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“Is it time for gifts now?” Dani walked into the room, hot cocoa with whipped cream in hand, Iris trailing behind her.
Brynn needed to talk to Dani about her and Aaron’s relationship. She’d made it clear from the start this was just pretend, but then it had evolved into more. She had her daughter’s feelings to consider when making major life decisions. Not that she worried Dani would be upset, especially if she saw Aaron as her stepdad and not a temporary roommate.
“It’s alright with me.” Aaron gave her daughter an affectionate smile.
“Aaron, you have to open the gift from me and Mom first.” Dani grabbed for the package under the tree and Brynn’s stomach flipped as nerves tangled in her belly.
He was so good at giving such meaningful gifts. She hoped he liked what she got him.
He pulled his arm from her shoulders so he could accept the gift from Dani.
“What could it be, I wonder?” He shook the box gently.
“Aaron was terrible as a boy with gifts. He’d guess what I got him every single year. I don’t know how he did it.” Iris let out an exasperated sigh and shook her head as she smiled.
Aaron grinned. “I knew where you hid them, Ma.”
Her eyes widened. “You little hooligan!”
He chuckled and tore the wrapping paper open to reveal the cardboard box. “And the intrigue continues.” His deft fingers made quick work of opening the package, and he pulled out the T-shirt that Dani had chosen which read, “Best Step Dad” only “Step” was crossed out and underneath was printed, “Like a dad, only better.”
Aaron’s eyes grew glassy as they switched from the shirt to Dani. He dropped it in his lap and opened his arms to her. She moved closer and gave him a hug. Seeing the two of them together like that unlocked the last of her reservations. Here was a man who accepted her and her child from another man, and all the baggage that came with them. Aaron was truly perfect.
Perfection isn’t real.
She pushed away the thought. She wouldn’t have believed it either if she hadn’t seen it herself.
Because love is used to control and manipulate. No. That wasn’t true. Real love was honest. The affection Aaron had for them wasn’t about power, but joy.
“Okay, now see what Mom got you.” Dani pointed to the box in his lap.
“Alright.” Aaron reached in and pulled out the latest copy of the series he’d been reading in bed each night by his favorite author. Only this one wasn’t for sale yet.
His eyes widened. “How did you get this?”
“Pippa has connections. She helped me get a signed advanced copy for you.”
“I love it, and I love you.” He pulled her into a kiss.
“Okay, you two.” Iris sniffled. “You’re gonna make me cry.”
Brynn pulled away and beamed. “There’s one other gift in there.”
Reaching in, he pulled out the small silver heart keychain and cradled it in his hand, his eyes roaming over the inscription.
All of me.
His eyes met hers as she leaned in and whispered, “You have my friendship, my trust, and now my heart.” All of me. A symbol that he now held her heart in his capable hands.
He brushed her cheek with his hand and tucked her hair behind her ear, dragging his fingers over the sensitive spot there, sending a shiver through her—a promise of more later.
“I’ve never had a better gift. I promise to cherish it.” He hugged her and turned his head to whisper back, “And I hope you know you have all of me, too.”
She pulled back.
“Thank you, sunshine.” His eyes said so much more than his words, conscious of their audience.
“You’re—”
