danny teased as everyone laughed, and Frida hugged her dad tightly.

"I’m glad you’re here."

Frida stopped to hug Reg, who seemed a little awkward. "Hey, Reg, I’m glad you’re here."

Reg hugged her back. "Yeah, thanks."

Dinner went smoothly, filled with laughter and Christmas cheer. The room buzzed with chatter and tipsy smiles, and soon Laz leaned over to whisper to Frida, "Wanna sneak out of here?"

"Where to?" she whispered back.

He grabbed her hand and led her into the beautiful night snow.

"You’ll see, love. You’ll see."

----

He took her to the town square, bustling with activity on Christmas Eve night. The crowd was lively, filled with laughter and music, and she giggled as they wove through the throng, finally stopping near the center of it all.

"What’s going on, Laz? Why are we here?" she asked, breathless from their run as he held her hands tightly.

He looked nervous, more so than she’d ever seen him. His usual confidence was replaced by something raw and uncertain.

"I... I have a lot to say," he began, his voice trembling. "And I don’t know where to start, but... I like you. I like you a lot."

He stepped closer, his eyes locked on hers, and her heart began to race. It pounded so hard she thought it might burst.

Fireworks suddenly erupted in the sky, lighting up the dark with brilliant colors. She glanced up, momentarily distracted, and then noticed a giant billboard above them.

The words appeared on the screen in bright, glowing letters: "Will You Be My Girlfriend?"

At the same moment, petals—lilies and roses—began to fall from the sky, swirling around them like a dream. The fireworks burst again, spelling out the same question in fiery brilliance.

Her breath hitched. Her chest felt tight, her body warm, and her mind spun in disbelief. He’d planned all of this? For her?

When she looked back at Laz, he was holding a bouquet of roses and lilies, a small Hello Kitty plush nestled among the blooms. His eyes were closed, his words barely audible over the cheering crowd.

"Please," he whispered, "will you be my girlfriend?"

The world seemed to pause. Lights from countless cameras illuminated the scene, capturing the magic of the moment. Snow and petals danced together in the air, falling softly around them.

Her eyes filled with tears as she looked at him. Laz—the man who had driven her crazy, made her laugh, and now, made her feel like the center of the universe.

"I know I messed up before," he continued, his voice steadying as he held her gaze. "I was stupid. I didn’t see how precious you are, and I have no excuses. But I’m here now, and I want you to know how much you mean to me. And I love you, Frida. I love you so much I’d rather die than live without you."

His thumb brushed soothing circles over her palm as he held her hands. "I know it might be too much, but—"

She cut him off with a kiss. frёewebnoѵēl.com

The crowd erupted in cheers, the noise melting away as he wrapped his arms around her, lifting her off the ground. When she pulled back, her eyes searched his face, her breath coming in short, shaky bursts.

"Yes," she whispered.

His smile lit up brighter than any firework, and as he spun her around, the petals continued to fall, wrapping them in a world all their own.

The fireworks continued to light up the sky, casting vibrant colors over the cityscape. Laz’s face lit up in a way Frida had never seen before—like he was holding the entire universe in his arms.

"You’re serious?" he whispered, his voice trembling, his hands still clutching her like she might disappear.

She laughed, brushing her fingers through his hair. "Of course, I’m serious. Did you think I’d let you do all this and say no?"

"You’re incredible, you know that?" he said, his voice thick with emotion.

"And you’re absolutely crazy," she teased, her lips curling into a grin. "But I like crazy."

He pulled her close again, their foreheads touching as the snow began to fall softly around them. The world faded away, leaving just the two of them standing in their bubble of warmth and love.

The petals from the lilies and roses swirled around them as they walked hand in hand through the square.

"Wait," she said, stepping back slightly and grinning mischievously. "You made all of New York see this. What if I’d said no?"

Laz laughed, the sound deep and genuine. "I took the risk. You’re worth it."

She rolled her eyes playfully. "You’re lucky I’m a hopeless romantic."