She winks and hops out of the shower. Merry Christmas to me.
Harper
Christmas with our families exceeded my wildest expectations. Everyone was so supportive, filling the air with a spirit of giving. And Ford? He really knows how to give.
“Merry Christmas to us,” I say, my skin glistening with sweat.
“You know, I think this should be our plan every year: Christmas Eve together, Christmas Day with our families, and Christmas night sweaty and naked,” Ford suggests.
I laugh and nod. “I can totally get onboard with that plan. This is the best Christmas I’ve ever had.”
“Oh, hold that thought. I have something for you."
He leaps out of bed, the mattress springs creaking beneath his weight. My gaze follows the defined muscles of his back as he rushes into the living room, completely naked, his firm ass flexing with each hurried step. Ford's modesty vanishes around me—has from that very first night—and I lie back against the rumpled sheets, still warm from our bodies, eagerly awaiting his return, the ceiling fan spinning lazily overhead and cooling the thin sheen of sweat on my skin.
I’ve never felt so comfortable, confident, and loved. It’s okay to be Harper—every part of me. He doesn’t dim my shine. If my career outgrows his, he won’t resent me for it. Ford Stokes will always be my biggest supporter.
He rushes back in, his naked body silhouetted against the doorway light, performing a playful little shimmy that makes everything bounce in the most delicious way. The mattress dips and springs creak as he dives back under our tangled sheets, his skin still radiating heat against mine.
A small velvet bag dangles from his fingers, tied with a crimson ribbon that catches the dim light. I laugh and accept the gift he presents, running my thumb over the soft fabric, but then my smile fades. "I didn't know we were exchanging gifts. I don't have anything for you."
“You told me you love me. You’re planning to move in with me. And you’ve given me all of you—many, many times. Baby, I never need another present as long as I live.”
His words drive me wild—so brazen and honest, so direct. I always know exactly what he wants, and it’s refreshingly clear.
I open the bag and pull out a wooden ornament carved into the shape of my camera. My breath catches as I examine it, the details exquisite. “Did you make this?”
“Started carving it the day you stumbled into my store,” he replies. “Do you like it?”
Running my fingers along the smooth surface, I marvel at how accurate it is. “It’s amazing, baby. I can’t… You have a real talent for this. Maybe we should set up our own stand at the holiday festival market. You could carve ornaments, and I’ll frame some of my photographs.”
“Anything you want, Harper.”
I can’t take my eyes off it. It’s absolutely remarkable. I notice small indents on the bottom and turn it over, revealing two dates: two days ago and Christmas Eve a year from now. “What are these?”
“Oh, yeah, I added those last night after you fell asleep.”
“What are they for?”
A small smile spreads across his face as he rubs my thigh. “Well, the first date is when you told me you love me.”
My lip pops out in a pout as I gaze at him, feeling touched by his sentimentality. “Aww.”
“And Christmas Eve next year, assuming you’re on board, will be the date I give you something else.”
“Something else?”
“My last name.”
Fear creeps in, freezing me momentarily, but I push it away when I see the sincerity in his eyes. I have no reason to be scared.
“If it doesn’t happen next year, that’s okay. I just want you to know I plan to give you everything you’ve ever wanted. A Christmas Eve wedding, lights, snow, the works. Whenever you’re ready.”
“You’re giving me this stunning ornament that represents my passion and a promise of forever?”
“You’ve always been my forever, Harper. I have no doubts that we’ll make it official. Now that I finally have you, I don’t plan to ever let you go.”
Setting the ornament on the nightstand, I turn and climb onto his lap, my thighs sliding against his. His pupils dilate as my weight settles on him, and beneath me, I feel him hardening again. I trace the flush spreading across his chest, up his neck, to where his pulse hammers visibly at his throat. When I lean in, his breath catches, and his hands tremble slightly as they find my hips.
