Before I can list all the reasons that’s ridiculous, Keo reappears. My sister instantly leans away from me. He’s holding an envelope for her and a small orange bag for me—my favorite color—with a handwritten note dangling from the handle.
Alysa starts reading her card, then groans, “Seriously? It’ssnowing, Keoni.”
“Go, Aly.”
She throws her head back, stomps toward the front door, and wrestles on her shoes and coat.
I turn back to him as he says, “Go ahead, open it.”
The moment the screen door opens and closes I flip open the small card.
Sunshine,
“To growing a bright future with the person that makes this world worth living in.”
Keo
“I’m not poetic… hopefully it makes sense.”
I laugh lightly and pop open the bag to see smaller pouches inside. “Oh… Keo.” Grabbing one of them, I hold it in the light to make sure I’m seeing it right.
The soft chuckle he releases has me lifting my gaze to meet his.
“Not too corny?” He rubs his hand across his cheek before sliding it to the back of his neck, nerves written in the motion.
Shaking my head, I reach in and grab another packet of… Sunflower seeds. And I’m positive there are different varieties of flowers in the bag as well.
I laugh again, mostly to keep from crying. The heat building behind my eyes rushes forward, ready to spill over and show just how emotional this man makes me. He does it in all the right ways, and these are absolutely tears of happiness.
“We can plant them in the spring. Together. I’ve never had a green thumb, but I feel like we can figure it out.”
Wetting my lips, I put the packet back into the bag. “Thank you, baby.”
He lets out a low groan. “Please… these walls are too thin, and I’m suffering.”
We’d already decided not to test the waters with Alysa’s hearing. Kissing in front of her is one thing. Having her hear us fucking? No thanks.
“I didn’t… get anything for you.” I set the bag down and step into his waiting arms. “I’m the fucking worst.”
“Not even, sunshine. You give me something every day… You have no idea what a gift you are to me.” He pulls me tighter into his embrace, and I’m glad my face is hidden because the tears are definitely slipping free. “Receiving physical presents isn’t my love language. It makes me uncomfortable, if I’m honest.”
He lowers his head and presses a kiss right below my ear, then whispers. “Okay?”
I nod. “Okay… What did you get Alysa?
As if sheepish about the answer, he clears his throat. “A card that says Merry Christmas, but it’s at the end of three scavenger clues.”
“Keo!”
“What? She hasn’t left our fucking side, and I was nervous you’d hate the gift.”
The sound of stomping feet on the patio indicates someone isn’t happy by that revelation. I suppress a laugh because I shouldn’t laugh at her… even if it’s funny.
“I’d love anything you give me. Never worry about that.”
He rubs up and down my back. “Good to know for the future.” His gentle hum sends goosebumps crawling up my arms. “I’ve got one last thing, but it’s for New Year’s. Aly is going out with her friends, so I’ve got you to myself. Is that okay?”
“Pfft. As if you even have to ask.”
