Book 5 - Page 143 (2/2)

I opened my mouth to contradict that, but caught myself. Gideon was right. We should have renewed our vows today, surrounded by friends and family. We should be celebrating his birthday and being so joyful there wasn’t any room for sorrows and regrets. Instead, the day was shadowed by sorrow we had to hide. Still, there was no point in adding any more unpleasantness.

“I have something for you,” I told him.

“Umm … I’m tempted, angel, but we have too many people here.”

It took me a beat to understand he was teasing me. “Oh my G.o.d. You fiend.”

I reached into my pocket and wrapped my fingers around his gift, which was safely s.h.i.+elded by a black velvet drawstring bag. It had a nice gift box, too, but I’d elected to carry the present in my pocket, hoping to be spontaneous and give it to him when the moment was right. I didn’t want to give it to him along with his other presents.

Turning to face him as I pulled the gift out, I offered it on both open palms. “Happy birthday, ace.”

His gaze lifted from my hands to my face. There was a brightness to his eyes I saw only when I gave him something. It always made me want to give him more, give him everything. My husband so deserved to be happy. It was my life’s mission to make sure he always was.

Gideon took the pouch and untied the drawstring.

“I just want you to know,” I began, trying to cover my nervousness, “that it’s crazy difficult buying a gift for someone who has everything, including a good chunk of the island of Manhattan.”

“I wasn’t expecting anything, but I always love what you give me.”

I blew out my breath. “Well, you may not want to use it, which is totally fine. I mean, don’t feel obligated to—”

The platinum Vacheron Constantin pocket watch slid out into his waiting palm, the polished case twinkling when the sunlight hit it. Biting my lower lip, I waited for him to open it and look inside.

Gideon read the engraved words aloud. “Yours for all time, Eva.”

“It can hold a little picture over the inscription. I’d planned for that to be a photo from the renewal ceremony, but …” I cleared my throat when he looked at me with such love, it made everything flutter inside me. “It’s old school, I know. I just thought, since you wear vests, that it might be something you could use. Although I know you wear a watch on your wrist, so probably not. But—”

He kissed me, shutting me up. “I’ll treasure this. Thank you.”

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