Page 34 of One Naughty Christmas Night

“Hello.”

“How are you doing?” he asked, setting a small box on the table.

“I’m fine,” she said, setting her gift down next to his. They were wrapped neatly in dark wrapping, dark red bows tied around them.

“Open mine first,” she said, clasping her hands together when he picked up the box.

Her heart danced in her chest, feeling as if her gift were suddenly more important than before.

He unwrapped the box, sending the wrapping to the floor, along with the bow.

Popping open the box, his jaw dropped.

“Victoria, it’s wonderful,” he said, pulling the miniature of his parents from the box.

He looked up at her, his brandy eyes warm and bright. “When did you do this?”

“Your parents were nice enough to sit for it during the summertime when you were visiting with your friends. It is, I guess, a gift from all of us. For you.”

“I… I don’t know what to say except thank you.”

He looked back down at it, then picked up the other box.

“What is it?” she asked, staring at the box.

“Open it and find out.”

She unwrapped it, opening the small box.

A gasp escaped her at the beautifully designed brooch that sat among the soft lining.

The gold brooch was set in a flower design, in the center a large emerald. Each petal was framed by an intricate inlay of small pearls, larger pearls set between each petal.

“Heath, it’s beautiful!” she said, removing it from the box. She immediately pinned it to her gown, staring at it.

“I love it.” She looked into his eyes, the warmth there glowing amber. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

She fingered the brooch, the emerald shining up at her.

“Where did you find such an exquisite piece?” she asked.

“It was my grandmother’s.”

Her head moved slowly up. “Your grandmother’s?”

“Yes. She said I could give it to whomever I choose, and I chose you.”

She opened her mouth to reply but was interrupted by the arrival of her parents.

“Victoria, darling, we want to give you our surprise now.”

Victoria turned to her parents, and her mother gasped. “How exquisite is that brooch? Victoria, did Heath give that to you?”

“He did. Do you like it, Mama?” she asked, standing so she could get a better look at it.

“It’s lovely, darling. Heath, thank you for such a lovely gift.”