“I’m so glad you like it.” She sneaked another kiss. “Just imagine how excellent my present choices will become as I get to know you better.”
He slid a palm down her cheek and kissed her ready lips again, then slid back, raising a brow. “Now I believe it’s time foryourgifts and, if I use my powers of deduction well enough, I’d guess that my wife loves presents.”
She clapped her hands together. “See how well you are at deductions already, and you haven’t even read Detective Miracle’s book yet.”
His chuckle followed him to his room and back, as he returned with a gift that looked much too small for what she’d expected. Well, she wasn’t quite sure what she’d expected, but the simple, oddly shaped rect-angle didn’t fit her expectations. But it held an odd book shape, which certainly couldn’t be bad.
And after all, her husband had only known her for about a month.
He eyed her carefully as he placed the gift on her lap and took his place beside her. “Merry Christmas, Lady Astley.”
She opened the wrapping to find a smaller square box positioned atop a book. Grace pulled the book out first and read the title.The Rules of Croquet.The intention slowly flared to realization as she remembered her very poor attempts at playing croquet at Aunt Lavenia’s. Grace burst out laughing and wrapped her arms around her husband’s neck, giggling against his lips. “Be careful, husband dearest.” She sat back to wave the book at him. “If I actually learn how to play the game, I may best you at it like I will at lawn tennis this spring.”
He crooked a brow, his dark eyes glimmering. “I look forward to the challenge, my lady.” His gaze dropped to the smaller box. “But we may have something else to prepare for this spring.”
She studied him a moment before reaching for the box. Carefully, she unclasped the simple gold clasp and raised the lid. Inside sat a beautiful ornate brass compass. She gasped and looked back at him, but he only smiled, encouraging her continued perusal. With careful fingers, she opened the compass. The internal cogs and dials shone through a clear lens, and the arrow swayed back and forth searching for north. Her teeth skimmed over her lips as she examined every part of the new gift, until she finally tipped it over to the bottom. Engraved in calligraphic style were three words and a name.For our adventures. Frederick.
She drew the compass to her chest and blinked back tears. “Thank you, Frederick.” The words barely made it above a whisper. Perhaps he knew her better than she had guessed, because instead of giving her something finite, he’d given her a dream.
“And here is the final one.” He pulled another book-sized gift from behind his back and gave it to her.
“Oh dear, I don’t know that I can handle much more.”
Her fingers trembled as she tugged off the simple brown paper tied with red ribbon. Yes, it was a book, and on the cover was one word.Italy.
Her attention flew to Frederick’s face and, without looking away, he opened the front cover of the book to reveal two steamer tickets. “I think it’s time to start those adventures, don’t you? In the land ofRomeo and JulietandJulius Caesar,and—one of your personal favorites—The Betrothed.”
As she searched his face, the tears she’d barely held in spilled down her cheeks. She placed the compass and the book to the side and moved so close her face waited mere inches from his. Without a word, she framed his face with her palms, continuing to smile so wide her cheeks ached. “My dear Lord Astley, my adventures started with you the day I met you in the Whitlocks’ library, and I cannot wait to continue them with you wherever they may lead.”
How God could take two people’s very different stories and combine them to create an entirely new tale was rather remarkable. Instead of his story or her story, it had becometheirstory, and Grace was fairly certain this one would be her favorite.
