“Well, that’s better than what I had planned for you,” I mumble, pushing the plate back to him.
“What are you talking about?” He takes a bite of his steak.
When I’d thought out the plan for his gift, I wasn’t nervous at all. I thought it would have been perfect for him, something he always wanted. Now, since everything is different between us, I’m unsure what he’ll think.
“I got you this.” I reach into my purse, where I’ve been keeping it. I didn’t want him to find it. “A while ago, I saw online that Mario Lemieux was auctioning off personal memorabilia for his charity. That is a puck that he signed, from the 1992 Stanley Cup game. I know he was your favorite player, and there are only three of them. He has one, the owner of the team at the time, and you. So, there you go.” I shrug, trying to act like my hands aren’t shaking as I hand it to him.
He stares at it like it’s the Holy Grail. “Wow, Avery. Thank you. I... I…” He looks back me confused. “How were my plans better than this?”
“Because you would rather eat broccoli then sit through a musical. I know how much you dislike them and broccoli. Nonetheless, you were willing to go through all that trouble for me, and I hope you like your gift. I thought it would be something for you.”
“You’re my wife and you love musicals, it wouldn’t be me ‘going through all that trouble.’ I think you’re wrong, anyway.” He gives me a little smile. “I rather go to a musical than eat broccoli.”
I laugh at his child-like statement. “That’s why you and Reed get along so well.” I look at him and very seriously tell him why I did it. “I wanted to get you something that you would remember. I don’t think you ever know how special I felt every day with you, up until everything started changing. You were everything I ever wanted in a husband. And you still are. I do love you. I do want this to work, but I want to go slow because I don’t think I can take you walking away from me again.”
He quickly shoves the gift back in my hand, and resumes eating. I’m not sure what to make of it.
“I love it, Avery, but I shouldn’t have it. It’s a very thoughtful gift, but I don’t deserve it from you. I stopped making you feel special, Avery, yet you gave me something like that. I don’t deserve for you to give it to me. And I’m never walking away. That’s not something I’ve done before, and I don’t plan to change that.” Jax isn’t looking at me; he’s looking down. His voice is low, and I hear it crack. I don’t know if
I should be honored or offended.
Yeah, I’m pissed.
“Jax, I spent twenty four hours on the laptop refreshing the screen just to ensure that I had the highest bid. I got this for you because I love you. I barely ate or even peed that day because you’ve gone to thirty-eight musicals with me. You take care of all my bills and my clothes. I mean, Christ, you bought me a new car just because you felt like it that day. You deserve this gift more than any other person I know because you’re a great guy, a selfless husband, and above all, I know you want it. This is more than an ‘I love you’ gift. This is a ‘thank you for everything’ gift. I want you to have this. I want you to display it, and when you look at it, you might remember how special it was when I gave it to you. This is yours. Period.”
He thinks about everything I said for a moment, rubbing his temple with his one hand. “How about a compromise? You keep it for me; when you feel as special as you did before then give it back to me. I don’t want a gift like this until you feel like that again.”
“There’s no point in arguing is there?” I know there is no point. I shake my head. “Fine."
Chapter Nineteen
Jax
We’re sitting smack dab in the middle of the room, waiting for the musical to start. Quiet chatter is going on all around us, giving the room one large humming sound. Avery is looking over the Playbill when I lean over, my lips brushing her ear as I whisper.
“Does this really make the thirty-ninth musical I’ve gone to with you?”
“Yeah, why?” Avery replies, puzzled.
I grin at her. “Feels like way more than that.”
She giggles. “Well, it shouldn’t.”
“Would you be mad if I fell asleep?” The look of horror on her face makes me laugh. “I’m kidding! I wouldn’t do that to you, Avery.”
“You better not,” she tells me firmly, hiding a smile. It falls away completely after a moment. “Are you tired? Is your arm bothering you?”
“No,” I lie. “I’m fine.” After giving her a quick, gentle kiss, I add, “Let’s watch this musical.”
While it starts, my mind drifts back to dinner. I still can’t believe she got me that puck. For possibly the first time, she left me speechless. The next time she gives it to me I will feel better about receiving such an incredible gift because I’ll know I’ve been treating my wife the way she should be treated.
Avery becomes mesmerized by what’s happening on the stage. You’d think they were doing some amazing magic trick up there. We’re definitely going to New York City this summer. She’ll be in heaven there, I think. If I’m going to have to go to several while we’re there, I might as well start paying attention now.
On the drive home, Avery is smiling and talking all about what happened. I nod and surprise her when I make my own comments. She unlocks the door and disarms the alarm before turning toward me, lifting on her tiptoes, and giving me a kiss. This is the first time she hasn’t hesitated to come kiss me. Just as I grab her hip to pull her closer, she leans back.
“Thanks for tonight, Jax.”
“Shouldn’t I be saying that to you? You are the one who took me out on the date.”