Rowdy || 18+ || RH

Chapter 57

Emersyn

Fowler and I weave through the bustling crowd, the mall alive with the hum of last-minute shoppers and the occasional drift of holiday music. Stores decked out in their festive best vie for attention, their windows a tableau of Christmas cheer and commercial appeal. I can't help but feel a surge of excitement, the vibrant energy of the crowd infectious.

"Okay, so where to first?" Fowler asks, his voice bright with anticipation. He's wearing a Santa hat, slightly askew, that he insisted on buying the moment we arrived.

I laugh, adjusting my scarf. "How about that gift shop over there?"

I point to a quaint little store that's bursting with holiday decor, its window displays a cozy scene of Christmas delight.

"Lead the way," he says with a grin, navigating us through the crowd with ease.

As we enter the shop, the jingle of bells announces our arrival. It's like stepping into a wonderland of trinkets and treasures, each shelf carefully arranged with a variety of gifts.

"Look at these ornaments!" Fowler exclaims, picking up a delicate glass bauble painted with a snowy scene. "My mom would love this."

"They're beautiful," I agree, my eyes catching on a set of handcrafted candles. "I think Val would love one of these."

We move through the aisles, picking out gifts and chatting about everything and nothing. The warmth of the store and the joy of finding just the right present makes for a perfect afternoon.

Fowler holds up a quirky snowman figurine, his eyes twinkling. "Dare me to get this for Locke?"

I giggle, imagining the look on Locke's face. "Only if you want to start a gift war."

He laughs, setting it back down. "Maybe next year."

We chat about our plans for the rest of the holiday season, the conversation light and easy. But as we talk, I can't help but notice the way Fowler's eyes light up when he talks about his family traditions, the warmth in his voice when he speaks of past Christmases.

"You really love this time of year, don't you?" I ask, a smile playing on my lips.

He nods, a softness in his eyes. "I do. It's about family, you know? And friends. It's about coming together and remembering what's important."

I nod, feeling a warmth spread through me that has nothing to do with the coffee. "I feel the same way."

At one point, we pass a toy store, its display crowded with the latest gadgets and games. Fowler pauses, his expression softening. "I used to love coming to these places as a kid."

I smile, nudging him forward. "Want to take a look for old times' sake?"

He doesn't need any further encouragement. Inside, we're met with the excited shrieks of children and the slightly frazzled expressions of parents. Fowler picks up a remote-controlled car, eyes gleaming. "I would have loved this when I was ten."

"Only ten?" I tease, picking up a stuffed bear and hugging it to my chest.

He laughs, setting the car down. "Okay, maybe twenty."

After paying for our finds, we step back into the hustle and bustle of the mall. "I'm getting hungry," I admit, feeling the afternoon catching up with me.

"Same here," he agrees. "Let's grab something to eat. My treat."

We find a small café tucked away from the main thoroughfare, a little oasis amid the chaos. As we sit down with our sandwiches and coffee, I can't help but feel a deep sense of contentment.