"It isn't much, but I thought you might like it," Syd said.
Cole lifted the lid and peered at the cream-colored envelope inside.
"If you want to read it in private, I'll understand," Syd said softly.
Cole turned to him. "Are you telling me bad news with it?" He gave Syd a fearful look as he placed a hand on his thigh.
"No, not at all. Just read it."
Cole took the letter from the box and turned it in his hands. He opened it and pulled a sheet of matching paper out. His fingers trembled as he unfolded it and began to read.
Dearest Cole,
When I went shopping to try and find something I thought you might like, I kept coming up empty-handed. The truth is, there is no gift that I could give you that would ever compare to the one you have given me.
After all these years, you gave me your heart and there is nothing I could ever give to compare to that, not even my own heart. I can never, and will never, be able to express to you how honored you have made me with the gift you have bestowed.
You will always have my heart and my love…
Syd
Cole sniffled as he glanced at Syd. He smiled when Syd leaned closer to him.
"I love you, Cole," he murmured as Cole wrapped his arms around him and rested his head on his shoulder.
Cole wiped a tear from his eye. His heart felt full to bursting at hearing those three words. They meant so much more than any material item Syd could have given to him, and he knew that when Syd expressed his feelings, they were genuine. And he could say he felt the same way.
"I love you too. Merry Christmas."
Syd looked pleased. "Merry Christmas."
Kaity beamed when she turned and saw Syd and her father embracing. She turned her gaze to the ceiling and smiled. "Thank you, Santa."
About the Author
Piper Whitney lives in California with her son, fiancé, and a horde of pets. When not running after a cat for clawing furniture, she's at her laptop slaving away on yet another love story.
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/PFWhitney
Twitter:
@PiperWhitney
Blog:
http://internalmadnessofpfwhitney.wordpress.com/
Email:
[email protected]
Also by P.F. Whitney:
Available from Silver Publishing:
On Angels Wings
Fractured Heart
Available from Total-E-Bound:
Assassin's Heart
Fractured Heart Page 7