He opened his eyes, finally ready to greet day six, and inhaled deeply as he threw his legs over the side of the bed. He stared at his bare feet, a memory of sitting on the couch with Roni whispering through his mind. They’d been leaning against opposite sides, playing footsies as she’d read and he’d studied. She’d flashed that brilliant smile, and it had lit up her beautiful hazel eyes behind her sexy glasses as she’d said, This is another first. I’ve never played footsies before. We’re going to fill our lives with firsts and forevers.

He inhaled deeply, wishing they could play footsies now, and glanced at the clock on the bedside table. There was a wrapped gift beside it that hadn’t been there last night. He picked it up and opened the card, recognizing Roni’s swirly handwriting. His pulse sped up as he began reading.

Merry Christmas! You can imagine how excited I was to hear that Biggs had arranged for this to be delivered to you. I swear that man has connections everywhere. I hope you like the present. They’ve been on my mind since you told me about them. You’ll see what I mean when you open the gift. You must have given everyone a mandate to take care of me (I love you so much for doing that!), because in the last five days I’ve had more dinner invitations than I could possibly accept. I don’t feel much like being with other people, but I went to someone’s house every evening because I knew you’d want me to. When I went to Biggs and Red’s house, everyone showed up. It was like Thanksgiving all over again, except somber, because you were so sorely missed. You should know they did their best to cheer me up. Angela has been texting me video messages and pretending to be you. They’re really funny. I’ll show you when you get home.

I miss you every minute of every day, but I’m SO proud of you, Quincy. You are the strongest, bravest person I know, and I am so lucky to share my life with you.

Tears burned his eyes. She was the strongest and bravest, and he was the lucky one.

I sleep in your shirts, and I dream about you every night. I swear when I wake up, I can feel you thinking of me as I am of you. I love you, Quincy, today, tomorrow, and always.

Forever your beautiful, Roni

Quincy wiped his eyes and cleared his throat to try to ease the tightening of it. How the hell did he get lucky enough to be with her? That was an answer he’d never receive, but he’d spend his life showing her just how much he adored her. He smelled the card, catching a hint of Roni. Maybe he imagined it, and if so, he didn’t care. He felt her all around him.

He set the card upright on the nightstand so he could see it when he went to bed and picked up the package, sending a silent thank-you out to Biggs as he opened it.