Page 103 of Guarded from Danger

“It might have been a little over the budget we agreed on,” I admit. “But it just seemed so perfect. A week out in the Adirondacks in this cute little cabin, and there’s a yoga retreat nearby… And he told me how he went to the Adirondacks as a kid with his dad, and how much he loved it there. So…”

“He loved it,” Xavier repeats. “Trust me.”

“Do you think everyone liked their gifts?”

Because I couldn’t just settle for buying a present for just one person in my new extended family. Not for our very first Christmas together. Plus, my latest book release did really well, hitting number one in its category, so I figured, what better way to spend some of the profits?

“I know they did.” His hand strokes down my hair, lightly combing through the strands, and I sigh with pleasure at the sensation. “Did you likeyourpresents, Luce?”

“Of course! Everything was wonderful. And what you got me…” My throat goes thick. “I still can’t believe you built that without me noticing.”

“I worked on it while you were writing.” A flicker of uncertainty moves through his eyes. “Do you really like it? I know it’s not a traditional gift, like jewelry or a vacation.”

“Xavier.” Framing his face with my hands, I hold his gaze. “You built me a little house in the woods, just for my writing. I can’t think of anything more perfect. And that you made it yourself?—”

“Well, Matt and Dante helped?—”

I cut him off with a kiss. “I love it, Xavier. And I love you.”

“Oh, Luce.” Affection chases away the uncertainty. “I love you. Mrs. Stone.”

“Yes.” My chest swells with joy. “Mrs. Stone. I still love the sound of it.”

“That’s the best gift,” he says. “Having you as my wife.”

Awww.

“But the other gifts?” Glancing away from him, I look at the very large pile of presents under our twinkling tree. “Did you like those, too?”

“Of course I did. I do.” A boyish grin lifts his features, making him look decades younger. “And the train set. How did you know?”

“When we were in Houston that time, and we went past the toy store. You stared at that model train set… and I just knew.”

“I always wanted one,” he confesses. “One of my friends had one growing up, and I wished I had one, too.”

“Now you do.”

“Lucy.” He cups my cheek, looking at me with more love than words can say. “I never knew it was possible to feel this happy. This complete.”

Butterflies take flight in my belly. “I’ve never been happier, either.” As my heart beats faster, I add, “I have one more gift for you.”

His brows draw together in confusion. “Another gift?”

“This one… it’s a little different.” I hop off the couch and head over to the tree, where a small wrapped package is tucked all the way in the back. “It’s… well. You’ll see.”

Once I’m back beside him, I hand over the gift, adding, “I really hope you like this.”

Then I hold my breath.

We’ve talked about it.

But this isn’t just talk. It’s real.

Xavier tears off the paper with a small smile of anticipation. When he reveals the folded T-shirt, he glances at me with a silent question in his eyes.

“Open it,” I urge. “Then it’ll make sense.”

“Okay.”

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