Chapter Fourteen #2
Nodding, she looked up at him and narrowed her gaze.
“How did you know things between my parents and me aren’t great?
I’ve never told you that.” Willa was the only person Lottie ever told about the intricacies of how badly her parents had neglected her, but Mrs. G had known some of what had gone on too and maybe she told someone who told Nate.
“And it’s not like you to listen to town gossip. ”
“Normally I don’t. In fact, I avoid it if possible because I don’t want it to color my opinion of others, but when it comes to you?
” Nate reached over and cupped her jaw, boring his blue eyes into hers.
“When it comes to you I listen, and while I don’t know the whole story, I know enough that I want to be here for you. If you need me.”
Lottie always needed Nate, but that seemed like too big a confession even after all they’d been through together.
“I do need you here. I want you here.” She leaned against him, letting his warmth comfort her when the behavior of her parents has constantly left her out in the cold.
“All I ever wanted was for them to see me, but no matter what I did they never could. I’m not sure why that is but I do know that it hurts, and I don’t want to hurt anymore. Not where they’re concerned anyway.”
Nate wrapped his arm around her shoulder and wedged her body next to his.
“I don’t want you to hurt either, and I also want to apologize.
” Lottie looked up at Nate. Seeing the look of regret on his face made her momentarily panic at the thought that he might be ending whatever it was they had just started, but when he leaned down and brushed his lips over hers, she knew it was the opposite.
“I know I spent a considerable amount of time pretending that I never saw you, that I never wanted to see you, but I always did, Charlotte. I always saw what an incredible person you are, I just didn’t know what to do with it. ”
Lottie sniffled and kissed him again, the past forgotten and replaced by hopes of a bright future with the man she loved.
“Thank you, Nathan.” She kissed him briefly once more before smiling and holding up her box.
“Can I open my gift now?” At his nod of approval, Lottie slipped her finger under the paper and tore it apart carefully.
She had no idea what was inside, but this was the first Christmas present she’d been given by Nate and she wanted to savor every moment of it.
“Not a ripper, I take it?” His words were teasing, but his tone was nervous.
Lottie wondered why Nate would feel that way, but then she opened the box and any other thoughts left her brain.
Her finger reached out automatically to run across the surface of the vintage green brooch pendant, the raised, cream colored roses lightly scratching against the surface of her skin.
It was beautiful and would look lovely pinned on any number of her sweaters and dresses.
When Lottie looked up at Nate, his smile was shaky. “If it’s not your taste we can exchange it for something else, but when I saw it online it reminded me of you.” His eyes shined with affection as he continued to stare at her. “I thought you might like it.”
Lottie nodded, her eyes wetting with moisture. “I love it,” she choked out moments before she launched herself into his arms. Nate chuckled as he held her closely, his hands strong against her back. “Thank you.”
Nate’s head nodded against hers. “You’re welcome.” He shifted the two of them but brought her legs up over his and held her there. “I was honestly a little nervous. I don’t know that I’ll ever be as good at giving gifts as you are.”
Lottie shrugged. “I’m not that great.” She loved to put a lot of thought into things, but she didn’t see that as a big deal.
Nate speared her with a look. “You somehow managed to find a rolling pin my mom had lost years ago and found a first edition Stephen King novel for my dad. On top of that you got perfect presents for everyone else in my family.” He looked slightly miffed at her, but his mouth twitched in an almost smile.
“It made my giving everyone the same box store gift card go over like a lead balloon.”
Lottie winced. “Yeah, not your best effort.” Nate tickled her side and she giggled, holding up her hands until he stopped. “How about I help you next year?”
Nate smiled and pulled her back into him.
“I would like that.” He stared at her a moment, perhaps wondering the same thing as her.
Would they be together next year? She certainly hoped so, and the outlook was pretty good, but you never knew.
Nate finally broke their staring contest, nodding at the frozen television screen in front of them. “Mind if I join you for your movie?”
“Not at all.” Lottie passed him the bowl of popcorn and started up the show, making a silent Christmas wish that next year would find her in the same spot with the same man next to her.
Maybe she would even be getting a different piece of jewelry for the holiday.
With that wonderful thought in her mind, Lottie settled into his side, letting the simple pleasure of his presence be enough for now.