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“You alright?” Arden nudges my side.

When we first met, he barely asked me questions. I enjoyed the way he commanded me around. Giving me directions without the need to question me like how my father did every time I managed to disappoint him.

What now? How could you? Do you even think?

I shiver. But Arden has never asked me questions like those before. They’re always kind questions. Ones that make me melt a little.

I lean against him, letting him pile my empty plate on his. “I’m just happy to be here.”

He clutches my hand in his, dipping his head, his lips meet mine. A few whistles explode around us while others giggle. I blush, hiding my face in Arden’s neck.

“Alright, alright!” Sadie claps her hands. “Present time!”

The kids gather on the floor with her, their attention solely focused on the gifts, despite their brand-new looking toys beside them.

“Noelle and Katie!” Sadie picks up two presents and gives them to one of the kids who runs in a circle frantically searching for them.

Noelle takes the gifts and sends them back to Sadie. I watch with curiosity bursting in my chest as the couple unwrap their gifts. Katie gasps at hers while Noelle takes her with a kiss.

“Your parents bought everyone gifts?” I ask under my breath.

Arden shakes his head. “No. The pile is everyone’s gifts to their mates. We all buy something and then give it to Mom to put under the tree.”

I nod in understanding, watching Sadie list of couple after couple until there’s only a few presents left.

“Blake.” She looks up at me with a smile.

I freeze.

In her grasp is a huge box, wrapped in gold and red paper, my name clearly written on the tag. Who bought me a gift?

I look to Arden who takes the box from one of the kids and passes it to me. “Merry Christmas, sweet thing.”

“I-it’s for me?” I take the box, still unsure what’s going on.

Since Mom died, no one has ever given me a present for Christmas. I swallow, unable to accept what’s happening.

Arden grins, “Yes, baby. Open it.”

I give him a final look, deciding if he’s joking or not. When he nods again, I finally run my finger under the sticky tape, carefully pulling it away from the paper. I don’t want to rip it, or make a mess, so I gently pull it apart, despite the onlooking eyes and frustrated children who beg me to rip it open.

The paper falls away and John takes the waste. It’s just a simple brown box with the lid ajar. I look at Arden again. His grin hasn’t fallen.

Pulling open the flaps I pull away the top layer of paper and gasp at the sight. The entire box is filled to the brim with jackets and scarfs and all types of other clothes.

“I thought, given I ruined your only pair of clothes, that I’d get you enough to last you through winter,” Arden explains.

I dig into the box, forgetting to be careful as I pull out a beautiful green and gray jacket with a furry hood.

“I love them! Thank you!” I hug it against my chest.

The air in the room settles as everyone enjoys their gifts and starts new conversations. My new jacket sits comfortably across my lap, Arden’s arm slung over my shoulders.

But as I sit in silence watching everyone, there’s a weight in my pocket. But I’m too shy to give it to him in front of everyone.

Shrugging my new jacket over my shoulders and standing from the couch, I take Arden’s hand.

“Can we go outside?” I ask.