Page 83 of Here Comes Santa Paws

I shrugged as I returned to my seat. “I always like to be prepared.”

I saw a glimpse of little Roman as he eagerly ripped the ribbon off and unwrapped the smaller box. He let out a sharp laugh when he removed the lid. I smiled innocently at him.

“Bit presumptuous, don’t you think?” Roman pulled the royal-blue collar with a bone-shaped tag hanging off it that had Carol stamped on one side and Roman’s name and phone number on the other.

“I’m good at my job and can tell when someone’s ready to adopt.”

He shook his head and opened the second box. All trace of teasing left as he stared inside. A small, pleased smile played on his lips. “It’s perfect.” He locked eyes with mine. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

He pulled the salt-dough ornament with Carol’s pawprint from the box and let it dangle from his finger. I’d chosen a royal-blue glitter to match the collar. Nothing too festive.

“You really went all-in on me adopting the dog, huh?”

“I had a backup gift.”

“Oh yeah? What was that?”

I grinned. “Guess you’ll have to find out next year.”

Roman carefully set the gifts on the coffee table and stood, dropping a kiss on the top of my head as he passed en route to the tree. He retrieved a gift bag and brought it to me.

“Merry Christmas.”

“Thanks.”

I had no chill as I yanked the tissue paper out to reveal a picture frame. It was the gaudiest, tackiest, most festive candy cane-covered thing I’d ever seen. It was perfect, and the photo inside was even better. A picture of me, Roman, Gramps, Nancy, and our furry clan with Santa. The photo and frame exuded the kind of festive chaos that spoke to me on a spiritual level. Krampus trying to scramble out of my arms, Carol looking like she was sleeping, Tinsel’s tongue millimeters away from Gramps’s face, and Roman staring at me with one of his private smiles. A tear splashed on the frame’s glass.

“It’s perfect. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Gramps and Nancy shared a look and soon made their excuses to leave, but I made them wait while I packed leftovers. I didn’t want them to go, but I was also ready to be alone with Roman.

I cracked a bottle of wine, and we snuggled on the couch, admiring the twinkling tree. I was, anyway. I didn’t expect Roman to love Christmas all of a sudden.

“This was a great Christmas,” I said.

“I’m glad you’re happy.”

I turned toward him and puckered my lips. He kissed me without hesitation.

“I couldn’t be happier.” I dropped my head on his shoulder. “You’re sure you’re okay with turning down that job?”

He was silent for a moment. I didn’t panic though. I’d learned that sometimes he needed to gather his thoughts. “I am.There’s freedom in breaking the cycle of moving. Staying in one place is a new adventure.”

“I like the sound of that. Is there any chance you can get a promotion at work?”

“I don’t know, but I’m going to talk to my boss about it.” He groaned. “Anisha is going to be insufferably smug.”

I shifted to straddle his lap. “Thanks for taking a chance on us.”

Roman hooked my waist in his arms and pulled me close. “Thanks for taking a chance on me.”

I melted into his kiss. I wasn’t sure how much time passed as we made out like horny teenagers on the couch, but when two dogs tried to wiggle between us for cuddles, it was time to take this show on the road.

I raced Roman to the bedroom, which wasn’t the wisest idea because it excited the dogs, and they beat me there.

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