Page 120 of Mr. Devereaux

“Thank you, Alistair. It’s beautiful.”

My mum and sister coo over the bracelet as I secure it on her dainty wrist. It sparkles under the down lights and looks gorgeous on her. I also got her the matching earrings, but I had them wrapped separately so she had more things to open.

“I think we should eat and come back to the presents after,” Layne declares. She always wants delayed gratification by making present opening an all-day event.

“There’s like another hundred presents here,” I chuckle.

“And all that present opening makes a girl hungry,” Charlize chimes.

The girls will be cooking a roast for lunch, and I can’t wait to take Charlize out to the light show tonight. I know how much she loves looking at the Christmas lights and how happy it makes her.

Dad laughs. “I think you’re outmatched, son.”

I roll my eyes. “Of course I am.” I might grumble, but spending time with my family at Christmas is a Devereaux family tradition. No matter how busy we are, or what we’re doing, we always make time for Christmas. And I’m glad that Charlize has taken the family tradition on. It makes me all the more proud of her, especially considering her Christmases as a child weren’t anything to write home about.

When the family makes their way toward the kitchen, I pull Charlize in for a quick cuddle.

“I love my tie,” I tell her, rubbing her nose with mine.

“I have more for you.”

I grin. “I certainly hope so.” I press my lips to hers. “You look cute in your ridiculous jumpsuit.”

She wraps her arms around my neck. “It’s not ridiculous. And it’s a onesie.”

“You know you’re initiated now with the family, right? Whoever wears matching onesies is definitely never going to escape Layne and my mum.”

“Good.” She pecks me on the lips. “I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

We’re going to spend the new year in Seattle with Charlize’s friends and their partners. I like Lukas and Khristian a lot. We’re all around the same age and Lukas is also in advertising. So we’re not generally stuck for conversation.

We’ve only grown closer these last few months. In fact, it’s been blissful. I’ve loved every second of getting to know her and making her mine.

“I’m glad, because they’ll turf me out before they let anything happen to you.”

She smirks. “I guess I can’t help it that I’m sparkly.”

I pull her closer. “I guess you can’t.”

Nothing could ever be bright or sunny like my princess is.

She’s my world.

My everything.

“Do you know how sexy flannel pjs with flying Santas look on you?”

I sigh heavily. “I’m only wearing them because you agreed I’d get laid later.”

She giggles. “I did. I also think you should play bad Santa in those pjs.”

I bump her with my hips, my face turning serious. “Are you okay with today?”

Her eyes glitter as she looks up at me. “Are you kidding? I love your family. They’re so much fun.”

“Aside from Dad, he’s a bit of a stick in the mud.”

She snuggles closer. “Just like you.”

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