“How about to new adventures and love?” I raise my glass and they follow suit, echoing what I said.
“Merry Christmas,” I say to the both of them, “presents.”
Thorn takes his plate and sits by the tree and starts passing out the gifts.
He opens his first one and stares at me, “an iPhone?”
“I think it’s time you both had phones, not just Briar and not some stupid flip phone,” I shrug.
“Thank you, King,” he looks like he wants to cry.
No one other than Briar has ever cared about him and that angers and saddens me all at the same time.
He opens a couple other ones, wraps and shoes.
“Thanks, Briar,” he beams at his sister and I have to agree she did a good job.
“I’m glad you like them,” she smiles at her brother.
“Here,” Thorn hands her a gift.
“Thorn, it’s beautiful,” she gushes as she pulls out the coat we got her and Thorn blushes from the compliment.
“I know you needed a coat,” he looks down like he’s embarrassed. I know better. He is grateful and loves his sister and he’s trying to hold his shit together.
I hand her another present, one that has a couple cardigans in it and a few shirts.
“Thank you, I love them,” she reaches for my hand and I take it, giving it a squeeze.
“Two more for you,” Thorn hands her the earrings and I swear she squeals and gasps at the same time.
“Thorn, these are too much. I mean they’re beautiful but what? How?” She’s stuttering now and I have to laugh as she glares at me.
“Here,” I shove the other box toward her and nod at her to open it.
She’s stunned speechless when she opens the box with the necklace.
She looks at me in awe, “Kingston, it’s beautiful.”
“They will look good with your red dress,” I state and she looks at me for a minute.
“How did you know my dress was red?” she asks.
“A little birdie told me,” I snort.
“I bet she did,” she grumbles with a smile.
“Very Christmassy,” Thorn states.
“I agree, very Christmassy,” Briar giggles.
Thorn hands me one of my gifts and I see Briar chew on her lip, worried I won’t like it.
I open it up to diamond skull cufflinks. I don’t like them, I love them.
“Thank you, sweetheart. I love them. I’ll wear them tomorrow,” I kiss her cheek as she blushes.
“I’m glad you like them. I wish I had more to give you,” she replies sadly.