Tucker stared at her for a long moment before he started the truck. “You are amazing. How did you come up with that so quickly, over the holidays?”
“Sold the Tesla.”
His mouth dropped. “You didn’t.”
“I did. I was going to anyway. I knew someone who could afford it and made a call. He was delighted. Treated himself to it for a Christmas present.” She shrugged. “It seemed like the right thing to do. I’m so happy to be able to help them.” She choked back a sob. “I’m so grateful to be able to be a part of this.”
He kissed her on the cheek. “I’m so glad you forgave me. I’ll never make you worry—well, I guess I can’t promise that, but I won’t do it on purpose and I’ll always be there for you. Forever. Always. All the ways possible.”
“That’s a lot of always and forevers.”
“I’m serious. I know it’s fast, but I believe that with all my heart.”
“I feel it too.” She let out a breath. “I’ve never been this happy. I have a feeling I’ll be spending more time up this way.”
“Really? You just gave me the best Christmas present ever.” Tucker nodded. “This is great. I’ll come to Richmond too. It’ll work out.”
He reached over and put his hand on top of hers. They drove back to Orene’s in comfortable silence, sneaking occasional smiling glances, and he picked up her hand and kissed it.
She squeezed the kiss closed in her hand.
They got out of the truck.
“What’s that?” Sheila stopped tilting her head and leaning in to get a better listen.
Tucker paused. “It’s the church bells. They ring them at midnight on Christmas Eve.”
“It’s beautiful.”
He stopped and pulled her in front of him, hugging her. “It is.”
Orene walked outside. “Yes, they are ringing. It’s officially Christmas.” Natalie, Randy, Eli, Amanda, and Paul all walked outside and joined Orene on the porch. Tucker and Sheila walked hand in hand to join them.
“It’s so beautiful,” Sheila said.
“Merry Christmas, everyone.” Orene raised her hands in the air.
Words of merriment and joy were passed among them. Tucker chimed in glancing over at Sheila. “The Merriest Christmas I’ve had in a very long time.”
“I guess that means we get to open presents now,” Sheila said with delight.
Orene laughed. “Well, I guess that’s true.”
“Come on, y’all!” Sheila led the way, and everyone followed into the living room and gathered around Orene’s beautiful tinsel tree.
Sheila dove for the present wrapped in the pretty toile paper she’d brought for Orene. “Open mine first.”
Orene held the package in the air. “She tried to get me to open this on the thirteenth. I made her wait.”
“That was almost two weeks ago, which was pure torture for me.” Shelia sounded extremely dramatic about it, which Tucker found endearing.
“I shouldn’t be the first one,” Orene said. “Randy, why don’t you give Natalie hers?”
Randy shook his head. “You go first. Then Natalie can open hers from me.”
“Fine by me!” Orene ripped into that paper like a hungry beagle with a steak bone. “Oh my goodness!” She lifted the holiday teapot for everyone to see.
Sheila was tickled by Orene’s reaction.
