Aunt Coral came by to squeeze my shoulder. “She was so good with the little ones today. When we used to take you two to Santa, Zack would be screaming and clinging to me and you’d be this laughing little bean.”
Zack slapped some food on a plate for me. “Excuse me for not wanting to be pawned off on some old guy’s lap.”
I patted his back. “Don’t worry, Zack. We have a lifetime to make happy memories.” Despite Mom ignoring me, I hoped that sentiment went for everybody.
31
Cookie Cutter
Cookie day created a mini heat wave in our house. The oven was on for hours. Our family was in and out for meals and sorting donation piles. I spent half the morning getting extra cute for Harvey and the other half running around after my cousins.
Aunt Coral helped herself to a glass of ice water. “Where's your boy, Shelby?”
“On his way. But he has to work today, so he might not stay long.” I texted him for an update.
Harvey messaged me back. “I’ll be there soon. Do you have pets in your house?”
“No, why?” I replied.
“You’ll see.”
I bounced on my toes and sent back a million eyes and heart-eye emojis begging him to tell me. The meanie ignored me, probably driving, where his focus should be.
I tidied the kitchen with anticipation. I used to shake the presents under the Christmas tree to guess what everyone was getting. but how could I do that with Harvey’s surprise? Andwhy was he asking about pets? The idea of Harvey showing up on my doorstep with a fluffy friend wearing a big red bow was adorably sweet. But any pet was way too much responsibility to surprise someone with–emotionallyandfinancially. Harvey was pragmatic. Maybe he was bringing chocolate for the cookies?
A knock rattled the door.
“Who is it?” Joon hollered from his spot atop a bunch of coats. He had been spending way too much time around Zack and Aunt Coral.
“Don’t yell. That’s probably Harvey.” I wiped my hands on the back of my jeans.
“Sorry, I’ll get it.” Joon barreled through coat piles, sending feathers everywhere.
I took off running. “Wait.” I wanted to be the first to greet my boyfriend.
Joon twisted open the door. Momentum and streaks of melted snow in the entryway sent me sliding through it–straight into Harvey, who was holding open the screen with one hand and was carrying a potted plant with the other. My shriek was muffled by his coat and the leaves.
Harvey helped me right myself. “Hey. Watch out, it’s poisonous.”
I wiped my face. “What?”
“For cats, at least. That’s why I asked about pets.” He handed me the flowers, then plucked a feather from my hair and smirked. “Getting into trouble?”
“A little.” I backed up, noting the single layer on Harvey’s torso: a dark, thin, V-neck sweater. I smiled at him. “You dressed up.”
Shifting his weight, he looked down. “Too much?”
“No, it’s very snazzy, just like you. Come on in.” I took his hand and led him into the edge of the living room. “Hey, everyone, this is my boyfriend, Harvey.”
Greetings chorused through the room.
Joon flopped onto a pile of coats. “I already met him.”
One of my uncles craned his neck. “How tall are you?”
Harvey shifted his weight to one foot. “Six-foot-three. Why? Do you need help reaching something?”
I pulled him toward the kitchen before my uncle could respond. “Come on, I already have some cookies ready for you to decorate.” I rearranged some trays on the kitchen table to make room for the poinsettias.
