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“Cool. I’ll be down in twenty minutes.”

True to his word, Caleb raced down the stairs after his shower and met Jack and Sam in the kitchen again. The place smelled amazing. “How did you two learn to cook overnight?”

“We called Mom. She walked us through everything. She and Dad are in South Carolina with our aunt and cousins,” Jack said.

“I wish they could be here for this.”

Summer would want her whole family together.

“They can’t wait to talk to Summer later,” Sam said, slapping him on the back.

“Well, to that end, let’s get this show on the road.”

The three of them went down to the barn, uncovered the sleigh they’d borrowed from Mrs. Little last night, and harnessed up the horses. Sam tossed a thermos on the front seat.

“What’s that?”

“She loves hot chocolate on Christmas morning.”

“Thanks, Sam, for all your help.”

“Keep making my sister happy.”

“I plan on it.”

Jack slapped him on the back and gave him a hug. “Go get her, brother,” he encouraged.

Caleb worried things between him and Jack would get weird and strained. Instead, they’d grown closer after Caleb confessed his plans for today and enlisted Jack’s help. Jack meant thatbrother, and Caleb appreciated it so much, especially since he was spending another holiday away from his family.

It didn’t take long for him and Jack to ride over to Summer’s place. Jack held the horses while he went inside to get Summer. He found her in the loft, zipping up the garment bag she’d left hanging there days ago.

“What’s in the bag?”

“New Year’s Eve dress.”

“We going to a party?”

“I hope so,” she said vaguely.

Too nervous about what he planned, he dropped the New Year’s thing. “Let’s go.”

He took her hand and led her downstairs and to the Christmas tree.

“Where did all these presents come from?”

“Santa.” He pulled one of the small packages free and handed it to her.

A bright smile bloomed on her face. Without hesitation, she tore into the paper, revealing the black velvet box. Her eyes went wide, but she hesitated to open it.

She thought it was a ring. He meant her to. He’d laid a few traps to throw her off.

She opened the box and discovered the blue topaz earrings inside. “They match your eyes,” he said, giving her a kiss and trying not to laugh as her face changed from disappointment to surprise and happiness.

“I love them.” She put them on and held her hair back for him to see.

“I wanted to get you something special for our first Christmas together.”

“You shouldn’t have spent so much money.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. “Thank you.”