Page 80 of Perfectly Complicated
She studies the ornament in her hand. “A year ago I couldn’t imagine celebrating anything. Now I can’t imagine Christmas without you.” She meets my gaze. “But only if I can give you new memories too.”
And I know exactly what she means. The Christmases where my dad was drunk, ruining the day. All the arguments and returned gifts and disappointment.
She wants to replace those memories, offering something other than what I always had—unmet expectations and family dysfunction.
She leans forward and kisses me slowly, like a promise I’ve been too afraid to believe anymore. But I can’t help myself now—I want this too, anything that gives me hope that I can be a better man than my father was.
As I tangle my hand in her hair, I angle my lips against hers, sliding my arms around her waist as I lean back, bringing her with me until we’re both lying on the floor, surrounded by scattered decorations and the warm glow of twinkling lights.
I press one last kiss to her forehead. “You know I’m still not a Christmas person, right? Even if I really love makingthiskind of Christmas memory with you.”
“I know,” she whispers, her fingers tracing my jaw. “I can wait.”
“And all this holiday stuff? I’m doing it because it makes you smile. Making you happy has become my new favorite thing.”
“Rourke,” she says, squeezing my hand. “You being here with us is the best gift we could ask for.”
“Speaking of gifts,” I say, suddenly remembering what’s hidden in my closet. “I have something to give you.” I jump to my feet, ignoring her confused frown.
“Right now?”
“Don’t move,” I call over my shoulder. “And close your eyes.”
“Rourke Riley, what are you up to?”
“Just trust me, Bennett.”
In my closet, wrapped and waiting, are two packages. I grab them both, hiding them behind my back as I return to find Janie playing with Aria. “You can open your eyes now.”
“What’s going on?” She tilts her head.
“Presents for you and Aria.” I pull out Aria’s gift first. “These can’t wait until Christmas.”
She shakes her head, confused. “But…it’s too early.”
“Too early? I thought you wanted me to have more Christmas spirit.” I know she can’t argue with this. “So no complaints about me spoiling my girls.”
She stares at me, fighting a smile. “Dang it, Riley. If you keep saying stuff like that, I’m never letting you go.”
“That’s the idea, Bennett.” I hold out Aria’s gift bag.
As soon as she sees a soft brown ear peeking out, she reaches for it. With Janie’s help, she pulls out a teddy bear wearing a custom-made Crushers hockey jersey—complete with the number 18 on the back.
“What do you think, Aria?” I hold it up for her. “I thought if I couldn’t get your mommy to wear my jersey, maybe I could convince you?”
Janie lifts an eyebrow. “Are you seriously trying to recruit Aria into the Crushers’hockey empire?”
“Someone’s got to teach her good taste,” I say. “I figure if I start with her, you might eventually come around. Especially if I start her on the ice when she’s a toddler.”
“Rourke,” she says. “I can’t even stand up on skates.”
“Yet,” I correct. “But I’m planning on changing that. Right after I convince you to wear my jersey to a game.”
She opens her mouth, then closes it, that pink blush creeping across her cheeks. No argument this time—that’s progress.
I hold out the next gift. “For you.”
She takes the white box with a velvet red bow and unties it. She lifts the lid, and for a second, stares at the gift inside. “It’s the ornament…” she whispers. “From the Christmas festival.”
