Their son had gone back to his toys but Jack kept his gaze on her as she pulled off the paper. It held a sturdy box and she held her breath as she opened it.
“Oh, Jack, it’s beautiful.” She held up the delicate gold chain with several charms hanging off it.
“I wanted something you could have to always remember us by. The cat is for you.”
He tapped his finger on the gold feline then moved it to the star. “And this is for Jonathan who will always be the star in your life.”
Adjusting the bracelet, she fingered the little golden heart dangling and shining brightly.
“That’s my heart, Calico. I want you to know no matter what happens, you’ll always have it. It’s yours forever.”
She blinked away the tears threatening to fall. Now was not the time to cry. Jack and Jonathan were with her and she should enjoy every second.
“Thank you, Jack. I love it.” She leaned in to kiss him and he cupped her face in his hands and worshiped her lips. There was no other term for it. He was gentle and caring and he made her feel as if there were no other woman in the world.
When he finished she eased back reluctantly. “We’ve got something for you too. Jonathan can you get the present for daddy?”
Jonathan stopped his play and picked up a parcel with hand drawn snowmen on it. He dropped it in Jack’s lap and whispered, “I do it, daddy.”
“You made this wrapping paper? Wow. It’s amazing. Let’s see what’s in here.”
He opened the gift carefully so he didn’t rip any of the drawings and pulled out a small frame. His eyes grew suspiciously damp.
“Did you do this too, pal?”
The trio of snowmen obviously made by a child decorated the blue page.
“That my foot,” the boy said, proudly then pointed to the puffy white clouds in the sky. “And my hand, right here.” He pointed to the side of his clenched fist.
“You made this all by yourself. It’s wonderful.”
Jonathan looked sheepish. “Mama help me.”
Jack leaned over and kissed her. “Thank you, Mama. I love it. I’ll make sure I keep this where I can see it all the time.”
“That me,” Jonathan pointed to the smallest of the snow people then went down the line. “That Mama and that you.”
She leaned closer, seeing Jack struggled with what to say. He blinked a few times then pulled Jonathan into his arms, holding him tight. It was something that had happened often this past week.
“I love you, pal.”
“Luh you, daddy.”
Sniffing, Jack held his son and kissed his cheek.
A tear slipped down her cheek at the scene. The pain on Jack’s face was evident. He knew this wouldn’t last. He squeezed again and repeated, “Love you. So much.”
Her heart splintered knowing what would happen tomorrow. Guilt also sank in. She was glad Jack could tell his son how he felt but she admitted she was envious. She wished he would say it to her.
