'Tis the Season

Chapter 24: Dear, Santa

Chapter Twenty-Four: Dear Santa,

The next week was hard. Carson didn't recover as quickly as we had all hoped for him to, but he kept his word and his attitude improved monumentally after our fight. He was extra sweet with me for quite a few days after it, I could tell he still felt really bad. As much as I wanted to reassure him we were okay, I can't deny that his extra attention wasn't nice.

I could tell he was frustrated as the days ticked by and he was unable to complete any of the activities he had on our bucket list, but I was content just watching movies and cuddling with him. The other perk was that while he spent most of his time in his room sleeping, I was able to come up with an idea for his Christmas present and get it all settled.

The day before Christmas Eve, Carson woke up with a lot more energy than he usually does. His cough, while still present, was sounding significantly better than it has been and after taking a dosage of medicine, his congestion seemed to clear right up. I tried to convince him that he needed to relax regardless, but he was having none of that.

"Naomi, c'mon, I feel great! Please don't make me beg you," he pouts adorably and I sigh with defeat.

"Which one are you thinking?"

The grin that spreads across his face instantly melts my heart.

"Well, we were supposed to go caroling tonight..." I shoot him a look and he gives me a sheepish smile.

"Carson, no. It's way too cold. Isn't there an indoor activity you can choose?"

He sighs and scans the list next to his bed. "Well we're going to decorate cookies tomorrow," he thinks aloud before his eyes freeze and light up on one task in particular.

"I know exactly what we're doing tonight."

I raise my eyebrows as he grabs his phone and starts texting someone without further explanation. "Well?"

"Yes?"

"Carson."

"Naomi," he teases me and I chuckle, kissing him on the cheek.

"Fine, keep your secrets." I shake my head at him and he leans up to give me a quick kiss before settling back in bed.

"I'll come get you from your room at four thirty. Be ready, let's pretend I'm taking you out on a real date."

I smile softly at the effort he's trying to put in despite being so sick.

"Should I dress up fancy?"

He thinks about it for a second before shaking his head. "As much as I truly, truly loved that little green number you wore to gift exchange, for this particular date you should probably dress down. If you need some inspiration there's a whole drawer of my sweatshirts you haven't stolen yet," he points in a corner and I roll my eyes, laughing lightly.

"Got it. And don't mind if I do." I walk over to his drawer and start browsing my options. Carson watches me with amusement as I exaggerate picking up each hoodie and feeling the inside, holding it up against my body.

"How many can I take?" He laughs his warm laugh that I love and I feel goosebumps raise along my skin.

"You can have all of them for all I care. Lord knows I love seeing you in them." I smile softly and take three random ones with me. There was never any real criteria, as long as they're Carson's I will wear them with pride.

"Alright, babe. I'll see you at four thirty."

❆ ❆ ❆

"You look breathtaking, baby." Carson swiftly kisses my lips as we stand in the doorway of my room and I chuckle, blushing a little.