Chapter Twenty-One

Snow

“Good news?” Bones asked and glanced at me as he sipped his coffee.

I nodded and tossed my phone on the coffee table. “That was Kelsi. Her mom is doing better. She said it was touch and go there for a bit, but she should pull through.”

“That’s great, Sugar,” Bones replied, and his voice was filled with relief. He leaned back against the couch and stretched his arms across the seat. He was still in his sweatpants, no shirt, his hair a little messy from just waking up, and I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of him looking so content.

Bones and I had woken up just a little bit ago, spent a little time tangled up in the sheets, then made our way down to the living room. Now, we were sitting by the tree, sipping on coffee and ready to open presents. Kelsi had called right when we were starting to unwrap gifts, and I had to take the call. She’d texted me after she left the hospital, but I hadn’t heard from her since.

“I also told her that the biker next door managed to make his way across the driveway and into the house,” I added, and my lips curled into a grin as I thought of the two weeks since she left.

“Is that the shout I heard while I was making coffee?” Bones chuckled, and his eyes lit up with amusement.

I nodded, still smiling. “Yeah, she was a little excited.” I could just picture Kelsi on the phone, practically jumping with joy at the news of Bones making his way across the driveway.

“So is she coming back soon?” he asked.

“She didn’t say, but I think if she does have to stay a little longer, I’ll be just fine with Nut and Bonnie.” I shrugged and felt pretty at ease about it. “I think Kelsi knows I’m not alone here, so she won’t feel bad about taking extra time.”

Bones raised an eyebrow, and his lips curled into a smirk. “And Wick,” he added with a light chuckle. “Mickey had told me that he would be rotating guys through, but Wick seemed to like to be the one always here.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at that. “Well, Wick is a qualified taste tester, remember?” I laughed. “I mean, it’s not like we could leave him out of the kitchen when he’s got a refined palate.”

Bones shook his head with a smile and grabbed a present from under the tree. “Ready?” he asked and turned his gaze back to me. I could see the excitement in his eyes.

I nodded and held my hands out, eager to see what he had gotten me.

Bones placed the large square box in my hands, and I quickly untied the ribbon and ripped off the bow. I could barely contain my excitement as I carefully peeled away the paper and tore into the box to reveal a beautiful black and silver motorcycle helmet. My breath caught in my throat, and I squealed, barely able to believe my eyes. “Does this mean I get to ride on the back of your bike when it’s nicer out?”

Bones grinned, and his eyes shone with affection. “That is exactly what it means, Sugar.” His voice was deep and steady, and I could tell he was genuinely pleased by my reaction.

The thought of riding on his bike, feeling the wind in my hair and the thrill of the ride, made me so incredibly happy. Most of all, I was excited to be pressed up against Bones for an extended amount of time.

I reached over and grabbed a present from under the tree. I was eager to give him something in return. I handed it to him with a playful smile and watched as his eyes danced with curiosity. He gave me a questioning look but quickly ripped into the wrapping.

His face lit up when he saw what it was. It was a white T-shirt, simple but with a message on the back. The words were clear in bold, black letters: “If you can read this, the ol’ lady fell off.”

Bones laughed loudly. I leaned over to press a kiss to my lips.

“Thank you, Sugar,” he murmured against my mouth.

I couldn’t help but laugh, feeling a little sheepish. I knew it was cheesy, but I thought it was funny. “You’re welcome,” I said, leaning back against the couch and letting Bones enjoy the shirt for a moment.

Bones also got me a marble rolling pin and three new ornaments for the tree: a whisk, a spatula, and a mixing bowl. They were adorable.

I’d also gotten him a new pair of riding boots that he loved, too. I’d managed to sneak a peek at his boot size a while ago and got him the perfect pair. He had grinned like a pig in mud when he opened them, which made it all worth it.

“You spoil me, Sugar,” he said after looking at the shirt and boots again.

“Just giving you what you deserve,” I replied, and then quickly added, “But, uh, I think you forgot one present.”

Bones froze for a second, and his brows furrowed as he looked around. “Uh, no, I don’t think so, Sugar,” he said, confused. “I think I gave you everything, didn’t I?”

I shook my head and fought the grin that was creeping up. I reached over, grabbed one of the discarded bows from the pile of wrapping paper, and crawled over to him. I plopped the bow on his head and grinned like a loon. “This one right here,” I said and sat back to admire my work. “Santa left me a biker under my tree.”