Page 13 of Evidence of a Folktale

“I still should’ve thought of something.”

“Next year.” He set the pitbull down, and Cerberus ran off down the drive to do his business. “And I forgot to get Baby Beast a present, so I’mslacking. You’ve done a much better job this Christmas than me.”

“He’ll forgive you.” Bel wrapped her arms around his neck, trying to play it cool. She didn’t want him to noticeshe’d woken in a panic. She was embarrassed enough by her reaction as it was. He’d given her his word. They were in this together, and he’d merely left to buy her a gift. “So, what did you get me?” She smiledat him, and he tossed his head over his shoulder as he hugged her waist.

“Wait…” Bel gently shoved him away as she realized what he meant. “The SUV?”

“I returned your rental.” Eamon crossed his arms over his chest. “It was a cheap ride, and you need something safer.

“You got me a car?” Bel gawked at the gorgeous vehicle… theveryexpensive,gorgeousvehicle.

“Blaubart totaled your car when he used the body double to fake your death,” he said. “It’s winter, and with snow coming, you need reliable transportation. You also need something big enough to cart Cerberus between our houses, since you won’t live with me. He’ll like the SUV better than your coupe.”

“You got me a car?” she repeated.

“I know it’s not romantic like heels or jewelry, but you need a safe vehicle. I don’t want you driving around in some piece of trash because some lunatic totaled your car. SUVs are pricy, so this seemed like a perfect gift.”

“Yes, they are pricy, Eamon.” She glared at him. “We talked about this. I’m uncomfortable with excessive gifts. An occasional dress is one thing, but this costs far more than an outfit. I can’t accept this… especially this model. I appreciate the thought, but the rental was enough until I figured it out.”

“See, that’s where I gotyou.” Eamon smirked, his expression entirely too pleased with himself. “You can accept it because it wasn’t expensive.In fact,it cost me nothing.”

“Nothing?” She gawked at the luxury SUV. “What do you mean?”

“It’s one of my cars,” he said. “I drove to the garage to pull it out of storage because I know you. A brand-new car would make you uncomfortable, but if you take this, you’llactuallybe saving me money since I won’t have to pay to park it anymore.”

“Oh, you’re good.” Bel laughed.

“I’m aware.” He handed her the keys and nodded for her to check it out. “I worked with a client a few years ago who lived upstate in the dead of winter,” he said as she climbed into the driver’s seat. “I wanted something reliable in the snow, so I bought this, but I had no use for it when I returned to the city. It’s been in the garage ever since.”

“It gets cold here in Bajka. Won’t you need it?”

“I have my car, my old work truck, and the new truck,” he said as he settled into the passenger seat. “Trucks are best for renovations, and they handle snow well, so I don’t need this. I was considering selling it, but I’d rather you have it. I feel safer knowing you’re driving something reliable. So, in reality, you accepting this gift is for my benefit.”

“Oh, you’rereally good.” Bel slipped the key into the ignition, grinning as the engine purredto life.

“Good enough to convince you to accept this?” Eamon leaned over the center console.

“I have to test drive it first, obviously,” she teased. “Cerberus! Come on, buddy. Wanna go for a ride?”

The pitbull came charging, and she helped him into the backseat before slipping into the front. She wasted no time throwing the vehicle into drive, and with a smile at Eamon, she slammed on the gas. The SUV launched forward, and for the next ten minutes, Bel sped through the expansive Reale Estate.

“You canreallyhandle a car.” Eamon beamed when they finally skidded to a halt a few miles from the mansion. “It’s unreasonably sexy. Why do I always drive when we’re together?”

“Driving a squad car in New York City taught me a thing or two.” She shifted the gear stick to park and leaned against the headrest with electricity running through her veins. “You’re still a better driver than me, but I can handle a car. Especially one this nice.” She ran her fingers over the steering wheel. “Do me a favor. Never tell me how much this costs. I love it, but I’d never be able to afford something this beautiful.”

“So I’ll just buy myself another when this breaks down.”

“Eamon…”

“Isobel…” He furrowed his brow at her. “This SUV should last you years. By the time you need a replacement, we won’t be having these conversations because what’s mine will be yours.”

“What’s yours is mine?” Bel’s smile fell. “I panicked this morning when you weren’t in bed. I knew you wouldn’t do something so cruel, but I couldn’t help it. It made me nervous,” she admitted. “I’m not saying this to make you feel guilty… I guess I just wanted you to know.”

“I’m sorry.” Eamon reached across the console and gripped her thigh. “The idea struck well after midnight, but I didn’t want to wake you, so I snuck out. I was rushing to return before you woke up so I could surprise you.”

“It’s a lovely surprise, and it’s a gift Ireallyneed.” She slid her palm over his knuckles. “It’s justwhen you say what’s yours is mine, I want to look forward to that. I don’t want to worry about you abandoning me.”

“I would never abandon you,” Eamon said. “But seeing you dead did something to me. I’ll never forget the image. I’ll never forget that pain, so I didn’t suggest leaving to scare you or make you feel inadequate. Something broke inside me when I saw your death on the news. It’ll take time for that wound to heal. Even now, seeing you alive, feeling your warmth below my palms, hearing yourheart beatand your lungs breathe, all I can see are your vacant eyes staring up at me from the slab in the morgue. I have to force myself to believe you didn’t die in that car accident. It’s partially why I left in the middle of the night. I couldn’t sleep. I just kept watching you to make sure your chest was moving.”

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