Page 173 of Miami Ice

Beckham carefully slips the jersey over my head. I wince a bit as I lift my arms because of my ribs and sore back, but as soon as I feel the jersey fall over me, my heart swells.

I’m wearing his name on my back.

And I will forever.

“I like the way that looks on you,” Beckham says softly.

“Does it make you feral?” I tease.

He smirks. “All feral thoughts are in check until you’re healed. Only then will I go feral.” Beckham hands me another box. “Two more things for you to open. This one is next.”

This box is heavier, and when I unwrap it, I squeal in delight. Because I have received a collection of Jo Malone holiday candles. A dream gift! I look at all the scents: Roasted Chestnut, Frosted Cherry and Clove, and Pomegranate Noir.

“Beckham! This is perfect, I love it!” I say happily.

“I was shopping in Las Vegas when we were on the road, and it looked like you,” Beckham says, smiling at me.

“It’s totally me and I love it. Thank you so much. We’re going to burn these all through January, by the way.”

“I would be disappointed if you didn’t. Okay, final present,” he says, handing me a small, flat box.

I slide of the ribbon and loosen the paper. Once I have that off, I find a velvet box. I open it and gasp at what I find inside.

There are two friendship bracelets—which I know Beckham made—but in the middle is a glittering diamond bracelet with the initials “G&C” in the center.

“Oh, Beckham,” I gasp, my eyes filling with tears.

“The G&C is for Grumpy and Cupcake,” he explains softly.

I swear my heart is going to burst. The first friendship bracelet says, “Love Story.” The other friendship bracelet says, “The Alchemy.”

Two of my favorite love songs by Taylor Swift.

“I love them so much,” I say, touched by how much thought he put into this. “I’m going to put them on now.”

“Go on. I’d love to see how they look on you.”

I slide one friendship bracelet on, then follow it with the glittering diamond bracelet. I suck in a breath. I never ever imagined owning anything like this in my life. “It’s beautiful,” I say, staring down at it.

“I’m glad you like it,” Beckham says.

I slide the last friendship bracelet on, and my heart is so full, I think it’s going to burst.

Beckham opens his presents next, tearing through the paper like a little kid. I gave him a leather wireless charging station where he can put down his headphones, phone, or smart watch and charge them—and it has an area where he can put his sunglasses, bracelets, and things like that as a storage holder. He thinks it’s great and loves it. I also got him a pair of black Lululemon jersey joggers and a white jersey T-shirt for something he can relax in around the house.

“Now it’s time for the last one,” I say eagerly.

Beckham picks up a box and tears off the paper, tossing it aside. Then he opens the box, and I hold my breath while he lifts off the tissue paper and picks up the framed piece of art inside.I watch as he studies it, reading the wording underneath the picture of stars at night.

“It’s a star map of Miami Beach from the night we met,” I say softly.

Underneath the map it says, “Georgie & Beckham. The night the stars aligned,” with the date and time of our first meeting at the Hotel Fredrico.

Beckham is silent for a moment. To my surprise, he swallows hard before speaking. “Georgie, I love this,” he says, his voice a bit rough. “Thank you.”

Then he leans over and kisses me. “I love you,” he murmurs against my lips.

“I love you, too.” Then I lift my head. “So, what’s for dessert?”

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