Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 96833 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96833 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
“Did you have someone do this?” my father asked, looking up in amazement. The entire surface area of the house seemed covered.
“I wish I could take credit, but I didn’t. I have no idea how this happened.” As I stared up at the lights, I started to cry—happy tears. It wasn’t until this moment that I realized how sad I’d been, how scared about the future. From the impending birth, to my dad’s health, to the status of my relationship with Sig, my life was filled with uncertainty. This, though, was a moment of joy. A moment to pause and appreciate all the good I had in my life. How lucky I was to be alive.
Then it hit me. Sig was the only person I’d spoken to about not being able to put up Christmas lights this year. This had to be his doing. But how the hell did he pull it off?
Once we got inside, I called him. He’d barely had a chance to answer when I said, “You did this? The lights?”
“Oh good. They didn’t fuck it up.”
“Whoever they are, they did an amazing job.”
“Are they bright and obnoxious? That’s what I asked for.”
“They rival Clark Griswold’s from Christmas Vacation. Pretty sure we might make the news tonight and cause a traffic jam from onlookers.”
“Good. Good.”
I sniffled. “How the hell did you manage this?”
“I hired a team to do it while I knew you were in Boston with your father. I wanted to surprise you.”
“Well, you brought me to tears. I can’t tell you how much this means to me—to us.”
“I didn’t mean to make you cry, beautiful. Besides, it’s nothing compared to what you’re doing for me, for Kate and Phil. I could never repay you. Just wanted to bring a little happiness to your day, because I know it’s not going to be an easy week for you. You and your dad deserve lights this year more than any.”
I wiped my eyes. “You know, Benedictus, you sure are ruining your prior reputation as a jerk.”
***
Sig’s holiday surprises didn’t end with the Christmas lights. The following day, he sent me a text in the middle of the afternoon.
Sig: I want to take you on a lunch date. Virtually. Can you swing it?
Abby: Dad’s sleeping, and I was just going to make myself something, but I would much rather go on a date with you.
Sig: Eat something first. I’ll call you in twenty minutes.
When it came time for our call, he appeared on the screen wearing a gray wool coat and scarf—so handsome. It was nighttime there, but I recognized the store in the background. “Are you at Marks and Spencer?”
“I might be.” He winked. “It’s the one not far from my flat.”
Sig knew I loved shopping at the food hall there, might even call it an obsession. There was another one within walking distance of the office in London, and I’d often gone there to stock up on prepared foods before returning to Westfordshire in the evenings. I’d even bring a cooler with me, prompting much ridicule from Sig. Lavinia and I loved their pigs-in-a-blanket appetizer. They had so many tasty snacks that I couldn’t get here in the US.
“They’ve put out all the Christmas items,” he said. “I’m feeling bad that you have to miss their holiday displays. So I thought I’d bring everything to you tonight.”
That made my heart squeeze. The idea of missing Christmas in London was hard to accept. I longed to experience at least one season there with him. “You’re gonna kill me with your Christmas kindness, Sig. I was a blubbering mess last night with the lights, and now this?”
“I figured you could pick out whatever you want, and I’ll ship it to you in a care package. Unfortunately, it has to be nonperishable, so the pigs in a blanket won’t make it. But they have an obscene amount of chocolate.”
“And you say you’re not romantic. This is the most romantic thing anyone has ever done for me—second only to the Christmas spectacular you set up at my house last night.”
“Keep this our little secret.” He smiled, but then his expression turned serious. “I hate what you’re going through with your dad right now. I just want to bring you some happiness, like you’ve brought me. This is the first Christmas I’ve allowed myself to acknowledge anything having to do with the holiday. Since Britney died, Christmases have been hard. But this year, I feel like celebrating. It’s nice to get in the spirit again. You’re the reason for that.”
“You’re gonna make me cry.” The doorbell rang. “Someone’s at the door,” I said.
“Go answer.” He smirked.
What else does he have up his sleeve? My heart raced. When I opened, it was a delivery guy with an order from Starbucks. I thanked him and closed the door. “What’s all this?”