Birthday Kisses(10)

Wren catches me staring and she offers a sweet smile. “Are you going to open your present?”

I glance down at the box next to me, wrapped in bright red paper with gold snowflakes scattered all over it. “I like watching Willow open her presents first.”

“More like I’m opening them.” A sigh leaves her and she drops a kiss on Willow’s downy soft hair. “Next year she’ll be able to open her presents.”

“Maybe. She might still need some assistance though.”

“From what I remember with Grant and Alyssa’s boys, she’ll probably like the boxes better than the actual presents.” Wren laughs, giving our daughter a squeeze.

“Probably.” I pull the present into my lap and start unwrapping it. “What did you get me anyway?”

“Open it and find out.” Her smile is mischievous.

I tear at the wrapping paper, tossing it aside before I crack open the box to find an expensive looking watch nestled inside. When I spot the brand name on the interior of the box, I know without a doubt it’s a pricey watch.

“It’s Patek Phillippe,” Wren says to fill in the silence as I admire the gorgeous piece. “I saw it and thought of you. You don’t wear a watch much, but I thought it would give you a dignified air while you’re at work or showing houses. Meeting with clients.”

“You don’t think I have a dignified air already?” I meet her gaze, hoping she can tell I’m just teasing her.

“Oh, you’re very dignified.”

“I’m not having dignified thoughts about you at this particular moment.” My gaze snags on the necklace I got her, the stones sparkling around her slender neck, thanks to the lights on the tree. She’s got on black silk pajamas and while she looks adorable, I’d love to see her in that necklace and nothing else later tonight.

Her eyes are wide and full of innocence, reminding me of the girl I first saw all those years ago at Lancaster Prep. The one who I thought I couldn’t stand, even though it had more to deal with my frustration that she wasn’t mine.

That’s all I wanted, even though I didn’t realize it at first. Her.

I wanted her for myself.

“Do you like it?” she asks, gesturing toward the watch.

“I love it.” I pull it out of the box, strapping it to my wrist. I hold my arm out, turning it this way and that as I examine it. “It looks good.”

“I was nervous,” she admits. “It’s not something you asked for, so I didn’t know if you’d like it.”

“I love anything that you give me. And I didn’t really ask for anything. I have everything I already need. You.” I watch as Willow takes the stuffed Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Wren must’ve bought her and shoves the red nose into her mouth. “Our daughter.”

“Our life is pretty great, isn’t it,” Wren whispers, her eyes full of love.

“It is. Though I don’t want our girl to choke on Rudy here.” I reach over and yank the stuffed animal out of Willow’s mouth. She cries out in protest, reaching for him again.

“Oh no!” Wren turns Willow around so she’s facing her and lifts her up, their gazes meeting. “You can’t eat Rudolph, sweetie. But you can cuddle him.”

“She’s ruthless,” I tease, pride running through me as usual when I talk about Willow. Everything she does is like a little miracle. She’s the best baby on this planet, if you ask me.

Though I’m sure most parents feel that way about their children, especially their first born.

“I’ll say.” Wren kisses Willow’s cheeks. “Ooh I love this baby so much. I could eat her up.”

“Now you’re the ruthless one, wanting to eat our baby.” I rise to my feet and go to the Christmas tree, remembering I left a present behind it, against the wall.

“What are you looking for?” Wren asks when I dip behind the tree and snag the present I bought for my wife for Christmas.

“This is for you.” I hold the box out to her.

She blinks at it for a moment before lifting her gaze to mine. “Another gift?”

“It’s your birthday and Christmas, Wren. You deserve two.”

“You spoil me,” she chastises as she starts to take the gift from me and I lift it up higher at the last second. “Hey.”

“I forgot how heavy it is. Give me Willow and we’ll trade.”

She does as I request, handing over the baby before I give her the gift. I settle on the couch right behind where she’s sitting on the floor, Willow in my arms so we can both watch Mommy open her Christmas present.

Wren tugs the purple ribbon off the box, then carefully undoes the wrapping paper. It comes undone without a single tear and the box that’s revealed is covered in kissy lips.

Just like her favorite art piece.

“Oh, this is so cute!” Wren glances at me from over her shoulder, the surprise on her face obvious. “I love it!”

“That’s not even the gift,” I tell her with a smile. “Open the box, Wren.”

She pops the lid off, a gasp leaving her when she sees what’s inside. “Oh my God, I love this so much!”

It’s a perfume from Bond No. 9. The scent is Nolita and the bottle is white, with the same kissy lips all over the front like the box. Only this bottle is a special edition.