First Crush, My Forever

Chapter 45

  Once KK is finally asleep, Dani comes back downstairs carrying the empty cookie plate and the half-finished glass of milk. She sets them on the counter and rubs her hands down her arms. The soft Christmas lights flicker behind her, giving the room a warm glow that reflects in her tired eyes.

  "I think she's more excited than she was last year," Dani says, letting out a soft breath.

  I smile, watching her move around the kitchen. "You've done good, Dani."

  She gives me a small smile, but I can still see the weight behind her eyes. "I hope so. She deserves a good Christmas."

  We both stand there for a minute in the stillness. The house is completely quiet except for the faint hum of the heater kicking on and the distant ticking of the clock in the living room. The Christmas tree lights glow across the room, casting soft shadows across the walls. The whole place feels wrapped up in peace, like it is holding its breath for the morning to come.

  Dani finally moves, pulling open one of the upper cabinets and taking out the gifts she had hidden there earlier. She lays the little gifts for KK's stocking out on the counter and starts organizing everything with careful, practiced hands. She has clearly done this before. Each little item is placed with intention like she is building a perfect little surprise for KK to find when she wakes up.

  There are tiny bottles of nail polish in pinks and purples, sparkly hair clips, a Frozen makeup set with a little mirror, sticker books, and a couple of the surprise blind balls that KK can't get enough of. Dani's hands move with a rhythm like she is going through a quiet routine that brings her a sense of calm.

  "Need help?" I ask even though I already know the answer.

  Dani smiles softly without looking up. "I got it. This part's kind of my thing but thank you."

  I lean against the counter, staying close but not interfering. She carefully fills KK's stocking, stopping now and then to adjust things so everything fits just right. She steps back when she is done, tilting her head slightly like she is inspecting her work.

  "Perfect," Dani whispers to herself.

  She doesn't realize I am watching her the whole time. These are the moments that make me fall for her all over again. Not the big grand gestures, but the quiet ones where her love for KK pours out in simple, steady actions.

  After just staring at everything or lost in thought, Dani finally turns to me and rubs the back of her neck. "I'm gonna head to bed before I sit down and don't get back up."

  I nod. "I'll finish locking everything up and turn off the lights. I'll be up soon."

  She crosses the living room, pausing at the base of the stairs to glance back at me one last time. "Merry Christmas, Taytum."

  "Merry Christmas, Dani," I say quietly, my chest feeling full.

  After Dani disappears upstairs, I stand there for a minute longer, just breathing in the quiet. The whole house is still except for the twinkling lights reflecting off the shiny wrapping paper under the tree.

  I finally pull my phone out and text mama. "Hey. Is it okay if I step over real quick and grab the presents y'all wrapped for me?"

  Mama answers almost immediately. "Of course, baby. The door's unlocked. Love you."

  I slip my shoes on and pull on my jacket. The cold air slaps my face as soon as I step outside. My breath fogs in front of me, little puffs disappearing into the night as I make my way across the short path to my house. The glow from our windows light up the porch softly.