It All Started With A Kiss

XIX. (Part Two)

"Gee, I hope those tears aren't because you think our gifts sucked," said Jackson.

I smacked him in the chest and buried myself in his arms. I was incapable of speaking without blubbering.

Many families give their children smaller gifts during the holiday season, especially when the kids are younger. This approach not only spreads out the excitement but also helps to maintain a sense of anticipation and interest over the eight days of celebration. Giving one or two modest presents each day allows children to savor the joy of receiving and look forward to what’s coming next. However, presenting them all at once regarding larger, more significant gifts—such as goats, bees, and even covered wagons is perfectly acceptable. These items often hold a more excellent value or purpose and can create a memorable moment when unveiled together.

I maneuvered away from the others and spoke to him in a very low, almost whisper voice. "Did you really like my gift? I was a little afraid not to spend any money on you."

"You spent some Beck on me. That's far more valuable."

He may have possessed a social savant within him all along. It was an intriguing realization, but what made it even more profound was how it made him feel—a sense of understanding and connection he hadn't fully grasped. As the family gathered around the dinner table, the atmosphere was filled with warmth and the comforting aroma of home-cooked food. I included my presence in that intimate circle, feeling like a part of something greater. It might have been a bit presumptuous to assume my place among them, but it felt natural and right then.

I found myself in a unique situation where I was both a family member and a guest at the gathering. Once we wrapped our meal, Pat, Shelia, and Jackson were designated to handle the clean-up. They hadn’t been involved in the preparation, so it seemed fair for them to take charge of clearing the table, scrubbing the dishes, and ensuring the kitchen was tidied up. Fortunately, as a guest, I was excused from these chores.

While the others got to work, Britney and Justin took the opportunity to delve into their phones, searching for information about a covered wagon trip that had piqued their interest. I could hear their excited chatter as they discussed the possibilities. Meanwhile, Georgia and I decided to take a moment to ourselves and wandered into the cozy living room. The soft glow of the lamps, the inviting scent of the lingering food, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee created a warm atmosphere. We settled into the plush sofa, ready to enjoy a brief escape from the bustle of the kitchen.

"We expect a lot from you, yet you continue surprising us," she said. Her voice was much more affectionate than I had ever heard from a family member.

As I stood there, I felt a warm rush of color creep up my cheeks. It was a feeling that took me by surprise, significantly since I had grown accustomed to receiving compliments that focused solely on superficial attributes—my appearance, my style, or the way I carried myself. But this time, the words I heard cut deeper. They spoke to the essence of who I was, acknowledging my intrinsic value beyond what could be seen on the surface.

This acknowledgment was unlike anything I had experienced before. It felt fresh and invigorating, filling me with a sense of worth I hadn’t fully embraced. While it was a lovely sentiment, it also made me feel somewhat uneasy, as if I were stepping into unfamiliar territory. I liked the idea of being appreciated for more than just my exterior, yet part of me still grappled with the discomfort of such genuine recognition.

"Well, I just, I don't know, wanted to get things that fit." Aw, shucks, ma'am. I am so articulate.

"You are a paradox. When someone tells you you're beautiful, what do you say?"