Page 139 of Show Me How
“It’s a memory book. Every couple should have one. Plus, now you’ll have somewhere besides your wallet to keep those photos of you two, Shade,” Shelly explains, eyes glittering.
That pulls Millie’s attention from the book. “What photos?”
“The ones from the photo booth,” I say, unashamed.
“You keep them in your wallet?”
Shelly sighs. “Oh, he does. I saw them a few weeks ago when he insisted on paying for my breakfast at Maggie’s. They’re quite . . . scandalous.”
“Mom, don’t snoop through people’s personal belongings,” Ash groans.
“What? I wasn’t snooping. They were clearly very intense photos, and?—”
“Thank you for the gift, Shelly. It’s perfect,” Millie says, her cheeks so red they look painted.
I clear my throat to hide a laugh. “Yeah, thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I hope I didn’t overstep with including a couple’s gift, but I just couldn’t help it.”
“No, this was really thoughtful,” Millie whispers, her heart exposed in the way she always seems to do around those she cares for.
I keep an eye on it, knowing there isn’t any boundary I wouldn’t cross to protect her. Even here, where I know nobody would so much as think anything that could hurt her.
Shelly beams down at her, a beat of silence passing between them. Once their silent conversation is over, Millie clutches my arm and watches our host move back to the tree and start grabbing more presents.
“Is it okay if we stay until all the presents are open?” she asks me softly, bright eyes lifting.
I press a kiss to her temple. “You don’t even have to ask. My only plans involve you, Millie. And if this is what you want to do, then we’ll stay.”
Fuck, I don’t remember ever being this happy.
Millie tapsher bare feet on the floor, fidgeting.
“You’re so impatient,” I muse.
“For good reason! You can’t tell me that I’m going to love my present the entire drive home and not expect me to be antsy when I finally get to see it.”
“Were you doubting my gift-giving abilities prior to the drive, then? Because I don’t remember you being like this when we left for Shelly’s this morning.”
She blows out a dramatic breath. “You’re such a snake.”
Running my hands down her arms, I start guiding her down the hall, staring at the pink sleep mask I slipped over her eyes a few minutes ago.
“Careful. You know how much I love your insults.”
Her mouth twists into a sly smile. “My apologies.”
“Good girl,” I drawl, my grin rivalling hers.
“Shade.”
“Sorry, dear. No more talking until it’s time to take the mask off.”
“Thank you,” she mutters sarcastically.
It’s a quick journey to the spare bedroom. I shuffle her into position and then open the door.
“Okay, are you ready?” I ask, flicking the new light on.
