She flashed him a grin. “I knew you’d remember eventually.”
Jason grabbed Jarrett’s arm and tried to pull him off the rug. “C’mon. There are still presents to open.”
Jarrett set aside his tools and allowed the boy to draw him up. Once he sat beside Marissa, Jason handed her the larger present.
“Hmm. It feels soft.” She squeezed the gift and shook it close to her ear. “It’s not making noise. What could it be?”
“Open it! You’ll love it.”
“Are you sure? It’s not a snake, is it? You gave me a toy snake before.”
He crossed his arms. “I was three.”
She blew him a kiss and ripped open the poorly taped red paper. “Wow. You’re right. I do love it.” She held up a beautiful burgundy sweater dress with a cowl neckline. “How did you know?” The proud smile spreading across his face nearly melted her.
His chest puffed out. “You saw it on the same day we saw my dinosaur. You also said that dress was too damn—err, too darn pricey. I told Grandma I wanted to get it for you, so she took me to the mall and helped me pay for it.”
“You bought this with your allowance?”
“Most of it. Grandma paid for a little, but I promised to work it off.” He stroked the soft, ribbed fabric. “We made a deal. I’ll wash her dishes and do other chores for the next two months, and we’re square.”
She laughed and held out her arms. “Hug me, sweetie.” He tossed out his hand but didn’t run off when she dragged him onto her lap. “I have the best boy ever.”
Jason twisted free and offered Jarrett the last gift. “Merry Christmas.”
Jarrett’s brow arched. “You—I didn’t realize...” He accepted the gift. “When did you have a chance to get something?”
“I made it. I hope you like it.”
He slowly tore apart the Christmas tree wrapping paper and tilted his head. “I don’t understand. What is this, Jason?”
“It’s our family portrait. That’s me.” He pointed at the two-by-two school photo wedged into one side of the black photo frame. “You and Mama are right there.” He tapped the glass, which protected the old snapshot. “How old are you?”
“Eighteen.” He smiled at Marissa as she leaned over to see the picture. “I haven’t seen this in years.”
“Mama said I could give you anything I wanted.” He scraped his big toe across the floor. “Do you mind, Mama? I took that photo of you and Uncle Jarrett from your bedroom, but that little picture is mine. Can he have it?”
“Of course, he can.” Thank goodness she had a duplicate copy of the old picture stashed in one of her albums.
Jason fidgeted with his snowflake-pattern pajamas. “Do you like it?”
“I love it. It’s the best gift anyone’s given me in a long time.”
“I knew it!” Jason jumped into Jarrett’s arms and hugged him. “I’m not stupid, ya know. I’m seven years old.” He held up seven fingers and frowned at both of them. “You two stare at each other with funny looks like those people do on Grandma’s soap operas.” He thumped his balled hand on his uncle’s chest. “You’re the nicest guy Mama ever brought home. Don’t hurt her.”
Jarrett choked on a laugh. “I understand, young man. She’s lucky to have you.”
He slid off Jarrett’s lap. “Good, now back to my toys.” He grabbed a handful of action figures, a few chocolate bars, and left the room to play in the hall.
“Are you okay? He wouldn’t tell me what the gift was.”
“I am, really. Jason is very thoughtful.” He grinned at the picture. “I remember this like it was yesterday. I can’t believe you still have that stuffed toy tiger.”
She laid her head on his shoulder. “It’s the last gift you ever gave me, so it’s special.”
After they’d skipped school senior year to spend the day in Seattle, they toured the zoo, and he’d bought the plush tiger at the gift shop. It now rested on a bookshelf in her bedroom.
“Remember that sweet old man and his adorable corgi at the park?” She lowered her voice. “The one that called uscrazy kids?”
