Page 34 of A Bridge to a Troll's Heart
They burned so fiercely Arlo knew they must be deep purple.
“You’re welcome, dear. Let’s go downstairs so you can show Toby. He will be thrilled for you.”
Arlo couldn’t wait to share his news, but he wanted Toby to himself so he could tell his mate before the others found out. “I think I’ll put the ring in my pocket until I have a chance to be alone with him.”
“Good idea. You make him very happy, you know.”
“I hope so. He certainly makes me very happy.”
“That’s how it should be.”
They left the bedroom. Arlo helped Gran back down the stairs.
At the bottom, she dismissed him. “Toby will be in the kitchen. Off you go.”
Arlo grinned and did as he was told.
CHAPTER12
Christmas Eve
Toby
The snow had stopped falling,leaving Red Elk Village covered in a glittering blanket of white. Toby and Arlo left the big house to be alone together in the quiet twilight of dusk. Arlo carried the giant rucksack he’d been tight-lipped over when Toby had asked about it.
As they followed the little creek toward his cottage, Toby’s stomach tied itself in knots, worried as he was Arlo might not like his gift. But he’d know soon enough because they were almost there.
“I can’t wait any longer.” Arlo reached into his pocket. “I have to show you what Gran gave me today.”
Toby grinned at the overly merry expression on the troll’s face. Arlo’s happiness was contagious despite Toby’s fretting. “What did she give you?”
Arlo hid the gift from view as he fiddled it between his fingers. Then Toby got the first glimpse. A silver ring. Arlo extended his hand. Not any silver ring, Toby’s grandpa’s ring with the running wolves carved into the sides. His grin broadened. That Gran, what a clever woman. What a perfect gift for a troll who longed to be part of a family. At least if Arlo didn’t like the new, tiny bridge Toby had built, he would still be thrilled about the ring.
Toby lifted his gaze from the jewelry to Arlo’s eyes. A vulnerable expression lurked there. “The family ring suits you very well, Arlo.”
Arlo exhaled, his shoulders relaxing with the movement. “You don’t mind?”
“Oh goodness, no. I think it’s a wonderful idea. I like seeing our pack’s ring on your finger. You were one of us without it, of course, but you look quite official now.”
Arlo beamed. “I could’ve cried when she gave it to me. I’m glad I didn’t embarrass myself.”
Toby held Arlo’s hand in both of his own. “Crying is not shameful. You can always cry if you need to.”
“Maybe next time I will.”
The creek gurgled beside them, its water not yet frozen. By the new year, ice would form in all its crackled glory. Arlo’s hand warmed Toby’s as they walked, side by side, along the little path to his home.
“I have a gift for you as well,” said Toby, voice shaky with nerves.
“And I have one for you, though I’m afraid you might not like it,” Arlo rumbled in his low baritone. His voice, along with the sentiment, eased Toby’s mind.
“Funny, I feel the same way.” A grin broke through as Toby met Arlo’s gaze. “Mine first, please, as I have no choice but to show you right away or turn back.”
Arlo squeezed his hand. “I’m sure I’ll love it.”
Toby took a deep breath. “Look up ahead, then. Just over the creek and right in front of my house.”
When Arlo had been to Toby’s cottage before, he’d rolled his eyes at crossing the fallen log instead of a proper bridge. Would he like the new addition enough to leave his own bridge overnight for the first time? Toby was full of hope at the possibility.
