Page 76 of The Secret to Belonging

pulls the sweater over his torso

tells you it’s the most wonderful genser

he’s ever owned. he’ll never take it off

you laugh, thrilled

you love giving gifts you’ve made

he reaches into the bottom of his sack

pulls out a narrow box tied with gold ribbon

a polished silver spoon nestled in blue velvet

you gasp and look up at him

it belonged to my grandmother, he says

from her wedding silver

she gave it to me to give to you

the pattern is called Viking rose

he looks at you hopefully

do you like it?

oh, Espen, you say

it’s exquisite

he holds your face in his hands

kisses you

i love you, my American girl

he says in English

and now you’re crying

and

kissing through your tears

after the children have gone to bed

Espen bundles you into your coat

wraps a scarf around your neck

kom, he says, opening the door

i want to show you something

he pulls out the kick-sled, seats you in front