With my whole family.
It’s a situation that requires one be nervous, but since Spencer doesn’t seem fit to care, I’ve worked up enough worry for the both of us.
“If he tries to intimidate you with his shotgun, don’t worry—it's not normally loaded.”
“Not normally, huh?” He laughs like this is all fun and games and I’m kidding.
I’m totally not kidding.
“Spencer! This is serious.” I can deliver a preterm baby in the hallway of the hospital during a blackout caused by Snowmageddon, but putting my Dad in the same room with someone I like is terrifying.
Even with my advanced warning, Spencer doesn’t ruffle. Sitting on the couch less than twenty four hours after rescuing me, his checkered L.L. Bean shirt is perfectly pressed, not a bead of sweat on him. I tried to get out of going today, but apparently, Pete has a big mouth and Pearl’s phone number. If I don’t show up with Spencer, I’ll be disowned. Frankie lies on the couch beside him, her head resting on his knee.
Both of them are infuriating.
Spencer promised Frankie all the boots she can chew and an open trash can for the part she played in my rescue. From the trash strewn across my kitchen this morning, she plans to make full use of her new privileges.
“Joslin, I have combat knowledge, and I’ve been shooting guns since age ten. Your dad and I will get along fine. Come sit down.”
“There’s only five minutes left on the clock.” There’s no time to sit down, but I make my way to the living room anyway.
“It’s just enough time to open your present.”
My ears perk up. “My present? You’ve only known me a month—less than that, really.”
Sure,I bought him a gift, but he wasn’t supposed to get me anything. My gift is cute, and funny, and cheap. What if Spencer spent real money on something?
"I see you panicking. Don't panic. It's something little."
I release my breath and flop down onto the couch. Something little, I can handle.
"I asked around, and the general consensus said this was acceptable.”
My nerves flare back up. This is definitely not good. The box he hands over is small—a white ribbon wrapped around all sides and tied into a little bow on the top. There's not much that would fit in such a tiny package, and all of them that come to mind are scary.
Spencer pushes the little box in my direction a few more times until I'm finally forced to take it.
"Just open it. It's fine." He gestures with his head to the gift, and I slowly pull on one end of the ribbon. It comes off, and I hurry to pop open the top, concerned if I wait longer, I’ll never do it.
The item inside twinkles when light from the room catches on the corner.
"Spencer, it's gorgeous. I love it." The charm slides around the thin, delicate necklace as I pull it from the box. “Will you put it on me?”
I hand Spencer the necklace and turn around, lifting my hair to make it easier. He clasps it together, and I fidget with the charm to get it evenly placed at the center of my neck. The silver dog charm lays flat against my skin, the metal catching and reflecting the light.
"You really like it?"
I lean across the space and the dog separating us to give him a quick kiss. "Absolutely." And I mean it for everything. Having Spencer and Frankie in my space feels right. Like they’ve always been here and always will. Dog hair on the couch, food on the kitchen floor, Spencer’s half-chewed boots next to the bed… In a few short weeks, I’ve grown to love it all.
He leans back on the couch, a satisfied smile stretched across his face. Like a man who knows he's done well.
"Okay, now it's your turn."
He sits up, suddenly alarmed. "You got me something?"
I roll my eyes. "Of course. It's not as cool as the necklace, though."
Spencer's gift is well-thought-out and personal. My own hastily bought, funny present now feels lacking. But we’ve come this far.
