“Then that was totally fair. Look, Noah, I don’t need—”
“Doesn’t matter. This isn’t something I can return.”
He cocked his head.
“So let me help with the cleanup and we’ll go into the living room where, despite all the odds against it, our tree is still standing.”
He laughed. “Yes, miracles do happen.”
I snagged his hand and squeezed. “They really do.”
This time, he blinked. “I love you.”
“I love you too. Now—” I grabbed our plates. “Be quick.”
In fact, we hustled. Christian had no idea what I was up to—of that, I was certain.
We decided on hot chocolate as we headed into the living room. The sun shone brilliantly, and all the bulbs on the tree sparkled. “Should I turn on the lights?”
“On the tree? Absolutely.” A shy grin this time.
In truth, we had several gifts for each other—all practical things. I’d have sworn I now had enough pairs of underwear to last until I reached Armageddon.
Same for my husband and socks.
Finally, when all the wrapping paper and decorative bags were tucked away, I moved to the couch.
His eyebrows shot up as I pulled his gift out from its hiding spot.
“I never thought to look there.”
I cocked my head. “Did you look anywhere?”
“Uh…no.” Honest man to a fault. “I figured if you wanted me to know, then you’d just tell me.” He gestured to the gift. “I think I can guess.”
“I’ll bet you absolutely cannot.”
He appeared startled, with a furrow in his brow. “Oh. I assumed it was some kind of painting of our home. And maybe the land.”
“Nope. But I now know what to get you for your birthday.”
“Noah—”
“I’m quite certain I can find an artist in town who could use the commission.”
He nodded.
That’s the way to convince him—make it about someone else’s gain.
I handed him the gift.
He hesitated.
“What’s wrong?”
“Just…whatever this is, you clearly put a lot of thought into it.”
“Okay…not certain why that means you can’t open the gift.”
