Page 74 of Merry Little Hate Notes

“Will it disappoint your mom that we left the party?” I wondered.

“Are you kidding me? This is the best gift we could give her. She helped me set it all up. She’s not half-bad as a wingman.”

“As long as she doesn’t make us do any more team-building exercises.”

“I think we’re safe.” Brandon chuckled.

I did feel safe. Very safe.

It didn’t take us long to traipse across the light layer of snow on the rolling golf course hills to reach our destination near a patch of stately pine trees. The snow on the tips of their branches made them look as if they’d been frosted with white buttercream.

“The trees should provide us with cover.” Brandon laid the second blanket out. It was one of those picnic blankets that prevented any moisture from seeping through. As soon as he was done, he helped me sit in the middle of it, where he joined me. I carefully took off my hollycrown before wrapping the blanket around my shoulders across both of us. I shivered from the cold and anticipation.

Brandon drew me to him, and I crawled onto his lap. Things were getting real cozy. In no time, he had me warm enough that my shivering ceased.

I rested my head on his shoulder and took a moment to gaze at the twinkling stars and wispy white clouds against the blackened sky. It was the longest night of the year, and for that I was glad, as I never wanted it to end.

“It’s present time,” Brandon announced.

This was present enough for me, but I admit to being eager to see what he’d gotten me.

Brandon masterfully maneuvered us so he could keep me on his lap but still reach for the duffel bag. “First off, we have matching Christmas pajamas.”

I giggled as he pulled out two hooded fleece onesies patterned with Christmas trees. “Oh my gosh, where did you find those?”

“You have to look long and hard for adult pajamas that are this ridiculous, but you’re worth it.”

I reached out for both of them. As silly as they were, they were super soft. “Are you saying we should spend the night together?” I asked coyly.

“That’s exactly what I’m saying. Come Christmas Eve, we’re wearing these bad boys underneath the tree.”

Oh, baby. My Christmas dreams just came true.

“Up next, two-thirds of a stack of sticky notes.” Brandon pulled out a stack of only pink and orange sticky notes. It was obvious he’d taken the bright-blue ones for himself like he always had. “I can’t have you writing me notes on those merry little sticky notes anymore.”

I took them and sighed into his chest. He was the best boyfriend ever. “I can’t wait to use these.”

“Me too.” He kissed my head. “But just when you thought I couldn’t get any more romantic . . .” He pulled what looked like a rolled-up poster out of the bag.

“If you got me a Zac Efron poster, I might have to insist we elope right now.”

“Well, damn. Why didn’t I think of that? I hope this doesn’t disappoint you.” I knew it wouldn’t, but he sounded awfully disappointed we wouldn’t be eloping. It got me to thinking. I knew I would marry Brandon someday, but first, I needed to live life out on my own—or you know, with Carmen. Obviously, he would still be my Chandler.

“It won’t disappoint me. I promise.”

“All right.” He unfurled the poster to reveal a star chart. But not just any star chart. Written in the corner was the most beautiful phrase.The day Holly came into my life.

“Brandon,” I cried, not having words to say how I felt. Other than,Let’s get married right now.But I knew that day would have to wait. “That’s way better than Zac Efron. Thank you.”

Brandon set the chart aside and adjusted me in his arms until our gazes met. “Holly, the day you came into my life changed it forever. I’m sorry it took me so long to be able to tell you. I felt like I had to choose between Christian and you. But that’s not an excuse for hurting you. I hope you can forgive me.”

My dad was right: Hate destroys. It had done enough damage to my life, and I wouldn’t let it take anything else. “I forgive you. Just promise me I won’t wake up tomorrow and find out that this was all a dare.”

“It is a dare. I’ve been daring myself to do this for years.”

Whoa. Did he know how to steal my breath away. “Well, if that’s the case, I dare you to kiss me now.”

“Done.”

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