Page 109 of Trusting Tanner
“Alexander.” His mom frowned. “I hope you bought her a real gift in addition to that awful fake one.”
Xander kissed his mom on the cheek. “Don’t worry, I did.”
“Here, this one’s from me.” Tanner held out a thin, flat box.
It was feather light. She smiled and gently tore into the wrapping paper. She lifted the lid and inside was a single sheet of paper—a glossy advertisement that showcased the lamp she’d admired at the furniture store. She ran her fingers over the picture and looked up, wide eyed. “Tanner…this is…” It was too much. She knew the hefty price tag on this lamp. “I can’t believe you remembered.”
He grinned. “Of course I did. I have delivery scheduled for after the first of the year, once we’re back on campus. But if that doesn’t work for you, I’m sure you can call them and set something else up.”
“Wow. Thank you so much. I love it.”
He let out a breath, almost like he was worried she wouldn’t like his gift. How could she not? The day they spent furniture shopping rushed through her mind, like it had so many times before, warming her heart. Every moment she’d spent with Tanner was special to her, but that day was her favorite.
The morning was filled with the exchange of gifts, laughter, squeals of excitement, and even a few tears when Mrs. Collins opened the professional photo of the three boys. It was a stunning picture. During one of their shopping trips, Tanner and Xander had helped her pick out gifts for their parents, and they were well received. Thankfully.
When all the presents were unwrapped and the colorful paper covered the floor, Juliana stood and moved out of the way. She planned to help clean up, but for the moment she was enjoying watching everyone. They had an amazing way of interacting, and there was no doubt they were a close-knit family who loved one another very much.
A sense of ease filled her. This is what a family was supposed to be. This is what her family had been before her parents died.
Tanner came over and stood beside her. “This is my other gift to you.”
“What is?” She didn’t see him holding anything.
“That.” He nodded toward the living room where his two brothers were wadding up paper and tossing it at each other, occasionally hitting their parents with it, too. “I know the one thing you want more than anything else is a family. So that’s my gift to you. My family is your family, Jules.” She opened her mouth to speak, but he held up his hand to silence her. “Whether we’re together or not, it doesn’t matter. My parents love you. My brothers love you. I love you.”
She swore her heart stopped. This was her chance. She could tell him she loved him, too, that she missed him and wanted to be with him, but before she had the chance, he was speaking again.
“You’ll always be welcome here. No matter what.”
She wanted this. All of it. And she wanted it with Tanner. It was a want so severe, so ingrained in every nerve of her body, she couldn’t shake it. All she had to do was tell him. Tell him how much she loved him, how badly she missed him, how she wanted to move past all the hurt to have a future with him.
A small whimper escaped, and she clamped her lips shut to stop another one. Tears burned her eyes, and she fought to keep them at bay, but it was a losing battle. The first tear slid down her cheek, and she hastily wiped it away. She turned to look at him, and he gave her a sexy, boyish smile that never failed to make her knees weak and her heart race. Her gaze landed on his dimple then lowered to his mouth. She licked her lips, her eyes gravitating back up to his; that familiar desire burned bright in them.
“No crying allowed.” He nudged her shoulder with his. “This is supposed to be a happy day.”
She swallowed the lump in her throat. “Don’t worry. These are happy tears.” She placed a kiss to his cheek, lingering much longer than necessary. His skin was soft and warm beneath her lips.
He slid his arm around her waist and hugged her, his mouth near her ear. “Merry Christmas, Jules.”
Chapter Forty
Juliana had been unusually quiet through dinner and during their annual viewing ofA Christmas Story. She sat in the family room, watching Ryder and Xander play the new video game they’d gotten. And Tanner watched her. She had yet to talk to him even though she said she wanted to, and impatience thrummed inside of him.
She glanced in his direction and smiled. Having her here with him and his family for Christmas was the best gift he could’ve asked for. She stood and walked up to him, taking his hand and lacing their fingers. “I’ve got something for you.”
He grinned. “Oh yeah?”
“Yeah, but it’s something I have to give you in private. Can we go upstairs?”
He raised a brow. “Well then. Are you sure you want to give methatkind of gift with my parents and brothers in the house?”
She nudged him and laughed. “It’s not that kind of gift.”
“Damn.” Winking, he tugged on her hand. “Come on.” He led her up to his room and closed the door. Nervous anticipation thickened his veins and made it hard for him to take a deep breath. Was she finally going to tell him what was going on?
She had her hands clasped in front of her, twisting them. Then she sat on his bed. Hard lust punched him in the gut at the sight of her in his room. On his bed. She patted the spot next to her. “Sit with me?”
On the bed? Together? That couldn’t possibly lead to trouble. He sat down next to her. “You’re starting to scare me. What’s going on?”
