Page 29 of #Beautiful

I chuckle, throwing my head back, which earns me a playful slap to the chest. “Shopping it is.”

“Tomorrow, I’m going shopping without you, though, because you aren’t allowed to see your gift.” Lena pins me with what I’m sure she thinks is a very stern stare.

Trying not to laugh, I nod. “Yes, ma’am. I wouldn’t dare spoil your Christmas fun.”

Lena never much liked Christmas before we got together. Her hometown wasn’t kind to her after the school shooting her senior year, and then our first Christmas here, I was in a car accident and damn near died. Somehow, spending the holiday next to my hospital bed made her appreciate it again. At least, that’s her excuse for being all Bob Cratchet this time of year lately. I’m not complaining. Mom’s favorite holiday is Christmas, too, so she and Lena can have a lifetime of Christmas planning together.

“Maybe when you all get back, Lena can help me with party prep for the Christmas Eve shindig,” Mom says as if she’s reading my mind. Maybe she is. I’ve always thought my mother was some kind of mutant. The thought makes me chuckle a bit, and Mom gives me a quizzical look.

I shake my head slightly so Lena doesn’t catch on. “I think that’s a great idea. Maybe you can talk Mom into not doing Musical Christmas chairs this year to Alvin and the Chipmunk Christmas songs.”

“Hey, now,” Mom says, putting her hands on her hips in mock indignation, “everyone loves musical chairs.”

“Yeah,” Lena says, “and what weirdo doesn’t like Alvin and the Chipmunks?”

Rolling my eyes, I lean back and groan. “Oh, this is Hell. I’ve died and gone to Hell.”

Lena and Mom both crack up at my theatrics. Once she’s done, Lena leans over and kisses my cheek. “I’m going to go shower, and then we can go do some shopping. I know it won’t get to him in time, but I’d like to get my dad something and send it to him, too.”

“Okay, babe,” I say and can’t help but watch over my shoulder as she walks away. I know I don’t tell Lena enough, but she really is the most beautiful girl I’ve ever laid eyes on. I wasn’t kidding when I told Justina at the store that I’m the lucky one in this relationship— because I truly am. Lena is the type of girl that’s too good for anyone. She’s just an amazing human being, and I don’t think I’ll ever truly be worthy of the love she gives me.

* * *

By the time lunch rolls around, I’ve had enough of every store in and around Lakeview. Lena is all smiles, though, and that means I’m happy. We’re sitting at a booth at Buffalo Wild Wings just outside of town. I was surprised when Lena pled for a burger and wings for lunch. Lately, despite trying to heal from everything, she’s still been more cautious on what she eats. Doesn’t bother me, though, because as long as she’s eating and keeping it down, and it’s enough to sustain her — then I’m not worried.

But she hasn’t gone to the fast food or heavy foods until now.

“Guys!” a soft voice grabs our attention across the restaurant, and Lena lets go of my hand and slides out of the booth as Candice and Jackson make their way toward us. “What are you guys doing?”

“Just finished shopping,” Lena says as she loops her arm with Candice’s and guides them both to her side of the booth.

Jackson slides in next to me with a chuckle. “You got looped into shopping today, too?”

“I didn’t loop him into anything, smarty-pants,” Lena says before sticking her tongue out at him. “He said we can do whatever I want, and with Christmas like three days from now, I kinda needed to buy gifts. Including yours and Candice’s.”

“Aw, you didn’t need to buy us something, Lena,” Candice says, leaning her head over onto Lena’s shoulder, “but we got you guys stuff, too.”

Lena and Candice dive into a whispered conversation, probably about the gifts they plan to buy for us guys. Waking up next to Lena on Christmas with the possibility of moving our relationship to the next level before the end of the day is euphoric. I should probably tell my best friend?

Leaning over, I keep my voice low enough that I know the girls won’t hear me. “Bought an engagement ring.”

Jackson coughs, slightly choking on his air, I think. “What?”

“Hey, y’all, are you ready to order?”

Sighing, I try not to smile. Saved by the waitress. Lena glances at me, and I nod with a grin.

“Can I have the Guacamole Bacon Burger with a single patty? And a garden salad instead of fries?” Lena glances at the waitress, who nods and smiles. “Babe, want to share wings?”

“Of course,” I say sitting up, “want to do the Blazin’ Carolina Reaper or Desert Heat?”

“Oh, what’s Desert Heat?” Candice says, quickly scanning her menu.

Lena bumps her best friend’s shoulder and brings her eyes to mine. “Why don’t we just do the twenty traditional, half of each, and the four of us can share them?”

“Whatever you want, baby,” I say with a wink.

Lena surprises me as she pushes out of her seat, leans across the table, and kisses me. This right here is the most normal things have been since Lena and I met, I think. I also know this is exactly what she needs, and it shows in her demeanor and spark in her eyes right now.

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