“Thank you.” She rushed forward and enveloped him in a crushing hug. “I didn’t even realize it was Christmas.”
“You’re welcome.” He bent to give her a sweet, lingering kiss. When he pulled away, he smiled. “I can’t believe I get to share the day with my own personal angel.”
She blushed and hit him playfully in the shoulder. “I’m not an angel. Didn’t I prove that to you last night?”
He laughed, thinking of the wild lovemaking they’d shared. “You proved youarean angel because I’m quite certain I died and went to heaven.”
Grinning, she took the tree out of his hands and dragged it toward the second chamber. “You’ll have to show me how to cook that bird. I’m afraid I’ve never prepared one.”
“I’ll do it,” he told her. “You just decorate the tree.”
The next hour passed quickly as Bethany decorated the tree, using small bits of ribbon and lace, and he roasted the bird over the fire. She hummed Christmas carols beneath her breath as she worked, and a bone deep contentment seeped into him as he watched her.
She said she’d be happy living here forever, and he could almost believe her. Lord knew he could. To him, this cave with its bubbling hot spring and the few luxuries from Bethany’s trunk was paradise. He’d lived five years with much less.
At last she stepped back, surveying her work with unmistakable pride. “There. I think it looks beautiful. Don’t you?”
The crooked little tree leaned against the cave wall, bits of ribbon and lace hanging over its drooping branches. He smiled and met her hopeful gaze with complete honesty. “It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
“Thank you,” she murmured, crossing the cave to his side. “Thank you for bringing it. It means more to me than you can ever imagine.”
“I’m glad you like it. I wish I could offer you more. I’d drape you in diamonds and pearls if I could.”
“I’d rather have your kisses than all the diamonds in the world.” Leaning forward, she pressed her lips to his, showing him without words exactly what she meant.
After a long while he drew back, knowing if he didn’t put a stop to the kiss they’d end up burning the bird. “I made you a present. Would you like it tonight or would you like to wait until morning?”
“Oh, Zach.” She bent forward and gave him another swift kiss. “Tonight, please. I’ve never been good at waiting until Christmas morning.”
Reaching into his pocket, he drew out his gift, which he’d haphazardly wrapped in a small scrap of red cloth, which had once been a handkerchief. He’d spent the last few nights whittling it for her after she’d fallen asleep, feeling the need to give her something tangible to remember him by.
With a look of awe, she unwrapped the tiny wooden angel. An unfamiliar sense of pride shimmered through him as tears welled in her wide, green eyes. He’d always been good at making things with his hands, and this was one of his best.
“It’s wonderful,” she whispered. “So much detail... When did you ever find the time?”
“I made it while you slept. I’m glad you like it.”
“I love it.” She threw herself into his arms with another one of those shows of exuberant affection he loved so much. “It’s the best present anyone has ever given me.”
He hugged her, pressing his lips against the fragrant softness of her hair. “Being here with you for Christmas is best present I’ve ever gotten, so I guess we’re even.”
She pulled away, cupping his chin in her hand, and gazed into his eyes. “I love you, Zach. I love you more than I ever thought possible.”
His heart stalled for an instant before he started to give her the response he knew she wanted to hear, but she pressed her fingertips against his lips, shaking her head. “No,” she whispered. “Don’t say it until you mean it. My love is my present to you. I don’t expect you to return it. No matter where you go, or what happens to you, I’ll always be thinking about you.”
Her sweet words made him want to profess his own love, but he didn’t think she’d believe him now. So he simply nodded and brushed his lips against her fingertips. “I’ll always remember you, too. No matter what happens.”
