Page 41 of Wrapped in Winter
“You didn’t have to do that, you know.”
“Of course I did. Birthday girls deserve all the gifts.” I widen my legs, brushing against her thigh and throwing my arm along the back of the couch, but not before brushing across her neck. She shivers and I smile.
After seeing Lily pull her gifts from the bag, January leans into me. “You’re spoiling her.”
I wave my hand. “They’re from Cole and me. And you can never be spoiled enough on your birthday.”
Lily squeals over a Barbie she opens and I ask, “Who bought these gifts?”
I turn to her with a grin. “I did. And it was quite amusing to check out with a bunch of girl toys at the store in town. I can’t wait to hear the gossip on that.” I laugh and January rolls her eyes. “Maybe next time, you can come with me, and we’ll pick out a toy for you.”
A blush forms on her neck and cheeks, and I chuckle as she glances around at everyone in the room, hoping they aren’t hearing us. I settle back into the couch and take in the room, enjoying this newfound family.
“I have one last present for you.”
Everyone left about an hour ago, and I stayed to help January clean up. Today felt really good, and I was happy to be here sharing the day with all of them. Of course, I got some ribbing from Lief, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from an older brother. It’s what I would have done for my sister too.
I hand the small box over to Lily, and January sits down beside her. She tears it open and takes out the contents. “Momma, look! It’s my name!” She holds up a picture frame shaped like a pink lily with her name in script under it.
January lets out a breath. “That's gorgeous. Where did you get that?”
“It was my sister’s.”
Her eyes get wide, and she shakes her head. “No, Drake, we can’t accept that.”
“Momma, can we hang it on my wall?”
“No, baby, tha?—”
“Of course you can. It’s agift,January. It’s hers to do with as she pleases.”
“No. It’s too much.”
“It’s not. I’ve never met another Lily. This seems fitting.”
“Thank you!” Lily jumps from the couch and hugs me, and it feels right. Everything about this home feels right. She runs to her room, and I move to her spot on the couch beside January.
“Hey,” I gently nudge her, “I wanted to do that.”
She won’t look at me, just wrings her hands and looks down. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Truth, I always want the truth.”
She shakes her head. “I’m just feeling a lot. It’s one thing to try to meet and date someone but it’s another, to have to navigate it with my daughter too.” She looks up at me. “I can take the hurt but she can’t. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
I nod. “I do. And I know this is new between us, but I’m not looking to hurt her. Or you. Do you understand whatI’msaying?”
She watches me, eyes shining and so full of questions, full of fear. I can see it written all over her face. And all I can do is keep reassuring her. Keep showing up, and one day she’ll know I mean it.
Chapter 17
Drake
It’s early on Friday morning, and I'm off. I know deliveries are always busiest on the weekends, but it’s just the way the schedule fell, and honestly, I'm looking forward to a little downtime today.
After celebrating Lily’s birthday and spending time with January this past weekend, the week has been quieter than what I wanted. We texted, called, I saw her at the boutique, but she’s been busy prepping the store for Valentine’s Day, and I’ve stepped back to let her gain her footing.
I didn’t want to bombard her or pressure her for more because I think having me and everyone in the house together was a lot for her. Also, the way Lily welcomed me into their home, I know it put her on edge. I don’t want her to feel that pressure. I just want her to know that people aren’t always going to leave just because that has been her experience in the past. I know it’s hard for her to come to terms with, but I want to keep showing up to enforce that I want to be here.