“I think you’ll find this one will be even more fascinating.”
Mathew made a sound that could have been construed as disgust before he wandered off. Marcus chuckled at his retreating form. “I’m going to go get your gift.”
“It’s not under the tree?”
“Nope. Couldn’t figure out a way to wrap it.”
She gave him a surprised look, but he didn’t stick around long enough for her to pelt him with questions. When he returned with the cardboard box containing her gift, the conversations around them quieted. Curiosity clung to the air like morning mist in the fall. There was a hum of anticipation as she placed the box on her lap.
“Before you open it, be aware that it’s very fragile. Don’t jostle it too much.”
Several people inched closer so they could get a better look. And the second Wynter opened the box, gasps and shrieks ripped through the air.
Wynter stared wide-eyed at him briefly, not speaking, before she pulled the Plexiglas habitat from the box. The wonder in her expression was unmistakable as she ducked her head to get a better look at her new pet.
“The pet store said it’s an?—”
“Orb-weaver,” she whispered with awe. “Marcus, she’s beautiful.”
“Marcus! Eww, gross!” Isabelle had long since shrunk back from where Wynter sat on the couch. She clutched Jason’s flannel pajama shirt with both hands and peered over his shoulder at the clear container. The spider was technically a gold orb-weaver, and its body was a mixture of yellow and brown. The legs were darker, but it wasn’t the look of the spider that made it special. The web looked like a work of art.
Wynter held up the crate to get a closer look, fascination shining in her eyes. “It’s… I don’t know what to say.”
“I say hurry up and get it out of here!” Isabelle called out again, which got a couple chuckles and more than one mutter of agreement.
Wynter held the carton close to her chest and gave Isabelle a momma-bear look. “Leave her alone.”
Marcus settled onto the couch beside her and kissed her cheek. “I’m glad you like her.”
“She’s perfect,” Wynter whispered back, all the while Isabelle made a sound of disgust. She handed him the spider and rose from her seat to head across the room to her purse. She rifled through it until she produced an envelope.
Her eyes lifted to meet his and she fiddled with the envelope before moving once again across the room to sit beside him. “It’s nothing special. But it’s the only thing that made sense.” Her fingers seemed to shake as she continued to fidget.
Marcus dipped his attention to the envelope and his throat clogged. He didn’t know what it was, but based on her behavior, he had to believe it was incredibly important to her that he like what she’d come up with. He placed a hand on her trembling ones. “I’ll love whatever you give me.”
The room was once again silent. And he could tell it was only adding to Wynter’s unease. He wanted to tell everyone to mind their own business, so they could have this moment alone, but he refrained.
Wynter nodded, then handed him the envelope. He opened it, sharing a reassuring smile. Then he pulled out a sheet of paper. The heading had the letters CCS stamped across it. He scanned the document, and his heart practically beat out of his chest.
“Is this real?” he whispered.
She nodded again.
“Babe,” he whispered again, “are you sure?”
This time she let out a strangled laugh. “Do you like it?”
“What is it?” someone called out.
Wynter didn’t even flinch, nor did her eyes leave his when she said, “I’m accepting a full-time position at Colorado Crop Sciences.” Her cheeks flushed, and she chewed on her lower lip. “I’m moving here permanently, Marcus. I want to be with you. I’m terrified. Terrified of moving forward. Terrified of what will happen if we don’t.” Her words were barely above a whisper, but they meant more to him than anything she could have said. She was fighting her demons to be with him, and he’d spend every single day making sure she never regretted it.
Thank you so much God for answering this prayer!That was what Marcus wanted to yell out loud. But instead he took her face into his hands and kissed her deeply. It was the kind of kiss that could end wars. It was magic, and everything he knew they could have together. Wynter met his kiss with her whole heart. They might be taking things slow, but he could tell she was all in.
“Okay, okay, break it up. I still have to give you my gift.” Nora’s voice broke through his mind, and another ripple of chuckles reached his ears. Wynter’s blush was a deep red, and she avoided looking at anyone but him or her grandmother.
Nora got to her feet and rambled over to where they sat. She looked from Wynter to Marcus and back. There was something in her eyes that said she was as convinced as he was that they’d end up together. She glanced up over Marcus’s head and nodded.
Before Marcus could turn to see what was happening, Jason plopped an old leather work belt into his lap.
