Page 47 of A Little Christmas: Rivi
I knelt before him. “Here. Let me.”
I took the socks from him, and he let his feet dangle. His toes wiggled. He couldn’t have been more adorable.
When I touched one foot to put on the first sock, he inhaled. Some boys liked their feet played with. I had a feeling Rivi was going to be sensitive all over.
When the socks were on, I said, “What shoes did you bring?”
He jumped up and went to where he’d lined them up. Fuzzy pink slippers. Two pairs of tennis shoes, one red, one blue.
“My snow boots are downstairs still wet, I think,” he said. “They’re brown.”
“I think these will be fine.” I picked up the red pair.
He put them on, then stood and turned for me. “Well?”
On anyone else, the outfit might be too much. On Rivi it looked natural. In fashion, too, for his age of twenty-one. And the purse gave it an odd runway look. I hadn’t realized he might make a great model… if he’d been taller.
“You look like you’re ready to go out on the town on your first date.”
He pouted, then hung his head. “You’re just being nice.”
“I’m the one who dressed you. I think you look great.”
“The purse isn’t too much?”
“Not at all. It’s the icing on the cake, little Pan.”
19
Rivi
Briar helped me on with my parka and scarf and cap. Like a real daddy would. I wanted to think of him as mine, but it was too early. I enjoyed pretending, though.
One of Trent’s staff brought Briar’s car right up to the porch, so I didn’t have to step in slush at all.
A gentleman, Briar opened the door for me.
The air outside was freezing. My insides tightened with every breath. But as soon as the door closed I noticed the driver had gotten the heat running for us.
Soon, we were pulling out of the estate grounds and onto the highway. The stars were just coming out. All those Christmas stars. Soon the Christmas moon would be rising as well.
Everything glistened from the car lights. The snow glowed.
“How far are we going?” I asked.
“There’s a town up ahead. Not too far. About fifteen miles. Why? Do you want to go back?”
“Nope. I want to go out with you.”
“Good. It will be nice to get out and spend time at a meal with just you and me.”
Everything Briar said was so thoughtful, making me warm up all over. “I like just you and me.”
“Me, too.”
I cleared my throat, then asked what might be inappropriate. “Does that mean you like me?”
“Isn’t it obvious?”
