Christmas In July/Romance Rewind: Staying Warm
Samantha creaked down the steps. She knew her boyfriend Mark had already made his way downstairs. It wasn't often that she woke up after him. For him to wake up so early on Christmas morning meant...
Samantha creaked down the steps. She knew her boyfriend Mark had already made his way downstairs. It wasn't often that she woke up after him. For him to wake up so early on Christmas morning meant only one thing...
He was up to something.
She entered the living room and her eyes grew wide. The night before, they'd each placed their gifts for one another. The tree they’d decorated together, adorned with ornaments acquired throughout both of their lives, had danced in her head as she went to sleep. Mark had placed a giftbag, and a present wrapped in holiday paper, which she suspected to be a bottle of wine underneath the tree. Since last night, her gifts had doubled! What did Mark have in store?
"Good morning," said Mark. "How did you sleep?"
"I don't know that I would've slept at all had I known what you were planning," she replied. "What's this?"
“Oh, nothing.” He smirked. “Take a seat. Which one do you want to open first?”
“Open? First? It’s Christmas morning. We need the music playing and hot chocolate in our holiday mugs.”
“You’re absolutely right. My mind must’ve been on something else.”
What was he planning?
Samantha and Mark met at a bar for their first day. Christmas decorations lined the counter, tinsel hung above the liquor bottles. They’d met on a dating app, and after a month of talking, she felt comfortable enough to meet up.
The night had been especially cold. She’d lost her scarf the week before when out with friends. Mark must’ve noticed she was hesitant to walk outside after their date ended.
“Here,” he’d said. “Take my scarf.”
Since then, she’d worn his scarf whenever going out. It felt like no matter where she was, a part of him was always with her.
After making the hot chocolate, Samantha handed a mug to her boyfriend. A holiday classic played on the stereo. She nestled down on the couch, the mug warming her hands.
“Which do I choose?” she asked. “How about that one?” She pointed to one of the new giftbags underneath the tree.
“Are you sure you want to start with that one?” he asked.
She nodded.
Mark placed the giftbag beside her. Her heart fluttered. What could be inside? She placed her mug on the side table and dug into the bag. Red and green tissue paper obstructed her view. What was it?
“A scarf!” She grinned.
“Be careful when you pull it out.”
“Oh?” She slowly pulled it out of the bag.
“Now, slowly unfold it.”
“What are you up to?”
She unfolded the scarf. He eyes grew wide. Placed into the scarf was a stunning diamond ring.
“Samantha… Ever since I handed you my scarf, I knew your neck was cold.” He smiled, his big cheesy grin. “I knew you were special. I knew I wanted to keep you warm. Samantha, will you marry me?”
“Yes!”
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