Page 59 of Under the Mistletoe
“Thank you so much for inviting me. These are for you. I appreciate you having me for such a special holiday.” He passes my aunt the large bouquet of flowers, and she blushes.
“Oh, you’re too kind.” She’s a little flustered, probably not having received such a large, beautiful bouquet in a while. Looking at me, she wiggles her eyebrows before mouthing he has kind eyes, and I roll my lips, hiding the grin. She likes him.
“Make yourself at home. I’ll open the bottle so it can breathe,” Uncle Bob says.
“Jay Jay, show him around. I’ll get the carrots on.” My aunt and uncle disappear back into the kitchen.
“Here. Something for you.” He hands me the box.
I frown. “You didn’t need to get me anything.” I’m surprised that he's giving me a gift.
“I know. I wanted to.” I pull the lush thick black ribbon and open the box. Aside from the beautiful scarf he gifted me weeks ago, and the wardrobe full of clothes, I haven’t received a gift like this ever. No man has ever turned up and given me a gift just because. I try to be gentle as I open the black box and then pause.
“Ohhh… my gosh.” Diamond earrings sparkle so bright they look almost like icicles.
“When I saw them, they made me think of our time in the snow at Lake Placid.”
My chest warms, eyes watering. “You shouldn’t have… They’re beautiful… It’s too much…”
“Get used to it,” he says matter-of-factly, and I smile.
“I don’t expect this kind of thing. I’m not with you because of your money,” I try to tell him, needing him to know that his financial circumstances are not his most attractive quality.
“I know. That’s one of the reasons I love you,” he says easily, and we both still. Did he just say love? He looks like the words are choking him, his cheeks blooming red. My heart almost trips over as my eyes remain wide, and even though I try to talk, I can’t.
“I… uhhh…” he says, clearing his throat just as the doorbell rings. Their timing is impeccable.
I swallow. Take a deep breath. He loves me? Donovan loves me? He drops a bomb like that, and I’m meant to just carry on like my world just didn’t spin on its axis?
“Are they here?” Uncle Bob pokes his head out, and Donovan steps back a little. I’m caught in complete shock, looking at the handsome billionaire who now looks like he wants the floor to swallow him whole and the stiffness of my uncle's shoulders as he stares at the front door like it’s evil.
“Let me get it,” I rush out.
Donovan runs his hand through his hair, looking ruffled, and I open the door, my hands a little shaky and still holding the box as I look at my parents for the first time in what feels like years.
“Ohhh, there she is.” My father grins.
“Heeeyyy… Dad.” I feel awkward. He looks more weathered than I remember, a little gray. His hair is in need of what looks like both a cut and a wash.
“Jay Jay…” My mom looks at me like she’s seeing me for the first time. I mean, I guess I’ve changed. Grown up somewhat. We stand silent for a moment, and I take another steadying breath.
“Mom.” I push my glasses up, lean in, and hug her with one hand, my other holding on to the box of diamonds I’m scared to let go of.
“What’s that?” My father looks at the sparkling jewelry that catches in the sun.
“Oh, a gift.” I place the lid on the box quickly.
“Gift?” My mom looks at me with a pinched brow.
“From Donovan. My boyfriend.” I step back into the house as they walk in and look up to see Donovan standing tall next to Uncle Bob. The two of them are of similar height and build, both eyeing my parents warily.
“Bob.” My father shakes his hand.
“Clayton.” Uncle Bob’s handshake is firm.
“It’s Clay.”
I frown. “Did you change your name?” I haven’t heard the nickname before.
