Diana’s brain stuttered to a stop when he stepped toward her holding out a cube-shaped box. She and Linus had discussed the snow globe. He knew about Mrs. Guzman’s enchantment and he’d lived the time loop right along with her while he was in his coma. “Is that what I think it is?”
He handed the box to her. “Don’t shake it.”
Diana swallowed thickly. Then, slowly, she tore away at the paper, peeling it off until she was only holding a plain white box. Her hands shook as she lifted its lid and peered down at the contents. “A snow globe.” Her heart kicked softly. She looked up at Linus and back down at the gift. Then she carefully pulled it from the box and inspected the intricate little town of Snow Haven. “It’s just as beautiful as I remember.”
“Mm. There’s something magical about a snow globe, you know?” he said, sounding just like Mrs. Guzman.
Diana felt excited and panicked at the same time. “Aren’t you worried we might find ourselves stuck in another time loop?”
“Just keep Mrs. Guzman far, far away from this one.”
Diana smiled, holding the snow globe tightly. “Deal. I love it. I love you.” She tipped her head toward his gift now. “Open yours.”
He picked the tiny package she’d gotten him up off the bed where she’d set it down and immediately shook it.
Diana gasped. “You’re not supposed to do that. What if it’s breakable?”
“It’s not. I know exactly what this is.” He tore at the paper, revealing a turquoise tie with tiny kittens chasing balls of yarn printed all over it.
“You can wear it on the off days when you’re not wearing the dog-print tie,” Diana offered, suddenly worried he wouldn’t like her gift. The one he’d gotten her was special. It was one of a kind. Hers was just ordered from a catalog.
“This is perfect,” Linus said, looking sincere. The man didn’t know how to be anything less. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. What now? Should we put up the Christmas tree or go back to bed?”
Linus hummed on that thought. “There’s more than enough time to do both. And if there’s not, we can shake that snow globe of yours and make a wish to do this day all over again.”
“No!” Diana said without hesitation, hugging the snow globe to her side. “Definitely not.”
“In that case,” Linus leaned in, brushing his lips to hers, “I choose going back to bed. The tree and the trimmings can wait. All I need in this moment is you.”
“Ditto that.” She smiled into their kiss, collecting one of many more beautiful moments to come. “All I’lleverneed is you.”
