Page 93 of Wicked Truths

“Oh,” Oakley whispers, blinking huge blue eyes. “Well then, pamper away.”

I laugh.

She’s really goddamn cute.

“It was hard getting everything ordered and delivered on such short notice.” Liam drops the giant stuffed octopus at her side on the couch. “So have pity on us.”

Oakley immediately plucks it up, pulling it into her lap. “It’s super soft and squishy!”

“Indeed.” Liam chuckles, tossing himself over the back of the couch and into the seat next to Oakley and Sullivan. “I figured if ever you’re in need of a cuddle, he can simulate all of our arms at once.”

“That’s very sweet.” Oakley squishes the giant thing between her side and the couch, leaning over to kiss Liam.

Once they pull back, Marcus hands Sullivan the box from him. Liam grabs the giant stuffed animal and uses it as a pillow with the tentacles thrown over his chest.

“This one is from me,” Sullivan says, dropping the small box in Oakley’s lap.

She tosses her triceratops hood back, looking at him over her shoulder. “I love it because it’s from you. You know I love you, Sullivan.”

“I love you too,” he agrees, bending his head so that they can share a quick kiss. Marcus and Liam, in true teenager fashion, give them background kissing noises.

Marcus leans over, removing the lid for Oakley. She and Sullivan pull back, and she squeaks. “You got me a new strap for my Gibson?”

“I did,” Sullivan says. “Since I can’t do anything to help with your tiny hands.”

“I happen to like those tiny hands,” Liam says, nodding at Marcus. “Go on, you can be next.”

Marcus glances at me, but I shake my head.

“All right.” Marcus shrugs, grabbing the bag from behind him on the coffee table and chucking it at Oakley. “It’s not like we were able to go all out or anything.”

“I’m sure I’ll love it,” Oakley says, smiling brightly. The smile quickly fades as she pulls out a zip up sweater. She yanks it to her nose and frowns. “It doesn’t smell like you.”

Marcus snorts. “I know how you like to swipe mine, so I bought you your own in a more reasonable size. You’ll be able to wear the finger holes without it constantly slouching and falling down.” Oakley gives him a polite smile, but I don’t think any of us buy it. “If you’d rather keep stealing mine I’m fine with that.” Marcus stretches out his arms and Oakley catapults herself into his chest.

“Thank you. I love you,” Oakley whispers, blinking up at him.

“I love you too, princess,” he murmurs. They share a kiss as my palms start sweating. I’m in the hot seat now. Marcus helps her stand and she comes over to me.

“We got you a few more things from all of us—” I start.

“I want the one from you.” She wraps her arms around my waist, resting her head on my chest.

“Pull your hood up,” Liam calls out. “We need the full dino-experience.” At some point, it fell down around her shoulders.

Oakley raises a hand, flipping Liam off as I pull the bracelet box from my back pocket. I yank up her hood with my free hand because she is really fucking cute. I think it’s extra special because I picked it out.

The onesie was also a much less stressful experience if she didn’t like it. Unlike the one she’s about to open.

Oakley pops the lid, and her jaw falls as she gets a look at the charm bracelet. She told me about her mom months ago. “You got me a charm bracelet like my mom’s?” She tilts her head, studying me.

“I did. That way you can have your own.” I shrug a giant shoulder. I still don’t know if it was the right call.

“I love it. Will you help me put it on?”

“Of course,” I agree. She pulls it out of the box, and I set to work, getting it clasped around her wrist.

“Thank you.” She pushes up on her tiptoes, and I lean down to make the kiss possible.

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