Page 109 of Finding Redemption

“Happy birthday and Merry Christmas, wrapped in one.” He slides by me, walking over to open a box. “This is full of ornaments and there’s picks and swirly twirl things over there. I just got a bow for the top, but we have stockings. Oh, and I got garland for the doors with lights. If there’s something you wanted and it’s not here, we’ll go get it.” He stands, his hands on his hips, studying the room.

“Walker…” My knees go weak, my heart hammering. “Is this all for me?” He nods and before I can stop myself, I bum-rush him, almost knocking him over. “Can you get any more perfect?”

“I’ll never compare to you.”

I fist his hair, dragging his mouth to mine. “Thank you.” I kiss him again, then his jaw, down his neck, his eyes. I kiss everything my lips can land on. “Where do I start?”

“Well, the lights are on it. I wasn’t sure if you like white or colored, so we got both. I guess strings of stuff or ornaments?” He rips open another box.

“We? Who helped, Ava?”

“Yeah, well, all of us. Riley helped me get the tree and wreaths. Mom, Ava, and Andi picked up the decorations. Dad helped me carry it all up and set up the tree.” He smiles at me.

My stomach flips. “Your family helped do this for me?”

“Reese, you’re family if you’ll have me.” He leans in. “I want to marry you, today if you’d agree, but I just got you to admit you love me, so I’ll wait. But you’re it for me. You’re home.”

My words from his mouth resound in my ears. “We’ll work on it and when you’re ready to propose, I’ll say yes.”

His eyes grow round as he smiles. “Seriously? You don’t think I’m rushing it?”

“Sometimes, I wished you did push a little more but I’m happy. And I love you. I have no doubt we’ll marry as quickly as we found each other but I’m okay until we agree it’s time.”

“So, it’s not time?” He narrows his eyes.

“If it weren’t for my trust issues, I’d be all over marrying you. I’ve shocked myself with our relationship as it is.”

“What do you mean?” He opens another box.

I start picking out decorations. “My dad leaving, it still haunts me. I love my mom but she didn’t handle it well. I thought for years he left because of me. Mom blamed us both for our lives being hard. Once she realized she was hurting me, she just hated my dad that much more.”

“The only way you’re getting rid of me is if you make me leave.” He rubs my back as he passes me.

“Yeah, I think you’re stuck with me.”

“Movie? I’ll grab some food and after we eat, we’ll knock this out.” He snakes his arm around me, hauling me to his chest.

“Sounds good. I want to shower and sit in front of the tree with all the lights off.”

“I’ll lay out a shirt.” He brushes my ear with his lips.

“I’ll forget the panties.”

His breathing becomes labored. “Please do.” He kisses me and then wanders off. “By the way, you have a present hidden in this place.”

“What? Where?” I jump up and down with a squeal.

I’m dressed early but with my mom and Alden waiting in the living room, I can’t stand another minute of hiding out. The emerald dress is low cut and hugs all my curves. I know my mother. She’s going to hate this dress. What was I thinking? It’s too much. I turn the knob, stepping into the room.

“Reese, do you think you should wear that?” My mom, death.com.

“Yes, Mother. I like it.”

“I think you look amazing, Reesie Cup.” Alden walks over to me and kisses me on the cheek.

“Your hips are too large, and your chest is spilling out everywhere. It’s not becoming. Take it off. I’ll find you something from my bag.” She stands, moving toward the door.

“No, Mother. I’m wearing this, I like it.” Bile rises in my throat. I’m ready to run.