Page 22 of Sleigh My Name
He leans against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. My heart flutters. It’s so domestic, this ordinary moment of him watching me get ready. Liam makes it feel completely natural—this familiar ease, this comfortable closeness. It’s something I’ve only ever dreamed of.
“You need to get used to my watching you. I plan to watch you every day for the rest of my life.”
“Full of charm, aren’t you, Evans? Where’s Penny?” I ask as I finish brushing my teeth and splash water on my face.
“She’s downstairs with Linda, opening presents.”
“Presents? You didn’t go overboard, did you? I don’t want her to expect a grand Christmas. I can’t afford lavish gifts.” The words come tumbling out in a panic. A nervous tremor threads my voice, a sign of my rising anxiety. I’m so worried about Penny expecting things I have no means to provide. The thought of her little face falling, of the disappointment in her bright eyes, is a physical ache in my chest. Christmas should be a time of joy and wonder, but for me, it’s a minefield of financial worries.
I glance at Liam, who has a mischievous glint in his eyes. He seems oblivious to the turmoil swirling inside me. He’s always been generous, perhaps too generous, and while I appreciate his kindness, I don’t want him to think I expect him to take care of me.
Liam steps toward me, grabbing my wrist and yanking me to him. “Remember what I said? You are mine. Therefore, Penny is mine, and I take care of what’s mine.” His warm breath teases my ear, sending a shiver down my spine that has nothing to do with the December chill. “This is the first lavish Christmas of many. Now, I’m gonna go downstairs and let you get ready in peace, but you need to cut out this nonsense.”
His words are a velvet cage, beautiful and suffocating at the same time. I want to surrender to my keeper, but I’m scared of the pitfalls life will throw at me if I allow myself to hope.
Liam releases me, pausing as he reaches the door, sensing my eyes on him. “What?”
“I love you,” I whisper.
He grins before walking out the door.
A few minutes later,I descend the stairs, tracing the smooth mahogany railing adorned with vibrant evergreen and holly. The scent of pine needles mingled with a hint of old wood fills the air. Liam’s blend of modern and classic styles in the distillery and his home creates a stunning visual.
“There you are.” Liam surprises me at the bottom of the stairs and links our fingers as we walk into the living room.
Penny sits on the floor with a joyous expression, surrounded by gift wrap. “Charley, look at all this! Santa brought me the dollhouse. Remember the one we saw in the store window last year? The pretty wooden one with the balcony?”
My gaze lands on the dollhouse. It’s magnificent, handcrafted from solid wood and incredibly expensive. My fingers instinctively tighten around Liam’s in a silent thank you for the joy radiating from Penny, a happiness I’ve never witnessed.
Liam’s arm circles my waist, and a delicious warmth unfurls inside me as his lips find the sensitive skin of my neck.
“Now it’s your turn,” he whispers so only I can hear. “You know what to do, Penny?” he asks louder.
Penny grabs my hand, dragging me away from Liam. “Yes!” she squeals, her voice brimming with a manic energy that makes me slightly uneasy. “Charley, sit here.” She gestures toward a large, overstuffed armchair facing the crackling fireplace. She holds a vibrant red silk eye mask, its delicate fabric shimmering in the firelight.
“Liam said you have to wear this, so put it on,” Penny orders, her voice taking on an edge of command I’m not accustomed to.
Before I can ask a question, she’s placing the mask over my eyes. The soft silk instantly blocks out the warm glow of the fire and plunges me into near-total darkness. Her fingers are gentle as she adjusts the mask, ensuring a snug fit that obstructs my vision.
Disoriented, I’m now reliant on my other senses. I hear the muffled shuffle of footsteps on the wooden floor, followed by the distinct swish of the sliding glass door opening and closing. The sudden silence amplifies the pounding in my chest.
What’s going on? Why the blindfold? And where has Liam gone? The questions bubble in my mind, unanswered in the claustrophobic darkness.
“I really don’t need anything, Liam,” I say, hoping to halt the anxiety coursing through me.
“He’s already gone. But trust me, you want this. It was so much fun to plan your surprise.” Penny’s excited voice fills the room.
“Okay, Penny, let’s take her out,” Linda says as they help me rise from the chair.
“You’re in on this, too?” I ask.
“Oh, yes. Liam wanted this to be perfect. He did most of the work himself, of course. I just added some finishing touches. Here, love. It’s cold outside. You need this.”
Linda drapes a winter coat across my shoulders. When the cool outdoor air hits my cheeks, Linda removes the blindfold.
The sight before me has tears streaming down my face. Liam is in the middle of the backyard holding a guitar, surrounded by decorated evergreens. In front of him is a bench covered in blankets and a large mug with steam rising from it. The air smells of pine and something warm, like cinnamon. Fairy lights twinkle in the trees, casting a soft, golden glow over everything. The blankets on the bench look inviting, and I realize the mug must be filled with hot chocolate—my favorite. It’s all perfect—a scene orchestrated just for me.
“What’s all this?” I ask, walking to the bench and picking up the steaming cup. I inhale the scent of rich chocolate and marshmallows, which reminds me of my mom. My heart is so full. “I love my present. Hot cocoa and a concert.”
