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“I want to say you don’t have to because I feel like that’s what I should say, but truthfully, I think it would make me feel a lot better to know. I hate feeling out of the loop. I want you to be able to tell me everything, always.”
“Then it’s settled.” He tips my chin upward.
“Settled,” I agree.
“Now, are you ready for your present?” A smile spreads across his handsome face.
“You sure you still want to give it to me?” I tease. “And, it’s not even Christmas yet.”
“When I was a kid, my dad would always give my mom her present on Christmas Eve after we had gone to bed. It was for no other reason than he wanted to share one quiet moment with the woman he loved. To show her that she wasn’t just ‘mom’ but also his wife. I think it made her feel special. It was one of the rarer times that my father’s softer side would appear. I found out a couple years ago he still does it, even though they live alone now. I guess I would like to honor them by taking that part of my childhood and carrying it over.”
“I think that sounds amazing.” I take his hand and allow him to pull me into the living room.
Stopping in front of the small pre-lit tree I brought with me from the condo, Hudson gestures for me to take a seat on the floor. Without a word, I slide down onto the hardwood, tucking my legs underneath myself as he joins me on the floor.
Reaching under the tree, he slides the tree skirt to the side revealing a small square gift box the size of a drink coaster. Picking it up, he shifts his body to face me.
“Merry Christmas, Lennon.” He grins, turning my palm upward before setting the small package in my hand.
With shaky hands I undo the ribbon before ripping open the wrapping paper and tossing it to the side. Slowly lifting the top off the box, my gaze meets Hudson’s for a brief moment before looking back down. My breath catches in my throat when I catch sight of the incredible bracelet inside.
Upon first glance it’s clear it’s not just any bracelet either. Looping my finger through the thin white gold band, I hold it up to get a better look at it.
“Hudson.” His name is breathy on my lips as I take in the four different charms that dangle from the band, each one small enough to not be too gaudy yet still perfectly detailed.
A sea shell.
A guitar.
A heart with the letters H&L engraved into it.
And a tiny bottle of tequila.
“You can add to it,” he says, sliding the band from my hand before unclasping it.
“It’s beautiful,” I say, watching him wrap the thin bracelet around my wrist.
“The sea shell represents the beach,” he says, connecting the clasp. “The guitar is for me.” He grins, trailing his finger lightly from charm to charm. “The heart signifies our love. And the tequila, well, I thought that would be pretty obvious.” He chuckles, finally meeting my gaze.
“This seriously is the best present anyone has ever gotten me.”
“I’m glad you like it.” He lifts my hand and kisses my wrist just below where the bracelet lies.
“I don’t just like it, I love it. Now, can I give you your gift?” I ask, suddenly a little nervous. At the time I thought what I got him would be perfect but now I’m wishing I had gotten him something a little more tangible.
“Sure.” He smiles, watching me climb to my feet.
“Stay here,” I instruct him, padding across the floor to our bedroom.
I spent days trying to find Hudson the perfect gift. What do you get someone who has the means to buy whatever he wants? So, when I walked by the lingerie store in the mall and saw this red, see through, bra and panty set lined with white fur, I couldn’t pass it up.
It takes me a couple minutes to get myself situated. Nervous butterflies flap wildly in my stomach when I re-enter the living room, the floor cool beneath my bare feet.
Any reservations I had about Hudson liking his gift go completely out the window when he catches sight of me. His nostrils flare and his eyes instantly darken. It’s only seconds before he’s off the floor and stalking toward me.
Needless to say he enjoyed his present very much, even though it ended up on the floor ten minutes later.
