He leaned forward and put his hand over hers, giving it a squeeze. The gesture was unexpected and she assumed he’d release her, yet he didn’t. Instead, his fingers curled around hers as if it were completely natural. “So am I. Terrified, in fact. I’ve never done this, Sara. My parents and my sister are the only constants in my life, and I haven’t seen them in over a year. They might not be thrilled, but they’re used to me being a mostly absent son and brother. I’ve dated and had some short-term relationships, but they were never serious, nor was I unhappy to see them end. The Army has been my life, and pretty much my wife, for the last sixteen years, and I haven’t wanted to subject anyone to it. You already know I deploy and relocate on a fairly regular basis. It’s hard on anyone left behind. I haven’t been in that position personally, but plenty of my soldiers have, and it’s tough on everyone involved. Even knowing all that, I couldn’t stop myself from becoming attached to you. You gave me something I’ve never had before: a sense of belonging. I can’t give you a guarantee that this will work out. It hasn’t been smooth sailing thus far. But we’re still here. If you’re willing, let’s take it one day at a time, and see where it goes. Try to push the fears and bullshit aside, and be the Gabe and Sara who’ve spent the last seven months talking together.”
“Well, well, look at you two sitting here all happy and glowing. I’ve been wondering how things were going. Seems like they worked out fine.” Maxi stood next to their table with her hands on her hips, beaming down at them like a proud parent.
“Things are definitely looking up.” Sara smiled as Gabe gave her a wink. Her words were not only a response to Maxi but also her acknowledgment of everything Gabe had just said. His answering grin told her that he understood. She found herself relaxing and enjoying his company. They both made an effort to keep the conversation lighthearted, which meant a lot of joking around. And when they left Maxi’s, he took her hand and led her to the truck. She had to fight the urge to pinch herself to see if she was dreaming. This was exactly what she’d envisioned all those nights she’d lain awake and dreamed about being with him.
Shopping for a Christmas tree and decorations was the most fun she’d had in longer than she could remember. He urged her to pick out whatever she liked. When she attempted to be conservative, not wanting to choose items that were so costly, he’d gone behind her and put everything in the cart that she’d admired.
She was studying the lights when he excused himself. She thought he was going to the restroom, so she was surprised when he returned with three red stockings. “I think you forgot something. I don’t know about you, but I’m not going to piss Santa off by not being prepared. One for you, me, and Trouble. You know he’d be hurt if we left him out.”
In that moment, he reminded her of Kaylee. His expression was a mixture of sheepish and expectant. As if hoping for her approval, but a tad embarrassed at the same time. She didn’t have to pretend to be pleased at his thoughtfulness, because she was thrilled. Not only was it sweet, but it showed her more than words that he wanted them to be a couple. A tree was great, but what he’d done on his own was so touching. She swallowed past the lump that was wedged in her throat, knowing he might take it the wrong way if she burst into tears. “I couldn’t agree more.” She nodded. “I’m glad you thought of that. Christmas wouldn’t be the same without them hanging above the fireplace.” He laid them in the cart, then put his hand in the center of her back and rested it there while they finished.
He surprised her again on the way home by turning on the radio and finding a station that played holiday music. It was a perfect evening, and much different from the other ones she’d spent there. Trouble was ecstatic when he saw all the bags they brought in. They’d decided on an artificial tree, knowing it would be easier. So when Gabe sat the big box down without opening it, both her and Trouble were disappointed. He took his coat and gloves off, then turned to see her expression. He chuckled, shaking his head. “I guess you wanted to do all this now, huh?”
She knew he was tired after working all day, but it was hard to think of going to bed and waiting until tomorrow. “If you’re not up to it, I could do it myself. If you’ll help me open the box, I’ll take it from there.” Trouble barked once, as if volunteering his assistance as well.
“I can see now that I’m going to be outnumbered.” He scowled at his dog, adding, “Who’s fed you and picked up your poop for years now? I thought you had my back.” Trouble flopped down on the floor in a move that clearly said he was remorseful but still wanted to see the damn tree. “All right, let’s do this,” Gabe said, and got started.
Sara unpacked the decorations and tried to hide her smile as he cursed his way through the directions. “Need some help over there?”
“Hell no,” he mumbled, then flashed her a boyish grin. “Sorry. I keep putting these damn things in the wrong spot. Whoever heard of color coding something, then having all of them look alike? Is this yellow or orange?” As she moved to offer her assistance, he held up a hand. “Oh no, baby, this right here is personal. You stay over there because shit just got real. I’m going to war against this plastic monstrosity.”
Sara pumped her fist in the air, letting loose a roar that made Trouble jump. “Go, tiger, you totally got this. I believe in you. Winners never quit and quitters never win.” He smirked when her motivational chant finally ended. “Too much?”
Holding up two branches that didn’t appear to belong anywhere, he said, “You better keep going. Maybe sacrifice something to the PVC gods who made this crap. For this to actually look like it’s supposed to, we might have to promise them our firstborn.” He kept working as if he had no clue what he’d said. Our firstborn? She knew he was joking around, but still—images of her pregnant with his child flooded her mind. They’d never really discussed any desire for children, and now certainly wasn’t the time. But what if? She didn’t know how long she stood there daydreaming, but she was abruptly pulled back to the present when he shouted, “The enemy has been defeated.” He motioned her over and put his arm around her shoulders to pull her closer. “Behold the beauty of this masterpiece.”
So sexy. Kiss me. As they admired his handiwork, she longed for him to do more than hug her. Considering how timid she’d been during her few sexual experiences, it was hard to believe that she wasn’t nervous with him. Anticipation and desire far overshadowed any anxiety she might have. And unlike the reserved stranger he’d been since she arrived, this was her Gabe—the man she’d been in love with for months. “It’s perfect,” she whispered, and it had little to do with the tree before them and everything to do with him.
Even though she would have been content at that point to snuggle on the couch for the rest of the evening, Gabe’s renewed enthusiasm was infectious. She put the hooks on the ornaments, and he hung them. A few times she had to chase Trouble through the house when he pulled something off and ran with it in his mouth. Luckily, they’d anticipated that very thing and had purchased all nonbreakable items. When she returned to the living room with the snowman she’d wrestled away from him, Gabe was standing on a stepladder waiting for her. “Think we’re finished.” He rearranged a few lights near the top as he said over his shoulder, “Angel, if you’ll hand me the star, I’ll put it up.”