Page 32 of A Little Christmas Jericho
He arched a brow. “You planning on being a good boy and eating all your veggies tonight?”
“Maybe.”
He chuckled and handed me a glass ornament instead. “Then you better earn it, little one. Let’s see if you can hang these without breaking one.”
I took the ornament carefully, pretending to pout. “I can be careful.”
“I know you can.” His voice softened. “That’s my good boy.”
We worked together in companionable silence. The dogs sprawled on the big rug, the cats watched from their perches, and the scent of pine and cinnamon filled the air. Every so often, Colter would come up behind me, adjusting an ornament just slightly, or wrapping his arms around me from behind, his chin resting on my shoulder.
When we reached the top of the tree, he passed me the last box. “Alright, baby. Pick our topper.”
There were so many different kinds in the box, and I felt like each probably had a story... nevermind the fact the man had so many was a story on its own. But now wasn't the time to find out. I needed to pick something to put on top of the tree! I rummaged through the box, discarding one choice after another, and finally pulled out the funniest-looking star. It looked to be handmade. "This is the perfect one!"
“Of course it is.” His smile was indulgent, but his eyes alight with mischief. “Up you go, little man.”
Before I could argue, his big, strong hands were on my waist, lifting me easily so I could reach the top. My laughter echoed through the living room, warm and free.
When my feet touched the ground again, he kissed the top of my head. “Perfect. Just like you.”
I laughed softly, warmth pooling in my chest. The tree glowed with soft light, finally bringing a bit of Christmas cheer to Colter's house.
The man in question pulled back slightly, watching me with that thoughtful look I've begun to recognise as his 'serious face'. It was way too sexy and endearing.
“Hey,” he said quietly. “Can I give you something? An early Christmas present.”
I blinked at him, surprised, and more than a little worried. We hadn't discussed gifts for Christmas, and with all the chaos, I hadn't had a chance to get him anything!. “You already gave me enough. Food, safety, a place to lay low—”
He shook his head, smiling a little. “This one’s different.”
He reached into his pocket and handed me a small box wrapped in red paper. My hands trembled as I peeled it open, and when I lifted the lid, my breath caught.
Inside was a key.
A key!
I looked up at him, heart in my throat. “Colter…?”
He rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly looking a little shy. “I know it’s early, and I know we said this was temporary, just until you felt safe again. But, baby…” His hand came up to cup my cheek, thumb brushing gently across my skin. “I don’t want you worrying about feeling safe in your home. About being alone. I want you here. Permanently, if you’ll have me.”
My throat tightened, eyes stinging. “You mean... move in? For real-real?”
He smiled softly. “Yeah. Move in. Make this our place. You, me, Murphy, Daisy, Tofu, Finch… chaos and all. It would make the most amazing Christmas gift for me.”
For a second, I couldn’t speak. Then I threw my arms around him, holding on tight. “Yes,” I whispered against his chest. “Heck, yes.” It was totally stupid. Way too soon. But it was perfect. Because it wasus.
He let out a quiet laugh, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. “Merry almost-Christmas, baby.”
Murphy gave a loud, sharp bark, and I looked from my dog back to Colter again. "You're like... sure, right? Really, really sure? Because these four little shits are a handful. I mean, I love them, and I wouldn't give them up for anything... but that doesn't mean that they're easy to deal with, and we're kind of a package deal."
Colter shook his head at me, his expression indulgent. "I wouldn't have it any other way. This saves me having to go through the trouble of trying to find the perfect pet, because I already have four of them."
His words warmed something deep inside me. He thought my menagerie of madness was perfect!
Dammit...hewas perfect!
On that heart-warming thought, a giggle burst from my lips. Soon, the giggle turned into full-bellied laughter.
