Page 68 of The History Between Us

A thick layer of nerves coats my stomach as I take the bag stuffed with light blue and white tissue paper. The idea of William putting this together sends a rush of dopamine through my veins. I can’t explain it.

“It’s nothing fancy,” he warns. “I’m not the greatest gift giver, but I saw it and thought of you.”

Plucking out the tissue paper, I place them on the coffeetable in front of us, peeking inside the bag at the baseball cap sitting inside. A smile tugs at my lips as I pull it out. It’s all black except for a circle shaded like a sunset with a bull rider on the front.Rodeo Legendis scrawled underneath.

When I glance up at William, he’s wearing a nervous grin. “I’ve been meaning to get a new hat, and this is perfect. Thank you.”

“It’s not much, but?—”

“Stop.” I chuckle. “It’s exactly what I need, and I love it.”

The idea of William shopping for me, then picking out something he likes that he also thinks I will like fills me with such pride and glee.

“I got you one other gift,” he murmurs as he pulls an envelope out of his pocket, handing it to me, a boyish grin on his face.

My stomach does a somersault as I open it up, pulling out the contents inside. As I take in what it is, my eyes widen. “No way!”

William chuckles. “I checked the rodeo schedule, and it works out perfectly. The venue is only about an hour from the location you’ll be in.”

“This is perfect.” Glancing up at him, I can’t help the wide smile on my face. He got me VIP tickets to one of the biggest country music festivals around here. “I love every single artist performing here. Thank you, William.”

“You’re welcome.”

“You’re going to be able to get time off of work, right?” I ask, wanting to make sure he can come with me.

“You don’t want to go with one of your friends?” he asks.

“Hell no.” I snort. “You’re coming with me, Doc.”

He breathes out a laugh. “Then yes, I can get time off work.”

Placing the hat on my head flipped around, I set the bagand the envelope on the table, grabbing the other gift bag, and handing it to William.

“Okay, so this is technically for you, your dad, and for Winnie.” I chuckle already, beyond excited for him to open this. “You may think it’s dumb or silly.”

Eyeing me warily, he pulls out the red tissue paper, placing it beside the others on the table. With a peek in the bag, his shoulders shake with laughter. “You’re joking.”

“Oh, come on. They’re cute, right?” I chuckle as he pulls out the pajamas I got for all three of them with sweet Winnie’s face all over. “You guys will all match!”

“Oh, just what I’ve always wanted,” he says, while trying to hide a bright smile.

“Your dad gave me your sizes.”

“Of course, he did.”

“Grady can take family photos,” I suggest, which wins me a scowl. Rising off the couch, I pad down the hall, opening the closet, pulling out one last wrapped gift. “Okay, I got you one more thing. This one’s just for you.”

William’s gaze dips to the large, wrapped square in my hand, his eyes lifting to meet mine, an unreadable expression floating between them. I hand it to him, sitting down beside him as I watch as he tears the paper bit by bit, almost reluctantly, before revealing the twenty by twenty-four inch frame. His jaw tightens as his eyes get glossy, his gaze jumping to mine.

“Where did you get this?” His voice is hoarse.

My lips quirk. “Guess.”

Breathing out a laugh, he deadpans, “My father.”

I nod. “I noticed you don’t have any family pictures around your house, and he showed me this one of the three of you after your graduation from med school. I asked if I could borrow itto blow it up for you.”

“Colt…” His throat rolls on a swallow. “This is… I don’t even know what to say. I didn’t even know this picture existed. Thank you.”

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