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They walked through the door lugging a ton of gifts and their overnight bags. It was tradition. They’d celebrate Christmas tonight, then wake up early and have a huge breakfast. Then head home.
Taryn shifted her bag and said, “It’s eerily quiet in here.”
“Mom!” Evan called.
A moment later his mother hurried downstairs and said, “Merry Christmas,” as she pulled them both into a simultaneous hug.
Taryn laughed and hugged her back, saying “Merry Christmas!”
He gave his mother a squeeze and said, “Merry Christmas, Mom.”
She pulled back and eyeballed the presents. Greed in her eyes, she asked, “So are either one of those mine?”
Evan laughed and said, “Not unless you’re interested in a new titanium putter or some children’s toys.”
His mother then turned to hone in on Taryn and asked, “Well?”
She winced and said, “Yes.”
“Probably for the best you didn’t even try to lie. Her radar is ridiculous,” Evan said.
“I’m also a crappy liar. That’s why I was so glad you didn’t guess your own gift. It would’ve been all over my face,” she said, a smile playing on her lips.
His mother gasped and said, “You gave it to him early! Did he nag you endlessly?”
“Yes,” Taryn said with a laugh. “Endlessly. But I was also afraid I would kill it before Christmas.”
She tilted h
er head and said, “Oh. You got him a plant?”
Taryn nodded.
“Not just a plant, Mom. A phragmipedium kovachii. It’s an orchid from Peru. There are only a couple people licensed to import them into the country. Not just a plant,” he said almost reverently.
“I’m sure your dad would have known what the heck you were talking about,” she said, “But I’m glad you’re happy with it, baby.”
He grinned and said, “Best gift ever,” as he pressed a kiss to the top of Taryn’s head.
His mother looked at Taryn and said, “And you, young lady. What did you get?”
“A Kitchen-Aid stand mixer. I can’t wait to start binge-buying all of the attachments!” she said, grinning.
“Clearly that was a winner, too, then,” she said. After a pause, she said, “You guys are too cute. Go put your stuff away and come sit in the kitchen. Have a cup of coffee before madness descends.”
His mother reached in and made a grab for the gift Taryn was holding. He watched in amusement as Taryn pulled it back with a grin and said, “No touching!”
When his mother made a pouty face, Taryn laughed and said, “I see where you get that look from, too, Evan.”
“Tree’s in the living room then,” she said, disappointment lacing her voice.
He laughed as he brought her upstairs. They stepped into his old room. It had long since been redecorated, but there was something so strange about the thought of sleeping in his childhood bedroom with Taryn.
She set her bags down and slid her arms around his waist. She peered up at him and asked, “What’s on your mind? You looked a little lost there for a second.”
“I had a strange sense of deja vu for a second there. It’s weird, us being here in my old childhood room.” He gave her a grin and said, “Especially considering what I’ve got planned for you later.”
She stretched up on her toes and pressed her mouth against his, then asked, “Oh really?”
