My investigative instincts were finally put to good use on the positive side of humanity.
I tugged on a pair of reindeer leggings and my favorite red sweater dress.
The four of us left the room and made our way to the living area.
We had the clubhouse to ourselves today, but the place didn’t feel empty.
“The mayor’s office called yesterday. She wants to know how much longer you need to think about her officially recognizing what you all do for the community.” She still didn’t know half of what they did, and we planned on keeping it that way.
Rafe grunted and sat beside the Christmas tree.
He patted his lap, and I climbed into a comfortable spot with my arm around his neck.
I wiggled into a better position, and he gave me a look so full of desire, I almost forgot my plan and the present.
The pile of presents beneath the tree gave me a giddy feeling.
We’d not exchanged gifts last year, but I’d surprised each of them on their birthdays, and they’d spoiled me senseless on mine.
It became a game of sorts to see who could out-gift the others.
Rafe had helped decorate the Christmas tree this year without any complaining.
He’d even brought in the tree before I asked and had Colt and Ash bring the ornaments down from the attic.
He’d seemed… excited.
I’d helped give him that.
My heart swelled at the thought of giving him a sense of peace and hopefulness about my favorite season.
Ash plopped onto the floor and crossed his legs.
“Ladies first.” He motioned at Bishop.
Cheeks pink, Bishop brought his arms out from behind his back.
He held out a red box wrapped in a silver bow bigger than my head.
The card dangling from the side had my name written in beautiful script I recognized as Rafe’s.
Bishop set the gift in my lap, and the tag flipped over.
“What is this?” I laughed as I read Ash’s note on the other side. “Naughty list only?”
“Ash.” Rafe tried to sound fierce, but his laugh joined mine and ruined the moment.
Ash waved his hand toward me. “They told me to wrap it. Can’t help it if I threw a little something extra in there.”
I tugged the bow loose and set the ribbon aside.
My heart drummed loud and hard enough that Rafe could probably feel it.
I licked my dry lips and raised the lid.
The scent of leather hit me first, and the blur of tears obscured the sight in my lap. “You didn’t.”
“We did.” Ash and Bishop took up stances on either side of me.
