Page 108 of Because of Dylan

A pillow fight ensues, and by the time all pillows have been tossed and fallen too far for reach, I’m lying on the floor laughing so hard I might pee myself.

I’ve never been happier, and it terrifies me.

* * *

“It’s gift time!”

“It’s not midnight yet, Tommy.”

“It is in Europe. Come on, I want to know what Santa got me. And the sooner I open my gifts, the sooner I go to my room and leave you two little lovebirds alone.” Tommy wiggles his eyebrows and rubs his hands like a nefarious villain. The only thing missing is the evil laugh.

“Well, in that case …” Dylan jumps from the couch and grabs several boxes from under the tree.

“Guest of honor first.” He gives me two boxes, beautifully wrapped in a metallic red paper. A silver ribbon finishes the gift. It’s almost too beautiful to open.

“Me?” Gifts have not been a constant in my life. I’m not always a gracious gift receiver. Don’t quite know how to react.

“Go ahead.” He nudges me with a toe, his socked foot touching mine. “Open it. The big one first.”

I put the larger box on the coffee table, kneel on the floor and remove the bow, slipping my finger under the tape and carefully unwrapping the paper. A black box with a gold logo I don’t recognize reveals itself when the paper falls away. I pull the top off and wade through black tissue paper. Nested in the box is a winter coat so soft and light to the touch, it may as well be made of clouds. I pull it out of the box, standing up. It’s the color of rich caramel.

“Try it on.” His fingers tap on his knee as he watches me put on the coat.

I slip my arms into the sleeves, close the lapels around me. It’s so warm and comfortable. I’ve never owned anything this nice or beautiful or warm. “It’s beautiful. I love it, thank you. I don’t know what to say.”

“Glad you like it. Open the other one.” His gaze never leaves me.

“Another gift? Gosh, you didn’t have to. This is more than enough.”

The coat feels so good and warm. I don’t want to take it off, but do it. I fold it carefully and back in the box it goes.

Dylan picks up the small box from the table and gives it to me. I sit down next to him and remove the same red wrapping paper. When I open the velvet box, I find a silver necklace with a glass pendant. I pick it up. The pendant is a sphere and encased inside there’s a dandelion seed. The delicate wisps forever frozen in time.

I look up, find his gaze on me. “You gave me wishes?”

His smile grows. “I guess I did. I didn’t think of it that way. I know you like dandelions. I wanted to give you something you could wear all the time.”

I close my hand around the pendant, bring it to my chest. “How did you know I like dandelions?”

“I saw you pick them and make wishes a few times.”

“You did? When?”

He shrugs. “Around campus.”

“This means a lot to me. Thank you.” I give him the pendant, turn my back to him and move my hair to the top of my head.

Dylan holds the necklace over me, then lowers it and closes the clasp. His fingers linger on my neck. The tiny hairs on the back of my head stand in attention. His touch always affects me. I turn to face him. “Thank you, this is beautiful.” My throat contracts, and I swallow down the butterflies trying to escape through my mouth.

“My turn. Open mine now.” Tommy waves his gift at me, giving me a much-needed break from the well of emotions churning in my chest.

His wrapping is not as elaborate, but it’s funny. Sponge Bob Square Pants wearing Santa’s hat, dancing with … pickles? I laugh. “Where did you find this paper?”

“Same place I found the gift, now open it.” He’s like a little eager kid on … well, Christmas.

I open the package with the same care as before and pull back when Tommy threatens to rip the paper because I’m taking too long.

“He never could wait for anyone to open his gifts,” Dylan says.

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