“Whatever you say, but I know better. Can you still go out on New Year’s Eve?”
“Of course.”
We talk for a few more minutes about mindless things then confirm our plans to meet in Miami. Once we’re off the phone, I change into my pajamas and grab the small gift boxes in my bag.
Nate and Bryce have a fire going and a football game on TV when I join them. The lights are dim, but the tree in the corner illuminates the room beautifully.
“Guys, I have something for you. It’s nothing big, but when I saw these in one of the village shops, I thought of y’all.” I hand them each a box.
Neither of them speaks when they open them but look at me surprised. “I know it’s cheesy, but when I saw them I thought we could finish the inscription when you both graduate from OCS next year.”
Both look at the key chains and turn them over. One side has the Navy Seal and the other has their name. I had the shop do a rush order but left enough room for the date to be added.
My brother gets to me first and lifts me up, hugging me tightly. “It’s awesome, Devon, thank you.” He kisses my temple, setting me down.
Before I can step back, Bryce pushes him aside and lifts me again, but gently. He buries his head into my neck and nuzzles me softly. “It’s perfect, just like you.” He leans back and stares into my eyes. Then without warning closes his mouth over mine in a searing kiss. I forget we aren’t alone and allow him to claim my lips. We don’t stop until Nate starts clearing his throat behind us, then pushes Bryce.
“Jesus, stop it! I told you I was supportive, but don’t make me regret it. Put her the fuck down.”
Bryce grins against my lips and lowers me. Pecking me one more time.
“Okay,” I find my voice, “what are we watching?”
“Football.” They both answer.
“What happened to a movie?”
“Football is better,” Nate answers, propping himself on the couch.
“Okay, I’ll read.” I settle in the middle and open my iPad. It isn’t long before the huge dinner, paired with wine catches up to me and I dose off. Bryce pulls me towards him so my head is in his lap and he strokes my hair lightly. Nate gives him shit, but he doesn’t stop. I stir slightly when my parents come in, but don’t wake up.
When Bryce lifts me off the couch is when I finally awaken. “No, I want to sleep next to the Christmas tree.”
“On the couch, babe?”
“No, let’s make a pallet on the floor. It’s so beautiful,” I answer sleepily.
“Okay, hold on.” He leaves me and moves around gathering blankets and grabs two pillows from my room.
I join him as he situates himself, partly leaning against the couch. Without thinking too hard, I curl up on him, wrapping my arms around his waist and laying my head on his chest.
“This is nice.”
“Considering it’s the first Christmas I have you in my arms, it’s better than nice. I have something for you, Devon, can you give me your wrist?”
I reach out my arm and feel him digging in his pocket. Then I feel cold metal circle my skin as he fumbles with a clasp.
When he’s done I sit up and admire the beautiful charm bracelet. It’s sterling silver with several intertwining links. In the middle is one single charm. It’s the shape of a Christmas tree. The writ
ing on the back is too small for me to see in the muted light, but when I reach for the lamp, he stops me.
“It says todays date.”
“That’s really sweet, Bryce.”
He watches my face and then chuckles. “You don’t get it. It’s our first Christmas together. The tree represents the Aspen Pine.”
Realization hits me. It’s a symbol, a statement, a memory.