I take the book out, and I feel Roman tense. I touch his leg lightly.
“‘American Citizenship Workbook: Children’s Edition.’” I read it out loud, and everyone gets quiet. They all look at Tessa with disgust.
“What?”
Roman can’t take it. He moves forward a little. “You try to insult my fiancée because of a petty jealousy?”
I raise my hand. “It’s only an insult if it matters. I am already a legal citizen, Tessa, but thank you. The gag is you didn’t know.”
She sneers. “I guess.”
Roman is breathing heavily behind my back.
“Anyway, Roman, everyone has given their gift except you.” I turn slightly and wiggle my fingers at him with my palm stretched out.
“Tillie, it’s right behind you; pass it to me,” Roman says.
Tillie moves to the side on her chair, and there is a white glossy gift bag behind her.
What did he get me?
I grab the bag and pull out a long black velvet case.
Did he buy me jewelry? No way.
“I hope you like it,” he says softly.
The small clip of the box opens, and I gasp.
“You get me so fucking sick. It’s supposed to be a gag gift, Roman!” Tillie shouts.
Roman shrugs. “The gag is I like to give my girl beautiful things.”
Beautiful things…An 18K emerald-cut diamond tennis bracelet sits on a bed of velvet.
“Cat got your tongue?” Roman asks.
My eyes fill with water. “This is beautiful; thank you so much.”
I push myself up to kneel between his legs. I was going for his cheek. Roman moves his face and kisses me on my lips.
“Welcome.”
I blush and extend my wrist to his. “Can you put it on for me?”
ROMAN
Someone needs to write a book about the joy of making a woman happy. Do I feel like I can conquer the world now that I gave her the gift? Fuck yes. Noelle smiles, and her kiss makes me happy. After clipping the bracelet, Noelle whispers, “I got something for you.”
She gets up and goes to the tree, picks up a box, and walks toward me.
“I hope you like it.”
I take the gift from her. “What is it?”
“Oh my God, Roman, open the gift.” Tillie groans as she throws her body back into the armchair.
I tear the wrapping paper to the side and see it. “Power Megazord.”
