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Chapter 18
“Lucian, you’re making me feel horrible. I didn’t get you anything.”
“It’s not an important milestone. I just saw it and stopped into the store to get it for you. Let me put it on you.”
Olivia holds out her wrist for me to secure the emerald and diamond tennis bracelet I got for our three-week anniversary. I know I should have waited for Christmas, which is next week, but I was excited to give it to her. Once I close the clasp, she holds it up to the light.
“It’s gorgeous! It’s still too much, especially with Christmas right around the corner.”
“You deserve it and more.”
I’ve spent the weeks since we got back from Thanksgiving stockpiling gifts for her. I’ve listened carefully to the things she likes most when we talk. Most of my afternoon hours are spent shopping. I’ve kept the wrapped gifts in Zane’s office closet.
For the past week, we’ve spent time decorating a large Christmas tree from one of the local lots as well as the loft. The whole place is festive. Olivia might as well move in with me because she spends most of her nights here. But this place is not technically mine, and I plan on finding us an apartment that’s all ours.
My father has warmed to the idea that I’m not coming back to Wilton. I’m happy where I am in the life I’m building with Olivia. Even if I did decide to move back to Boston, I know she would come with me.
He has offered to let me purchase one of his vacant properties in the same building as the loft for a very good price—nothing. He said to consider it an early wedding gift. I wonder if my mother’s sobriety has anything to do with his change of attitude. She’s feeling so good that she now works at Wilton with my father. I’m proud of her, and we might even consider spending a holiday or two with them.
“Luc, are you listening to me?”
I lift my head from my daydream. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”
“What’s the plan for Christmas?”
“I thought we could attend the Christmas Eve party that Jordan is throwing at his penthouse, then come home and open some gifts. Would you want to sleep here?”
“I don’t have a tree, so naturally that is what I was assuming. I would have to bring over the gifts I have for you.”
“You didn’t have to get me anything. You’re gift enough.”
“Really? Don’t think I don’t know what you’ve been up to.”
“I have no idea what you’re referring to.”
“The sneaking out in the afternoons. Exactly how many gifts have you purchased for me?”
I look up at the ceiling pretending to count how many gifts I got for her already. I’ve lost track, but I know it’s more than twenty.
“Lucian! How many?”
“I don’t know a few.”
She throws her hands up in exasperation and heads to the bedroom. I run after her, scoop her up in my arms, and plant kisses all over her face.
“Put me down!”
“I will not. I’m going to hold you in my arms until that frown disappears.”
“How many gifts have you gotten me?”
“A lot. And before you get upset, keep this in mind. It’s been a couple of years since I was able to enjoy a Christmas with a woman I love. Cassie was ill our first Christmas together and gone the next. I never had a chance to spoil her, and I want to spoil you.”
Her face softens. “I didn’t know. But you shouldn’t have gone crazy. I don’t need gifts when I have you.”
“I was thinking the same thing, but just the same, I wanted to do it.”
“I’ve got you some things I think you’ll enjoy. I also had to ask Zane to be sure.”
