The other guys groan.
“You’re like the kid with the A+ project who tells the teacher that they could have done better,” Dante says.
“Right, okay, here, Little Bird.” He hands me a piece of paper from Rocky’s planner.
I don’t quite know what I’m looking at. Then it hits me. It’s the treehouse, only there’s another platform.
“I’m building you a water closet platform. Well, without water. Or mostly without water. I’ve got a good portion of the pieces cut. But it was hard to install and have it be a surprise.”
I place the sketch inside my new book and kiss him. I’m excited about the washroom space, but even more so that he didn’t turn into a beast while working on it in secret. Last time, he was so stressed he drove everyone crazy.
“Oh, and here’s the second half of my gift.” He hands me a beautiful picture of a house. “It’s what I will build you when we’re rescued. Well, maybe not with the sea view. That’s kind of a here thing.” Zane smiles.
Notebook on my lap, I sit and stare at his sketch. It’s just the sort of house I would want. Where there’s an inside without sand or bugs, but there are tons of windows so that you feel like you’re outside. Mid-century modern meets craftsman with a zippy energy to it. It’s a hundred-percent Zane. “I love it. I can’t wait to see it.”
He scrubs his hand over his chin and turns away.
“What? Did I say something wrong?” I’m at his shoulder.
“No, Little Bird. You said something right. The fact that you love it and have enough faith that we’re not only going to get off the island but that you’ll see my creation... That means the world to me.” He squeezes me tightly in his arms.
When he lets go, I sink into my new chair. I’m overwhelmed, and then I remember. “I haven’t given you your gifts yet!”
Chapter 33
A Full Hull
Sam
“Yes, you have, Sugar. Letting us watch you be showered with love—that’s the best gift yet.” It’s true. I’ve always loved watching people open gifts that I’ve gotten them, rather than opening ones given to me.
She’s smiling at me as she heads to her cubby; two trips later, she’s put hers under the tree. “That’s really sweet of you to say, Sam. I guess I don’t need to pass these out, then?”
“You’re like the opposite of Father Christmas.” Zane lightly punches my arm.
“Hey, don’t be the Grinch, Sam. I want my present,” Dante says.
“Grinch. Exactly,” says Zane.
“I’m not the Grinch.” I sit down.
“No way Sam’s the Grinch. That would be me,” Calvin says.
“You’re not the Grinch either.” Haley hands him a small, leaf-wrapped package. “Merry Christmas.”
“Thank you, Haley.” He pulls her into his lap and opens it.
“It’s a salve for your knees,” she says.
“My knees. Thank you.”
“You think we don’t all know your knees hurt you like fuck?” Dante leans forward in the camp chair.
“I thought I covered it pretty well,” Calvin says. “Guess not.” He opens the jar and sniffs it. “Nice.” Taking a dab, he reaches between Haley’s legs and rubs some on his knee. “It tingles.”
“It’s a mixture of aloe I found, ginger, turmeric, and an oil from a tree. I’ve found a lot of plants in the last month.”
Zane points at Dante. “Ginger—that was what you added to the coconut grits last week.”
