Page 141 of Beautiful Storm

“I didn’t know we had a rule to get home by midnight,” I say, raising an eyebrow even though she can’t see it, as she’s too busy focusing on the GPS on her phone.

“Yeah, well, I’m worried you’re going to turn back into a rat.”

“Excuse me? They. Were. Mice.”

Amelia struggles to stifle her laugh as she shakes her head. “Not the point. But I’d like to find as many trees as we can before midnight. Set ourselves a challenge to beat.”

“Next year might be more difficult with a little one in tow, but I like the idea.”

“Oh, don’t worry, you can wear Jelly Bean strapped to your chest. It will be easy.”

The way she speaks so nonchalantly about our future has my heart picking up speed. Barely a month ago, I was fighting her to let me in, and now I’m firmly planted there. In her head, in her decisions. In her future.

“Do you think—”

“There it is!” she exclaims as we turn the corner, finding Christmas tree number seven. At least, oversized Christmas tree number seven. There’ve been at least twenty smaller ones along the way. I’m sure Amelia knows the exact number.

“Wow. This one’s gorgeous,” she gushes as I step by her side, my eyes locked on her face, taking in her awed expression.

“As is my date,” I whisper before wrapping my arms around her and swaying to the music, watching the lights sparkle.

“Jelly Bean is going to love this tradition. Or any tradition,” Amelia says, turning her head to face me. “Thank you for planning this. I’ve had fun.”

“The night isn’t over yet.” I kiss her cheek and then spin her around to face me. “We have thirty minutes left of Christmas Eve, which is just enough time to get a hot chocolate and finish at the skating rink when the clock ticks over to Christmas Day.”

“Another great idea. We might pass some more trees on the way. We’re currently sitting at twenty-nine.”I knew she was keeping track of them all.“But as much as I like the idea of an ice skate, I should leave the skating until next year.”

“I wouldn’t let you on the ice if you tried,” I scold until she pouts, making me laugh.

“Come on—we better be quick before they close.

It’s well after midnight when we get home, having walked slowly back to the skating rink and spent some time enjoying our hot chocolates before leaving. But despite walking several miles in search of the trees, neither of us mentions going to bed. Instead we both gravitate toward the living room, getting comfortable on the couch.

“Because it’s already Christmas Day, we should exchange presents,” I say with an excitement building in my chest. “Unless you’ve changed your mind about spending it with my family?”

“I haven’t.” Her nose crinkles. “But maybe next year? With Bean.” I’ll take it. I’ll take any plans she has for me in the future because God knows I have a lot of plans for her. Some next year, some right now.

“Next year works for me. So presents?” I ask, hoping she’ll agree.

Amelia giggles when she registers my anticipation. “Sounds good. I’ll go and get yours.”

I follow her quietly as she disappears into Jelly Bean’s nursery—where she thought she’d secretly hidden my present—and listen as she gasps right on cue before rushing back out of the room, where I’m waiting.

“Luke. It’s… It’s perfect.”

While she was sleeping last night and late this morning, I filled the room with things for Bean. Before then, we had a crib and rocking chair. But now, there’s jungle-themed wallpaper, which took way longer than Amelia’s wall originally did—most likely due to my cockiness before I’d begun. I also bought us a stroller, a changing table, and more soft toys than you could ever need, including a small plush football with my number on it. There’s a bookshelf with hundreds of books for different ages and aBossBabyfilm poster mounted on the wall.

“How…When… I… I don’t know what to say.”

“You said it all when you said it was perfect.”

“When did you do this?”

“Last night. With some help.”

“While I was upstairs?”

“Yep.”

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