“I’d-d love to g-get my present.” I take a few steps forward. She follows my lead, placing a foot behind her and then another until we’re standing under a mistletoe.
I lean forward to kiss her, when she snickers. “Zane, did you really think your Christmas present was a kiss?”
I shrug, warmth coursing through me at her smile. Thank fucking God that her bubbly personality is slowly coming back. “D-don’t underes-stimate your value. You’r-re quite a gift.”
Maybe the greatest of all.
Her eyes twinkle brighter than the Christmas fairy lights, and she places a kiss on my lips. But it ends too soon.
Before I can make a grab for her and kiss her properly, like a husband should on his first Christmas with his wife, Vienna pulls something from the inconspicuous pocket of her skirt.
A golden chain hangs from her fingers, and a pendant rotates before us. I clutch it in my palm, and when I open it, there’s a gold four-leaf clover.
“This was my mom’s. This is the most precious thing in my life.”
My head jerks to her sincere face.
“Thank you so much, Zane. I… I don’t know what I’d have done without you.”
Tears pool in her eyes, and my chest aches at the sight of them.
“Vienna, I’m here.” The word always is right on top of my lips, but I hold it back.
Does she even want me always?
“Th-thank you.” I grab the necklace and place it around my neck.
I’m not really sure if it’s a woman’s necklace or a unisex piece, but the unfamiliar sensation of the cool pendant resting against my broken throat feels like the best medicine I’ve ever had.
* * *
Even before we’ve entered Zander’s living room, I can smell the fresh-baked cookies and eggnog.
“Wow, it even smells like Christmas,” Vienna whispers beside me, and I inhale deeply once again.
I place the gifts that Vienna and I purchased for everyone under the Christmas tree, which is any child’s dream come true.
Among the huge pile of gifts, I spot two rectangular boxes wrapped in silver and green with Mystery and Tassels written on the silver labels in flowing handwriting. Leave it to Rose to make everyone feel special.
* * *
We’re on the last phase of gift opening.
I’m the lucky owner of an Audemars Piguet wristwatch, a bottle of my favorite cologne, a couple gift cards to Giovanni’s, and handmade coupons from my nephews, which involve babysitting Tassels and Mystery. I hold back my tongue, which is eager to ask who’ll babysit this dangerous combo of six—three boys and three dogs.
Zander brings over the last plate of cookies and places them on the table. He’s still wearing the apron Rose gifted to him, which has a family photo of him and Rose, with Alex smiling and squeezed between them. He dusts his hands before cocking an eyebrow toward Rose. “Ready, sweetheart?”
“If you have any more presents stocked somewhere, Rose, we’ll have to declare you a Christmas—” Zach’s comment is cut short by Zander’s loud clearing of his throat.
“Why does everyone think the worst of me?” Zach makes an annoyed face to Hope, who rests her palm on his cheek and plants a quick kiss on his lips. His expression changes instantly. After stealing one more kiss from his wife, he turns toward Zander. “I was saying fanatic. Christmas fanatic.”
“This gift is for Alex. Mainly.” Rose shifts on her feet, and she grabs the cuffs of her flannel shirt. A nervous habit of hers.
As if he can feel his mom’s jitters, Alex gets up from the floor, where he sat next to Ray and Charlie. All three are wearing matching Christmas jammies—a gift from Sophia.
Rose picks up a small packet wrapped in plain white gift wrapping, as if she was scared to wrap it in anything more festive.
“What is it, Mom?” Alex shakes the present before tearing the paper in the middle and uncovering something like an orange T-shirt.