TIFFIN 3

108

I didn't have any clear idea of what he had planned. Even as we turned into the crowded plaza it was unclear what the surprise would be. 

Lights glittered against the night sky and bounded off the piles of snow gathered on the blacktop. Amidst the chaos of families gathered in the area, a giant christmas tree stood in the center of it all, it's decorations and garland making for the perfect beacon. 

Once he slid into a parking space, Hero reached into the glove department brandishing a tie. 

Okay? 

"Put this on." He demanded. 

I snorted. 

"Um. No. Why would I need to do that?" 

My mischievous hubby rolled his eyes. 

"I don't want you peeking at the surprise." 

From behind my seat, Eleanor squealed impatiently. What in the world could he have been hiding? I was usually good at sensing his change in behavior and he hadn't acted off all week. 

I folded my arms unwilling to give in. 

"I'm not getting kinky out in public. You said that a few of our friends would be here and I want to be able to see them. If need be, slap a hand over my face. 

Still dissatisfied with my retort, he growled like some caveman. 

"Fine. But don't say I didn't try my best." 

Groaning, I made my way around the car to unbuckle Eleanor. Damn that man. Even when I tried to make things efficient and easier, he still wanted to grumble. 

Ugh. Couldn't blame him. He'd been put through a hell of a lot these past months and I certainly hadn't made anything easier. 

Then he did something nice and had it all panned out only for me to deny him his joy... 

Well, you live and learn.

Once I had Eleanor settled in the carrier and Hero joined us, we headed to the meat of the circus. Every person within the vicinity were in deep conversation and pointed at the tree itself. 

Was this a yearly celebration? If so, we needed to visit this part of Chico more often. 

Our daughter caught sight of the bright lights on the tree and began kicking her feet against my stomach. She was quite the vision with her excitement. 

"You like that?" I asked, though I didn't receive an answer. 

Didn't know what I expected. 

"Come on," Hero interrupted grabbing onto my arm, "Let's move closer to the amphitheatre." 

I laughed as I allowed to take me. 

"Calm down, honey. We have all night... Besides how can they fit an amphitheatre in here?" 

There wasn't time for a response before we were attacked by several people. Amongst many of our friends and family was Kylie, Brendan, Rose, and Josephine. 

As expected they all gushed over Eleanor who basked in the attention. 

"What are you all doing here?" I exclaimed with a grin on my face. 

"We had to see how your husband had outdone himself." Kylie said. "I mean... What a great idea." 

I was about to ask what she meant, but didn't get the chance. I hadn't realized we'd made it past the gigantic tree and made it further into the fray. 

Set atop a stand was a tall crystalized statue that glistened as it rotated. Above the blue star was a hologram in the sky that read: 

I love you always my dear Kristina. 

Stay bright my darling Eleanor. 

I swiveled around to face Hero, tears falling down my cheeks. 

"You mean to tell me you did this?"

He chuckled. 

"Why so surprised?"

Cradling my daughter's head so she wouldn't get smushed, I ran into his embrace pressing kisses to his chest. 

"This is amazing. My god... How did you manage it?" 

He smiled, holding me at arms length. 

"Let's just say I know a few people. I wanted to show you both how much you mean to me. I'm not going anywhere." 

I closed my eyes, kissing him hard on the mouth. This was the perfect moment. Being with the ones I loved without anything to ruin it. 

We needed this forever. For many years to come.