TWISTED FATE (Twisted Path Book 1)

Chapter 30

Becca

After we dragged the freshly cut tree into my apartment, Shane insisted our date was far from over. He surprised me with several bags full of newly purchased ornaments, lights, and a tree stand, then proceeded to help me set it up.

It's surreal how easily he fits into my life. Even this—us moving around the tree together, decorating in tandem, like we've done it a thousand times before. I find myself stealing glances at him as we work, mesmerized by his hands—magical in their precision and purpose. Each light he places, each ornament he arranges is done with such care, like the little tree we're decorating matters just as much to him as it does to me.

The way he arranges everything so carefully, the intensity in his eyes, and—most touching of all—the way he keeps looking at me, like he's making sure I'm enjoying this as much as he is, touches me in a way I can't put into words. It's a feeling so deep, it tightens my chest and brings tears to my eyes.

There's something about sharing this with him that feels like more than just decorating a tree. It feels like we're building something beautiful. A life. A future together. Piece by piece, just like our little Christmas tree.

When all the lights are finally twinkling, and the ornaments are perfectly in place, we both step back to take it all in. It's beautiful. The tree, the way the room feels—filled with the quiet warmth of our shared effort. Shane takes my hand, intertwining our fingers together, and we gaze at the tree in silence.

"It's perfect," he murmurs, his voice low and reverent like he's savoring the significance of the moment.

I nod, unable to pull my eyes away from the tree—or from him. "It really is." A soft smile tugs at my lips as I look up at him, my heart full.

"Becca... I have something for you."

My heart skips a beat. "Another surprise? Shane... You've already done so much."

His gaze is steady, yet there's a quiet vulnerability in his eyes as he shakes his head. "It will never be enough, pretty girl. Wait here."

He lets go of my hand to walk over and grab a small bag tucked behind one of the throw pillows on my loveseat. When he returns, he presents me with a small box, perfectly wrapped in festive Christmas paper, the shiny red bow on top gleaming in the light. The way he holds it—like it's something precious—makes my heart flutter with anticipation.

"This is for you," he breathes, his voice filled with an emotion that catches me off guard. When I look into his eyes, I swear I see a shimmer there, mirroring the one in mine.

I take the package, carefully unwrapping it, my fingers trembling ever so slightly. Inside, nestled in soft tissue paper, is a delicate glass ornament, faintly glistening in the glow of the Christmas lights. My breath catches when I see what's etched onto it: the night sky from our stargazing date, complete with snowcapped mountains and tall trees along the bottom. Front and center in the sky is the Andromeda constellation, glowing softly in white. At the bottom, in elegant script, are the words: The Night Our Story Began, followed by the date. Beneath it, in smaller letters: Our Love Written In The Stars.

My throat tightens, and tears burn behind my eyes. I look up at him, overwhelmed by emotions I can't quite contain. I don't know what to say. As if he knows exactly what I'm feeling, he smiles softly, gently taking the ornament from my trembling hands to hold it between us.

"I, uh..." He clears his throat. "I know the Perseus and Andromeda story meant a lot to you," he begins, his words slow and measured. "And I remember how I felt that night under the stars—how, for the first time in my life, I could relate to Perseus. Because there is nothing I wouldn't do to keep you safe, to protect our love and this connection we share. Just like Perseus fought the monster to save Andromeda."