“Close your eyes, Avery.”
Her grin spread into a wide smile as she obeyed. Spinning around, I hurried out to the hall and rolled the gift inside. I kicked the door shut. “Don’t peek.”
Her brows rose. “Cam . . .”
“A couple more seconds.” I wrapped my hand around hers, leading her from the kitchen into the living room. “Keep your eyes closed, okay?”
“They’re closed.”
I squeezed her hand and then let go. Stepping up from behind her, I slid an arm around her waist and leaned over her, kissing her temple. Her fingers curled around my arm as she sighed.
“You can open your eyes now.” I kissed her cheek. “Or you can stand there with your eyes closed. I like that, too.”
She laughed, and I knew the moment she opened her eyes. “Oh my God, Cam . . .”
I’d decked out a fifty-gallon terrarium, complete with sand and rock bedding and foliage. Peeking out from a hidey-hole was a small tortoise, craning its neck, checking out its new home.
She made a tiny, squeal-like noise.
I chuckled. “You like?”
“Like?” Shortcake pulled free and placed her hands on the glass. “I . . . I love it.”
“Good.” I moved to stand beside her. “I thought Raphael could use a playdate.”
She laughed as she squeezed her eyes tight and reopened them. “You shouldn’t have done all of this, Cam. This is . . . too much.”
“It’s not that much and everyone needs a pet turtle.” I swooped down, kissing her cheek once more. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
Avery spun around and threw her arms around me. She kissed me, stealing my breath. “Thank you.”
I brushed my lips over hers. “You’re welcome.
She slid her arms around my waist and leaned in. “Is it a boy or a girl?”
“You know, I really don’t know. Supposedly you can tell by the shape of their shell, but hell if I know.”
“Well, boy or girl, I’m going to name him Michelangelo.”
I threw my head back and laughed. “Perfect.”
“We just need two more.”
This girl was fucking perfect. “So true.”
She wiggled free, smiling. “Be right back.”
Before I could say a word, she pivoted around and took off down the hall. While she was gone, I pushed the terrarium against the wall and turned the heat lamp on. Hearing her approach, I turned around.
“Happy Valentine’s Day. It’s not as cool as your gift, but I hope you like it.”
A card was shoved at my chest. Smiling, I took it and peered down at her. “I’m sure I will.” Carefully, I opened the card. There was a message written inside.
You mean everything to me.
I stared at the message for probably what was too long. My heart was pounding and warmth flooded my veins. I smiled—I smiled like I’d just been handed a million dollars. And that was before I even saw the tickets.
I held them between my fingers. “This is an absolutely amazing gift, sweetheart.”
“Really?” She clasped her hands together under her chest. “I hoped you’d like it. I mean, I know not playing soccer sucks and I hope this doesn’t make you sad going to the game and you don’t have to take me—”