He threw his head back and laughed then leaned in and kissed my neck.
I raised an eyebrow. “That way you can show me how the push-ups are really done.” I nodded to the bag. “There’s still one more thing.”
Adam reached back into the bag and pulled out a silver ring. He looked at me in confusion.
“You have to read it.” I smiled.
Adam sat up and took the ring in his hand, slowly turning it over. He read out loud as he turned the ring. “Loved, just the way you are – Faith.” I watched as his eyes widened and he shook his head. “Wow.” He cleared his throat. “Thanks.”
I hoped he knew I meant it too. I loved him, all the sharp and soft edges, and I never wanted him to feel that he wasn’t good enough just how he was. I sighed and lay back on Adam’s chest as he pressed his lips against my temple. “This has been the best Christmas.” I sighed again and it phased into a yawn, the early morning catching up to me already. “Thank you. Both of you.” I hoped every Christmas I ever spent would be here, in their lives and in Adam’s arms.
“There’s still a present on the tree.” Danny tilted his chin.
“Are you sure?” Adam asked.
“Yeah, see.” Danny reached into the tree branches and pulled out a little square gold box. “I don’t think it’s going to be my invisibility cloak.”
Adam chuckled beneath me. “What does the tag say?”
Danny picked up the tag. “To Faith.” He moved the tag. “It doesn’t say who it’s from.”
I looked up at Adam’s warm brown eyes.
“Well, go on, you better open it.” His low voice near my ear caused my arm to erupt in goosebumps.
I sat up off his chest and scooted to the front of the couch where Danny handed me the box. Whatever it held, it didn’t weigh much. I started unwrapping the paper and pulled out a little black velvet jewelry box.
I glanced toward Adam, and he gestured for me to continue. I tried not to get ahead of myself. It could be a necklace or earrings. I didn’t want to make assumptions. I took a deep breath.
I slowly opened the box, my excitement overflowing to my eyes.
The box was empty.
Wait. What?
I looked over at Adam.
He scooted off the couch and knelt in front of me. He reached into his flannel pajama pants, and now in Adam’s large hands was a beautiful petite gold ring with a teardrop diamond. It was simple, beautiful, and perfect.
“Faith.” Adam’s eyes shone as he smiled at me. “You are my sunshine, my light in darkness. When you’re not in my arms, I feel lost. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
The tears couldn’t be stopped at this point. I pressed my hand to my mouth. I couldn’t picture a better happily ever after than the one I was living.
“Does this mean I will finally get to call her Mom now?” Danny stood up, and walked over and sat on Adam’s bent knee.
“I guess it depends on what she says.” Adam shrugged and searched my eyes.
I wanted to freeze this moment forever. Capture it and never let it leave my heart. Both my boys sat there looking up at me in the glow of the Christmas tree lights. They both had morning hair sticking up in different directions, and their eyes held such happiness. My boys. My family. My heart was full to the point of bursting.
“Yes!” I grinned so wide my cheeks hurt. “Always and forever, yes!” I nodded my head.
Danny fist-pumped. “Yes!” He jumped up, and ran into my open arms. “This is better than an invisibility cloak.”
I pressed my lips to his forehead. “I would love to be your mom, Danny.” He leaned back and smiled as I hugged him even tighter.
“It’s my turn.” Adam grumbled near my right ear.
I stared up at his hungry eyes. “You boys might have to learn to share.”
