When he returned to the living room, she’d turned off the overhead lights. The Christmas tree shimmered with color, as did the other lights in the room. Roni was placing two stocking hangers, which looked like presents, on the edge of a bookshelf.

“Can you grab the stockings?”

“For a kiss.” He leaned in and kissed her.

He set down the bag of pillows and picked up the stockings. She’d had their names embroidered on them. She was full of surprises. As he handed her a stocking, he said, “Thank you for putting up the lights in the bedroom, and I love the picture.”

“It’s one of my favorites,” she said as he gave her the other stocking.

“You’re making this place a real home.”

“Is that okay?” she asked softly.

“It’s better than okay.”

They hung up the stockings, and she stepped back, admiring them, and said, “There.”

“Perfect.” He slipped his arm around her as they turned to take it all in and said, “One more thing, beautiful.”

“The pillows,” she said. “I almost forgot.”

She was so cute. He’d meant the star, but she was so happy, flouncing around as she placed red-and-white pillows on the couch and a white one shaped like a snowman on the orange chair. When she stepped back to admire them, he grabbed her by the waist from behind and lifted her off her feet. She squealed as he put her on his shoulders.

“Quincy!” Their laughter filled the room. She tried to lean over his head to kiss him, which only made them laugh harder. “What am I doing up here?”

“You have a star to put up.” He carried her to the kitchen, where the star lay next to the second wreath they’d made. They were going to hang that one at her place.

“How could I forget the star?” she said as he handed it to her and went to the tree. “Our artificial tree was only about three feet tall. I’ve never done this before.” She leaned forward, reaching for the top branch.

“Careful, babe.” He grabbed the trunk near the top, bending it forward so she could put the star on.

“This is so exciting. I wish we could take a picture.”

“Your wish is my command.” He pulled his phone from his pocket and took a picture of her holding the star and another as she put it on the top of the tree.

He set her down so he could connect the plug for the star, and she took pictures of him doing it. Then they stood arm in arm, admiring their tree. “Baby, that’s the most beautiful tree I’ve ever seen.”

“That’s because it’s ours.” She looked around the room and said, “I’ve always liked Christmas, but it’s never felt like this.”

“This room is full of love, babe, and that makes everything better.” His arms circled her. “You make everything better. I love everything about you, and it feels incredible to say that and not have to hold back.”