Christmas morning
Underneath the Christmas tree wasn’t brimming with loads of presents. Only two, in fact. One for him. One for her. He couldn’t wait for Theresa to open the gift he bought her. When he first pulled it off the shelf, he hesitated. Would she think it silly? Would she find it offensive? Would she grace him with the sweet smile he loved?
Well, he was about to find out.
“Open mine first.”
Or not. Guess she wanted him to open the present from her first.
He gently took the gift from her outstretched hand. Even though they only had these two gifts, they sat in front of the tree as if they had a mountain of gifts to open. Oh, and there’d be plenty of gifts to open later. They planned to celebrate Christmas with his parents after lunch. Theresa had no idea there were gifts waiting for her. He wanted to surprise her.
While she appreciated people in town coming to her rescue and giving her things she needed instead of draining her savings to buy it, she didn’t want anything else. She didn’t want to be the center of attention.
Because she was such a sweet and generous woman, she created a beautiful piece of jewelry for each person that stopped by bearing gifts. She wanted to show her thanks with more than just simple words.
Yesterday had been a very long day. They dropped off each gift, saying thanks and receiving hugs, thank yous, and so many merry Christmases he almost got Christmased out. Was that even possible?
She worked hard each night stringing beads, tying knots, and organizing each piece of jewelry into something magical. Of course, he sat next to her helping as best as he could. Not because he felt like he had to. Because he wanted to. He loved the joy that filled each facet of her face when he first offered. Anytime he could elicit that sweet sensation out of her, he’d do whatever it took.
He even pulled some strings so she could see her brother, which he did yesterday. Normally visitors weren’t allowed, and with his behavior the night of the fire, they almost didn’t let him back into the program. They also wanted to slap charges on him. After a few kind words from Chief Duncan, Aiden asking him graciously to do it, for Theresa’s sake, of course, they decided not to press charges for him hitting the security guard.
Her brother looked good, ragged but good, like the program was tough and tiring, but working. He had a long road ahead of him. Theresa would be there to help him, as would he. Only for Theresa’s sake. Because he still didn’t like James. Just as James didn’t like him. Although, they were cordial only because neither wanted to upset Theresa.
“Open it. You’re killing me here.”
He chuckled, swiped a kiss, and pushed all other thoughts out of his mind as he tore open the present. Brushing the white tissue paper aside, he couldn’t hold back the laughter as he pulled out a red mug with the sweetest saying written in bold white letters around it. Give me a kiss, I’ll give you a coffee.
“Is this your way of telling me I don’t get my daily coffee unless I give you a kiss?”
She smirked in the most adorable way. “Maybe.” Her eyes shifted down, a light red blush coating her cheeks. “I wasn’t sure what to get you. It’s been so crazy these past few weeks with…everything. I saw that and it just said buy me! So I did.”
Wrapping a tender hand around her neck, he pulled her closer for a kiss. Light and tender. Because anything more passionate would’ve had him carrying her back to the bedroom for a different kind of Christmas fun.
Pulling away slightly, his mouth still close to hers, he whispered, “It’s the best damn present I’ve ever gotten. I’m going to use it every day.” He chuckled, pressing his lips to hers. “I can’t wait for you to open your present.”
She shifted away, the reluctance in her eyes, almost saying she wanted to go back to the bedroom like him, but instead she picked up the gift he bought her.
Biting her lip, she took her time unwrapping the paper around the box, then her eyes widened in surprise as she broke into a bout of laughter that was contagious. His middle almost hurt as they laughed together, the loud noise ringing around the room, filling it with so much happiness he was surprised he didn’t burst from it all.
Sitting on her lap in all its glory was a top of the line coffee maker.
He planned to teach his beautiful, wonderful fiancé how to make a delicious cup of coffee. Even if he failed, he’d stop at the diner every day before his shift, with his new coffee mug, and get one of her cups of coffee. Because no matter how horrible it tasted, he knew she made it with love. He didn’t doubt that for one second. Because why else would he keep going into the diner, day after day, paying for a cup of coffee that never slid down his throat with delight?
Because he probably loved her for a long time and was just too afraid to admit it. Not anymore.
“This is the perfect present.”
“Goes well with mine.” He lifted his mug.
They started to laugh as if it was the funniest joke of the century. He didn’t care if it wasn’t that funny. It felt good to laugh again. It felt good to be happy. To be in love.
He set the cup aside, took the coffee maker from her lap, and slid over her body, making her drop gently to the floor so she was flat on her back.
“I don’t think I can make it to the bedroom. I’m going to love you right here. In front of this gorgeous Christmas tree.”
She brushed a lock of his hair back. “Sounds like a beautiful memory to make.”
His lips found hers.
The moment turned into a memory they would never forget.
❄
Thanks for reading my book and I hope you enjoyed it. I would love to hear your feedback. Please leave a review.
♡ Much love,
Amanda Siegrist