’t help but laugh. “I still think Gizmo understands exactly what we say.”
“I think you’re right.”
She straightened and walked into the great room. “I can’t believe that yesterday we were with your mother next to the Pacific Ocean where we exchanged vows. And today we are in the Alps. I’m so glad you patched things up with her.”
“I’m glad I’m smart enough to listen to my very intelligent wife with her wise advice.”
“Aw...” She approached him and wrapped her arms around his trim waist. “You know exactly what to say.” She pressed a quick kiss to his lips.
“Look.” Jackson gestured toward the window. “The snow I ordered is just starting—”
“It is?” She rushed over to the window. “It is.” She turned back to Jackson. “Something tells me if you have any pull with Mother Nature this will turn into a snowstorm.”
“You bet. It worked well the first time around.”
“You consider a car accident working well?”
He shrugged. “It brought you into my life, didn’t it?”
A smile tugged at Serena’s lips. “It did, but I’d prefer if you didn’t get hurt this time around.”
“I’ll see what I can do about that. Maybe if we hide away in this cabin, you can keep an eye on me.” His eyes had a playful twinkle in them.
“I think you have a good idea.” She stepped farther into the room. “Oh, look, a Christmas tree.” She turned back to Jackson. “Did you do this?”
He nodded. “I know how much you enjoy the holiday.”
“But it isn’t decorated.”
“I thought you’d enjoy doing it.” Then he pulled something from his pocket. “And I have the first ornament.”
He handed it to her. She glanced down at the cake topper from their wedding. It was a winter bride and her dashing groom; the bride was dressed in white with a hood and cape, and holding red roses. The cake topper now had a small brass hook with a red ribbon strung through it.
Serena’s gaze rose to meet her husband’s. “Did you think of everything?”
“I tried.”
She slipped off her coat and rushed over to the tree where the ladder was waiting. She climbed up to find the perfect spot for the ornament. It took her a moment to decide. “There. Isn’t it perfect?”
“Yes.” And then he started to gently shake the ladder.
“Jackson. Stop.” She held on so she didn’t fall. “What are you doing?”
“The last time you were up on that ladder, you fell into my arms. I just want a repeat.”
She frowned at him. “Stop playing around.”
“I won’t drop you. I promise.”
“That’s good, because I have a Christmas present for you. I hope you like it.”
He arched a brow. “I thought we agreed not to get each other anything since we were going to be on our honeymoon.”
“I didn’t go shopping for it. I promise.”
“So you made me a gift?” There was a look of intrigue reflected in his eyes.
“In a manner of speaking.” Happiness and excitement bubbled up in her chest. “Merry Christmas, Daddy.”