Page 124 of It's a Wonderful Knife

He nuzzled my neck and whispered, “I need to put the turkey in the oven.”

“Slow down there, Romeo. How about a little foreplay?”

He laughed. “No, I literally have to put the turkey in the oven, or it won’t be cooked in time.”

“I know. I’m just kidding.”

“But once I do that, I can come back.”

“You’re not going to bring a baster or anything right? I’m not into kinky Christmas sex.”

He shook his head and threw back the covers. “How about instead, I make a fire and we have some spiked eggnog?”

“Sounds perfect.”

Grumpy yawned from the foot of the bed, looking almost annoyed that we were getting up so early. He followed us into the kitchen, and I fed him while Royce prepared the turkey.

Much of the day was spent sitting in front of the tree, listening to Christmas music while drinking spiked eggnog. Royce handled most of the meal because I really didn’t know how to do anything. I opened the cranberries, I helped mash the potatoes, but I steered clear of the stuffing and the turkey. I knew I would only be a hindrance.

The meal was probably the best Christmas supper I’d ever eaten. The wine was perfect, the food fantastic, and being with Royce was everything. Royce had even made a pumpkin pie, and I forced myself to eat a slice, even though I was beyond full.

Once the meal was over, I did the dishes. It was my one real contribution. Then we sat in front of the tree, and I gave him his present. He also had a present for me, and I held it in my lap, watching nervously as he opened his gift.

He pulled out the Tommy Bahama St. Bart’s cologne I’d bought him. “Thanks, Max.” He opened it and sprayed some into the air. Nodding, he said, “I like that a lot.”

I sighed. “Good. It’s hard picking cologne for other people. I just knew I’d enjoy smelling that on your skin.”

He grinned. “Knowing that, I’ll spray it strategically.”

I laughed. “Shall I open my gift?”

“Absolutely.”

I ripped the silver wrapping from the small box, wondering what in the world it could be. “I don’t need many things. I’m curious to know what you picked for me.”

“You need things.”

“Do I? I usually just buy what I need as I go.”

“Not always.”

I squinted at him because his tone was odd. I opened the lid and found a car key nestled in cotton. My mouth fell open. “What the heck is this?”

Royce looked a little nervous now. “It… it’s a car key.”

“I know, but…” I glanced up. “Did you buy me a car, Royce?”

He laughed. “Well, winter is here, and you weren’t in any hurry. You can’t just walk everywhere, Max.”

“But a car?” I squeaked. “That’s too expensive.”

“Now don’t worry. It’s not a new car. But it’s a good car.” He grimaced. “It’s the 2017 Subaru Impreza you were talking about buying.”

I blinked at him. “I… I can’t believe you bought me a car. I gave you a lousy bottle of cologne.”

“Max.” He grimaced. “Honestly, getting you a car givesmepeace of mind. I don’t like you walking everywhere. You need a car.”

“I know.” I swallowed against the lump in my throat. “This is so thoughtful.”