He pulled his coat off the hook and slipped his arms through the sleeves. The sound of his happy humming followed him down the street.
Serena had forgotten about Lucas for a moment.
He sat on his end of the sofa, quietly smiling. “That gives me hope that Mom will find love again.”
“You wouldn’t be upset?”
“Not if he treated her well.” He shrugged. “She doesn’t know it, but Beau, Rex, Jenna, and I have discussed it with each other, and we’d all be happy for her.”
“Do you think Millie will say yes?” She knew their semi-neighbor had had a crush on Pawpaw for years, but was she ready to commit to marriage?
“She will,” Cecily pronounced with an air of authority. “She’s been in love with him for ages, but he was too stubborn to see it.”
“Even I know that.” Lucas chuckled. “Remember when she would bring him dinner hoping for an invitation?”
“We even called it a double date that one time he did ask her to stay, but he still didn’t catch on.” Serena rolled her eyes and harrumphed. “Men.”
“I think it’s time for presents before I get bashed,” Lucas said with a smile and an abrupt change of topic. He scooted off the sofa and kneeled by the tree. He reached for the pile of presents he’d brought in with him.
He handed one to her, slid one back under the tree—presumably for Pawpaw—and gave the rest to Cecily. His eyes filled with excitement and a trace of nervousness. Was he afraid Cecily wouldn’t like her presents? If only he knew she’d given him the greatest gift of all.
They had presents for him as well, and she handed them to him, but kept one back. She would save that for last.
Cecily gripped the top present. “Can I open it now?”
“Go ahead,” Lucas prodded.
She slipped a finger between the wrapping paper and gently undid the tape. Unlike many children, Cecily loved to take her time opening each gift. When she finished peeling away the paper, she lifted up the present.
Her eyes widened, and she ran her fingers over the leather cover before carefully opening the book.
“It’s a civil-war era Bible with lots of notes from the original owner.” Lucas explained the gift with uncertainty in his voice.
“I love it.” Cecily held the Bible to her chest. “I can’t wait to read what’s written inside.”
Serena was impressed that he’d come up with such a thoughtful gift. Not many children her age would have appreciated an old Bible, but it was perfect for Cecily. Her other gifts from him included a gift card to her favorite clothing store, one to the bookstore, and a new laptop with built in meteorological programs. The latter wasn’t a surprise to Serena, as he’d checked with her before making the expensive purchase.
“There’s one more present, but it’s not something tangible.” Lucas stood up. “I’ve decided not to enlist. Come March, I’ll be moving home to Louisiana and I’ll be able to see you all the time.”
Cecily teared up and threw her arms around him. “That’s the best present you could have given me.”
“I might get on your nerves sometimes, and you’ll probably get mad at me eventually.”
“Probably so, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” Reaching out, Cecily brought Serena into the hug. “All my favorite people will be together.”
He finished the hug and broke away, not comfortable with the contact it gave him with Serena. “This has been the best Christmas I’ve had in a long time.”
Serena smiled. “And it’s not officially Christmas yet.”
“Plus, there’s still more presents. Time for you guys to open yours.” Cecily pointed to Lucas. “You first, Dad. Open that top one from me.”
“If you insist.” He sat by his pile and opened the top gift, a framed photo of him and Cecily from their trip to the movies last week. “I’ll keep it near me always.”
“You next, Mom.”
Much like her daughter, Serena opened the present carefully. She smiled when she saw the present, amused Cecily and Lucas had the same line of thought.
“Do you like it?” Cecily leaned toward her. “I know you aren’t obsessed with books and Bibles like me, but I knew the one you have is from my grandmother. I figured you might want one you can use every day and not worry about it showing wear.”
