Page 64 of Teach Me to Laugh

I also found myself excited for tomorrow. We had plans to return to the ski hill for one last day with the group and then the next day everyone would be leaving. Looking around the cabin with all the peace and warmth and distance from the outside world, I found I wasn’t quite ready for that.

I wanted to stay in this cocoon of happiness where I felt safe and untouched by past pains. I wanted to stay so badly, that when the time came to say goodnight, and I made my way to the bedroom with Beckett close on my heel, I couldn’t help but announce this on a slightly hesitant request.

“Would it be possible to stay for a little longer? I mean, after everyone else leaves?”

The bedroom door closed and Beckett’s warm eyes warmed even more as they settled on me. I knew what he saw. He saw a nervous girl who was struggling with all the new emotions she felt at the ready to burst inside of her.

“You want to stay here after everyone else leaves?”

“Yes.” My hesitation was loud and clear. “Until we have to return for class.”

A single brow lifted. If I weren’t so plagued by nervousness, I might have laughed at the look on his face that suggested surprise and even a hint of satisfaction.

“I don’t see why not.” He shrugged, moving slowly into the large room. “We bought enough groceries to feed a small army, so we’re good on the food front.”

“Will your parents mind?”

“No.” I watched as he moved to the fireplace, doing what he’d done every night since we’d come to the cabin, and began to build a small fire in the hearth. “Not that they’d even notice.”

“You don’t see them for Christmas?”

“The holiday is one of the busiest times for surgeons.” He offered in explanation. “I usually see them, but we don’t make a big thing about Christmas. Never have.”

I knew what that felt like, but even though I knew what it felt like; I didn’t like it for him. “I like Christmas.”

Whiskey eyes were soft as he looked over his shoulder. “I can tell.”

“I didn’t always like it.” I admitted, feeling as though he should know this. “But I do now.” And then I added, “I’m sorry I didn’t get you anything. I wasn’t prepared . . .”

“Don’t be sorry.” He grinned. “You’ve given me more than you know.”

“I have?”

“I’ve seen you smile.”

“That’s not me giving you anything. That’s me giving me something.” Or more accurately, it was me taking happiness from him. So again, something more he’d given to me.

“That’s not true. I’ve wanted to make you smile since I met you.” He grinned and it made me feel all kinds of melty. “Finally, I did it.”

“Taking credit, are you?”

“Definitely,” his hand snagged me by the waist, tugging me in close as the new fire crackled low behind him. “I’m taking all the credit. I also intend to continue taking the credit.”

“For how long?” I whispered, unable to stop the revealing words in their tracks.

For a moment, I felt naked. Entirely stripped bare and vulnerable as he looked down into my face. And then he revealed himself in a way I didn’t know I wanted with the desperation I wanted it.

“Forever,” he vowed. His voice was deep and gravelly. “If you’ll let me.”

I never would have guessed that when I met this man in July the past summer, that I would be standing in his arms on Christmas Day, in love.

Three nights passed since I realized I was in love with a man I never would have thought I was capable of falling so deeply for. In the three days since, I only fell deeper. This was because Beckett was undoubtedly the most gallant man I’d ever encountered.

I wasn’t quite certain he still wasn’t trying to prove hewould never cap out at being a gentleman.

However, I had to admit I was blossoming under his carefully displayed affections. I also had to admit that it felt really good, and in no way, did I want this to end. Boxing Day had been topped with snow filled fun on the mountain, jovial quips, and heart fluttering teasing. The morning after had me finding myself alone with Beckett in a huge cabin that, although silent after everyone had left, felt undeniably comfortable.

I was at peace with both my surroundings and myself for the first time in such a long time, I didn’t know if I could recall the last time I’d felt so wonderful. So free. Sosafe.

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