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“Okay.” Please let it not be a bunch of people.
Cash stands and holds out a hand to me. “Don’t look so nervous, Ari. I think you’ll like it.”
As we walk down the stairs, I run through various possibilities in my head. An impromptucheer Ari up after she finds out she’s the target of a killerparty? Did he attempt to make a fancy dinner? Order something from one of our favorite restaurants?
Just before we get to the living room, Cash stops. “Close your eyes.”
A flock of birds takes flight in my stomach. “How about a hint?”
“No.” His voice firms. “Close your eyes.”
So I obediently shut my eyes and let Cash lead me into the living room. I cast my senses about, trying to get some kind of clue about the surprise. The room is quiet, except for the crackling of flames in the fireplace. No strong aromas of food—no pungent garlic, savory sauces—just a faint scent of pine.
Cash walks me a few more steps and says, “Okay, open.”
It takes me a moment to take in what I’m seeing.
Beside the fireplace sits a tall spruce, lush and full, ready for trimming. On the floor in front of it are dozens of boxes filled with ornaments. Strands of lights are coiled beside them, enough to wrap the tree three times over.
One of the couches is covered with an array of Christmas decor—a trio of carved wooden snowmen, sleek metal reindeer with red bows around their necks, a stack of red and green pillows, candle holders, even a duo of adorable gnomes with giant beards and tall hats.
Then there’s the coffee table overflowingwith cookies—gingerbread, spritz, frosted trees and candy canes, enough to feed everyone at the station for days. Alongside the cookies is a pitcher of something that looks like eggnog, two filled glasses next to it.
“Oh, I almost forgot.” Cash pulls out his phone and taps it a few times. Classical Christmas music starts playing, and he grins at me. “Didn’t want to give away the surprise too early.”
“Cash…” I keep looking at everything. There’s so much, and it’s all so beautiful.
“I thought we could decorate the tree tonight.” Cash squeezes my hand as he looks down at me. “If you want. I just…” His eyes flicker with uncertainty. “I thought it could be a good memory for us.”
“Where did it all come from?”
“Well. Originally, I thought we’d go to buy everything, but then I had the idea for tonight instead.” Cash hesitates before continuing. “I called the store in town that sells all this stuff, and I just asked for one of everything. But we don’t have to use it all, whatever you don’t like, we can return or donate.”
“Is that okay, Ari? Did I mess up by buying all this?” His expression is shifting to worry, and I realize I still haven’t told him how incredible this is.
“No,” I rush to tell him. “You didn’t mess up. I’m just taking it all in. All the ornaments, and the decorations, and the cookies—it’s a total surprise, and I loveit.”
“Oh, good.” Cash lets out a heavy sigh of relief. “It’s not too much?”
“It’s amazing.” Still holding his hand, I tow him along with me as I approach the tree and ornaments. There are hundredsof them, delicate glass-blown bulbs, cute little fuzzy mouse creatures, waving Santas and crystal snowflakes.
Cash stoops, plucking one box from the rest. “This one is special. I bought it a while ago.” He hands it to me with the cutest expression, shyly hopeful, his cheeks flushing a little. “Maybe it’s silly…”
When I look inside the box, tears spring to my eyes. But for once, they’re happy tears.
It’s an ornament with a photo of us from high school. And below it, an engraving.
Love Always.
“Oh, Cash.”
His voice goes rough. “It’s true. Even when I didn’t realize it. I’ve always loved you.” His brow creases. “You’recrying.”
“Happy tears,” I assure him. “I love it, Cash. And I love you. This is perfect.”
Chapter 20
CASH
