Page 58 of The Cupcake Cottage

“Yours?”

She laughed and squeezed his arm. She was wearing a Santa hat and her cheeks were rosy from the few minutes she’d spent out in the frosty air.

“I actually don’t mind it,” he said, taking a step back to assess it. “It looks better in the dark.”

“Mav! It’s fun.”

“You’re right. It is.” The rooster was ridiculous, but he knew he’d never part with it.

“See? I told you it had potential. And now your dirt has some personality.”

He laughed. It was true, the yard could use some serious TLC. But like the house, it would come in time.

They went inside and Maverick paused in the doorway, inhaling. His house smelled like a home. His beach house and apartment both had contained that crammed-with-newness smell. Practically everything had been met with an upgrade. Thedoors had barely needed a tap to close, and the appliances called for nothing more than a gentle caress to turn them on.

Not here. Everything had its own quirk. The dishwasher had to be bullied to keep its door closed, and even then, it often popped open mid-cycle, releasing steam and that weird dishwasher smell.

This house, with its chips and dents, scratches and worn areas held a personal history rich with memories, routines, dreams, and losses. This house was anything but impersonal. It was home, and he loved that he got to share Christmas morning in it with Daisy-Mae. Hopefully, it was the first of many.

“Come in. I made coffee.” He guided her into the kitchen and poured her a cup of joe. “I got you something, too.” He led her into the living room, where their tree was twinkling. The sun was rising, streaking his living room with orange and pink light.

They sat on the floor by the tree, and he pulled out the gift he’d wrapped. It had a giant bow, and the corners were pretty good considering the item inside was so soft. He probably should have put it in a box.

Watching him, Daisy-Mae pulled the corner apart, shredding the paper with a flourish. She looked down and gasped.

The multi-colored blanket she’d fallen in love with at the gala sat in her lap.

“You won this at the auction? When?” She hugged the blanket, squeezing it against her cheek. “You must have had to bid so high!”

It had taken some help from his friends to ensure that his bid was the highest at the auction’s close and that Daisy-Mae didn’t catch on to what he was up to.

“Thank you.” She rolled up onto her knees, leaning forward to kiss him.

“There’s more.” He pulled out a notebook-sized box, professionally wrapped.

“Beautiful.” She smoothed her hands over the paper. Her eyes were dancing as she carefully opened this one. Inside was a chunky aquamarine necklace from her friend Jenny’s shop in town, Blue Tumbleweed.

“Jenny said you’ve been eyeing this up.”

Daisy-Mae’s hands dropped, and she tipped her head to the side. “You asked my friends what I wanted?”

Of course he did.

“Want to try it on?”

She was wearing a button-up shirt and a long skirt with her Santa hat, and he scooched around so he was behind her to clasp the heavy necklace. She ran a hand over it after letting her hair back down.

“It’s cold!”

“It looks good on you.” He’d feared it would be too bold or big, but it looked just right on her.

It felt like something was missing, though.

He moved closer, giving her a light kiss, then brushed her shirt to the side to spy on her yellow rose tattoo above her left breast. He checked the other side in case he’d gotten confused.

“I had it removed,” she said, meeting his puzzled look.

“Why?”

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