Page 79 of Making It Burn

She pulled it out carefully, placing it in my palm.The brass was warm, heavy, and when I flipped open the lid, the needle still moved, pointing north with absolute certainty.

“It’s from the 1940s,” her voice shook.“Navy issue.Still works perfectly.”

I turned it over in my hands, and suddenly I knew.This was it.

“It’s perfect,” I breathed.

Lisa peered over my shoulder.“A compass?”

“Mason’s always trying to control everything.Plan everything.Find the right path.”I looked up at the shop owner.“Can you engrave it?”

“Of course.What would you like it to say?”

I thought about Mason.About the way he’d looked at me this morning, soft and unguarded.About the way he made me feel like I’d finally found something I didn’t know I was looking for.

“‘So you always know where home is,’” I said.

Lisa made a small sound beside me.“Beau.That’s...”

“Too much?”

“No.”Her eyes were bright.“It’s perfect.”

The shop owner smiled.“That’s very romantic.Lucky person.”

“I’m the lucky one,” I breathed.

She told me the engraving would take a few days, and I paid for it—more than I probably should have spent, but I didn’t care.Mason was worth it.

As we left the shop, Lisa linked her arm through mine.“So when are you giving it to him?”

“Christmas Day.I’m going to tell him then.”

“Tell him you love him?”

“Yeah.”

“Good.”She bumped my shoulder.“He deserves to know.And Beau?For what it’s worth?I think he’s going to say it back.”

I hoped she was right.

* * *

The office was decorated for Christmas—garland wrapped around the stair railings, a massive tree in the lobby, and holiday music playing softly through the speakers.It should have felt festive, but all I could focus on was Paul Cramer standing by the conference room with a clipboard, looking far too pleased with himself.

“Beau!”He waved me over.“Got a second?”

I really didn’t, but I walked over anyway.“What’s up?”

“Finalizing details for the Christmas party.You’re coming, right?”

“Wouldn’t miss it.”Though I kind of wish I could skip it.

“Great.And are you bringing a plus-one?I need final numbers for catering.”

“Just me.”

“Really?No one special?”His smile was friendly, casual.“A good-looking guy like you, I figured you’d have someone.”