Page 44 of Promised Love

To: lukasspencer

Hi, Lukas,

I hope you’re doing well. I was reading an article on the strenuous training one has to undergo to become a Navy SEAL. I don’t know how you did it! I struggle to keep up my simple routine of running around the block four days a week.

Our town is organizing the annual care package drive and I was wondering if I could send you something. Would it be okay? If so, can you provide me an address where I can ship a care package?

And if you want something specific, let me know. Maybe a favorite Christmas cookie?

~ Autumn

From: lukasspencer

To: autumnthefallqueen

Hi, Autumn,

The most important thing about exercise is consistency. Whatever you do, do it regularly.

To be honest, I haven’t received a care package ever, so… if you want to send me one, I’m not going to refuse.

I’ve got no special requests or a favorite cookie. Whatever you send should be good.

- Lukas

When I received the email from Autumn around a month back, I didn’t expect to receive this huge box.

But sitting on my bed is a green cardboard box with a design of red-and-white candy canes all over it. The brown shipping paper I just unwrapped lies on its side.

My hands fucking shake as I carefully remove the clear tape she used to close the lid. For a second, I just look at the colorful assortment clearly arranged with great care and attention. My heart hammers when I grab the letter she’s slipped to the side.

Her handwritten words in black ink on pink pastel paper look so different than her emails.

This feels personal.

Dear Lukas,

I really hope you enjoy your FIRST EVER care package. I can’t believe I’m the one sending you this.

I browsed a lot through Pinterest and other websites, and I’ve tried to include a bit of everything they suggested to send your spouse, boyfriend, or brother.

I’m sorry if I went a bit overboard, but this is my FIRST EVER care package too. :)

Happy Holidays, Lukas!

From,

Your Family.

I read her letter once again.

How did she manage to rock my heart with so few words?

My fingers glide over the word “family.” The flowing Y and the heart over the I.

Now I understand why my friends get so emotional opening their care packages.

I put the letter aside and pick up a glass jar. It’s also Christmas themed, with white-painted snow dots, reindeer, and candy canes littered all around. When I open the mason jar, the smell of coconut and sugar hit my nose. Under the jar is a small golden butterfly with www.thebutterflyinn.com written in tiny black letters.

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