Page 102 of Holiday Hopefuls
A gruff chuckle slips between my lips. “As tempting as that is, we’re out of protection.”
Callie scrunches her nose in acknowledgment. “Should’ve brought more, Rhodes. Did you … plan on getting lucky?” she asks hesitantly, eyes dropping.
Marching forward, I grasp her chin between my fingers and bring her gaze to mine. “Believe me, I never dreamed I’d get this lucky.” Pressing a kiss to the tip of her nose, I smile down at the woman I love. “But we do need to hurry—we’ve got a lunch date with John, Rindy and Jo at the lodge after the family stuff.”
Callie salutes me before shutting the shower door. “On it, Rhodes.”
We’re both showered and dressed in record time, with jeans and ugly Christmas sweaters on full display. Between the two of us, Callie’s hot pink top with a raccoon holding a present definitely beats out my sweater with a llama in a Santa hat.
Flicking off the light in the bathroom, I’m met with the most amazing woman waiting for me with a small gift box in those precious hands.
My love beams. “Merry Christmas, Oliver.”
Even after everything we’ve already shared, pink still tints my freshly-shaven face at the thought of her taking the time for something so thoughtful.
And just for me.
Callie holds out the box, that glorious grin widening with every passing moment. “Open it.”
Turning the box over in my hands, I examine the paper she’s chosen. “Brown?” I laugh, my brow lifting.
She shrugs. “It’s your favorite color.”
I laugh, nodding.
“Um, why exactly do you have such an exciting color choice as your favorite?” she asks, pressing her lips together. She’s clearly trying not to judge and failing miserably.
A soft smile takes residence on my face as I look into my favorite eyes in the entire world. “Reminds me of someone I love.”
Understanding dawns on her as I proceed to tear open the paper, uncovering the box hiding beneath it. Lifting the lid, a few items wait inside the box. My lips part in awe as I pull out a stunning cocoa brown leather collar and leash set with Nacho’s name debossed into the material.
“I thought the color would look nice on her fur,” Callie whispers shyly. “And it’s sturdy for when you take her on hikes.”
“Whenwetake her,” I amend.
Callie’s face, open and honest, displays a love she’s never been shown before. A love that I will spend the rest of my life giving to her. “We?”
Nodding, I grin. “She’ll want her new mom to come with us, of course.”
Those delicate brows reach her hairline. “I think I missed the part where we’re getting married, Rhodes.”
“I don’t really see any other way forward,” I shrug, “but don’t worry, I'll get an official proposal lined up when we get home.”
Callie smiles, rolling amused eyes. “There’s more.” She points to the box.
Setting Nacho’s new gift on the bed, I reach back into the box. My fingers grip something soft and I pull out a sage green ballcap. Callie giggles as I flip it around to the front where the words ‘Team Nacho’ are embroidered. My full belly laugh fills the room. “I love it.” Tossing the empty box on the bed, I situate the cap on my head, grinning proudly. “What do you think?”
“A perfect fit.” Callie grins right back. Lifting it off my head, she carefully places it by the leash and collar. “You can wear it to bed tonight.” She winks, eliciting another laugh from me.
“We’re out, remember?”
Callie spins slowly on the ball of her foot, turning back toward the door. “I’d bet the gift shop in the lodge can take care of that.”
Smirking, I shake my head. “Insatiable woman.”
“Only when it comes to you. Now, come on. They probably think we fell off the balcony or something.”
“Would that be the worst thing?”
