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the box to me and I took it with shaky hands. Holding it now, I realized about what size it was.
    “Liam—”
    “Shush, chicken. It’s not that,” he said.
    The relief I felt mingled with something that felt a little like disappointment, but I smiled up at him, hoping he didn’t see my momentary confusion.
    “Open it,” he said softly.
    I did as he asked and discovered a beautiful pearl nestled in a delicate gold ring. It wasn’t an engagement ring but it was the most beautiful gift I’d ever received.
    “Pearls come from rough beginnings,” Liam said, “but they are beautiful for the suffering.”
    I swallowed against the ache in my throat, knowing it wouldn’t do anything to keep me from crying, but I still couldn’t speak.
    “I’ve always loved them,” Liam continued, his eyes shining. “Probably because they come from the ocean. But now they remind me of you. Beautiful and layered. They glow in the right light. There are a lot of myths about them.”
    “What myths?” I asked as the first tear tickled down my cheek.
    “That they are born of tears. You’re supposed to give them to a bride to ward off weeping in her marriage.”
    “And yet I’m crying,” I pointed out.
    “I think they ward off sad tears, chicken.” His fingers brushed away the moisture on my cheeks. “It’s a promise. That no matter what you are beautiful. You are valuable. Remember that when you wear it.”
    Liam slipped the ring out of the box and onto my right hand. “Don’t want to give your parents the wrong idea.”
    He held my outstretched hand, and we admired the ring for a moment before he knitted his fingers through mine.
    “I like the way that looks there,” he said. “I could get used to seeing my ring on your finger.”
    His words sent a thrill racing through me. It settled in my chest and set my heart to pounding. “I could, too.”
    Liam’s eyes lit up and he tilted my chin up with his free hand, bringing his lips to meet mine. The kiss was soft and deep, full of unspoken promises and hopes, sweet and sensual as honey. When we finally broke the embrace we stood before the tree, letting the magic of the moment soak into us. Neither of us spoke. We didn’t need to. We were connected by love and promises and hope. My Christmas miracle had come early this year, and he was here to stay.

Also by Gennifer Albin
    Good Girls Don't
    Unwrapping Liam
    Catching Liam