Taking a sip of my latte, I wait for him to return to open my presents when he calls me over.
“Emma, it’s for you.”
My mom raises a brow at me, and my stomach turns into knots, knowing that whatever is waiting for me is from the man I’ve been waiting to hear from again.
When I reach the door, there’s a carrier with a gift box waiting for me to sign off on the package.
Yep, definitely Grayson.
As soon as the man leaves, I stare at the red, white, and green gift box. For some reason, I’m scared of what might be waiting for me.
Someone grabs my shoulder, and I lift my eyes to the ones that match mine. My father’s eyes.
“You okay, Pumpkin?”
Nodding, I tell him the truth. “I think it’s a gift from Grayson.” His face tightens a bit. “He’s been sending me gifts with little notes, and it’s his way of communicating with me for now. He said he had to sort some things out before talking to me again.”
My dad takes a deep breath, trying to remain patient at the mention of the guy who I’m semi-seeing. He hates the way things have gone down between us, and I don’t blame him.
Dad places both hands on his hips and shakes his head. “I can tell you want to open it alone, so I’ll let you be, but so help me God, Emma. If that man hurts you in any way, I’ll kill him and make it look like an accident.”
My mouth falls open. “Jesus Christ, Dad!” I tilt my head. “Wait, is that something you can do?”
The frown he was wearing turns upside down. He laughs and walks away without answering my question.
“That is extremely disturbing,” I mutter to myself.
Reaching the kitchen counter, I unwrap the large bow on top of the gift box and open it to find another top. Taking that top off, I find some padding around the box and two rectangular objects wrapped in Bubble Wrap. Taking both items out, I see the card at the bottom. Setting the gifts down, I read the note first.
Merry Christmas, Princess.
I’ll see you soon.
Wait for me.
I flip the card over. “That’s it?” I whisper. “He’ll see me soon?” I say a little too loudly and quickly cover my mouth, not wanting my mom to walk in.
Oh, this better be a good gift.My patience is running extremely thin.
Unwrapping the first gift, my movements grow slower as I recognize a familiar color and design.
He didn’t.
Slowly lifting the remainder of the Bubble Wrap, I ever so carefully place the plastic-wrapped book down and take a small step back. My eyes examine the dark green cover with intricate gold designs and gold-edged pages.
Happy, shocked tears blur my vision as I remember there’s a second one, probably another book. This time, I handle everything with extra care, not knowing what’s to come next, but it can’t possibly be?—
“Oh. My. God!” I yelp.
Mom and Dad rush into the kitchen, asking me what’s wrong. I can’t seem to form any words as I point to the red cover.
My mom rounds the counter and studies the book before understanding what it is.
“This is a first edition.”
I nod.
Dad then comes around. “The Princess Bride? Why would he send you a first edition of…” Understanding washes over his features, recalling why the book is so special to me.