Page 54 of Stealing Daddy's Heart

As if reading my thoughts, Garrett sets down the books he’s holding and crosses the room to me. He wraps his arms around me from behind, his lips brushing the top of my head.

“You know,” he murmurs, “I never thought I’d want this. Someone sharing my space.”

I smile, leaning back against him, feeling the gentle rise and fall of his breathing. “And now?”

“Now, I can’t imagine it any other way.” His eyes drift to the collection of knickknacks I’ve arranged on his bookshelf. “Even if it means my million-dollar sleek display case is now home to a glittery unicorn snow globe, a lava lamp shaped like a pickle, and… is that a singing fish plaque?”

I can’t help but giggle. “Don’t forget the rainbow-colored garden gnome wearing a bikini. He’s essential for good feng shui.”

Garrett’s chest rumbles with laughter against my back. “Of course. How could I have missed him? He ties the room together.”

“See? You’re learning already.” I turn in his arms and press a kiss to his jaw. “Your fancy man cave needed some whimsy.”

He shakes his head, but his eyes are warm. “Only you could make me love the chaos, Skylar. Only you.”

I return to unpacking a box of my clothes, sneaking glances at Garrett as he continues to rearrange his bookshelves to accommodate my collection.

Suddenly, Garrett pauses, a mischievous glint in his eye. “I almost forgot,” he says, reaching behind a stack of boxes. “I got you a little housewarming gift.”

My heart flutters with anticipation, quickly followed by a pang of anxiety. A gift? Was I supposed to get him something too? Oh no, I didn’t even think of it. What kind of girlfriend am I?

I try to keep my smile in place as he hands me a small, wrapped package, but inside, I’m berating myself. Way to go, Skylar.

He’s always so thoughtful, and you couldn’t even manage a simple gift. Typical.

Pushing down my self-doubt, I tear into the paper, gasping when I reveal a beautiful, handcrafted kaleidoscope. It's a riot of colors—blues, purples, and greens swirling together in an intricate pattern.

“It's beautiful!” Genuine joy momentarily overrides my anxiety.

I turn it over, admiring the craftsmanship, even as a small voice in my head whispers that I don't deserve such a thoughtful gift.

He grins, clearly pleased by my reaction. “Look inside,” he urges.

I lift the kaleidoscope to my eye, and a delighted laugh escapes me. The world transforms into a dazzling array of shapes and colors, shifting and changing with each slight movement.

“Oh my God, it's amazing!” I gush, spinning slowly to see how the patterns change with different views of the room. For a moment, I forget my worries, lost in the kaleidoscope's magic.

Garrett chuckles, watching me with undisguised affection. “I thought you'd like it. There's one more thing, though.”

He pulls out another, smaller box and hands it to me. My stomach twists with guilt. Two gifts? And I have nothing for him. I'm such a disappointment.

I reluctantly put down the kaleidoscope to open the box, revealing a stunning Bulgari necklace. The gems catch the light, sparkling brilliantly.

“Garrett,” I breathe, “it's gorgeous.” And way too much, a part of me thinks. I don't deserve this.

He beams, clearly proud of himself. Then an idea strikes me, and I can't resist. I pick up the kaleidoscope again and peer at the necklace through it.

The effect is magical. The gems transform into a galaxy of twinkling stars, shifting and dancing as I move the kaleidoscope.

“Oh, wow,” I gasp, momentarily forgetting my self-doubt. “Garrett, you have to see this!”

Garrett bursts into laughter, the sound warm and rich. “Only you, Skylar,” he says, shaking his head in amusement. “Only you would look at a fortune in jewels through a toy.”

I grin up at him, but inside, I'm cringing. Is he disappointed? Does he think I'm childish? But his eyes are warm and full of love, and I allow myself to relax a little.

“But it makes it even more beautiful! Look!” I hold the kaleidoscope up to his eye, and he humors me, taking a peek. His expression softens.

“You're right,” he admits, pulling me close. “It is pretty amazing.”

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