Chapter 985: It Looks Hot
Chapter 985: It Looks Hot
"Isn't it perfect?" Lucy asked, grinning at Tom as they admired the tree they had picked out.
They'd picked out a tall, lush beauty that now stood proudly in the living room, and the house was filled with the warm, cozy scent of pine and cinnamon.
Lucy's eyes sparkled as she looked at it, hands on her hips. Tom nodded, admiring Lucy's excitement as much as the tree itself. "It's missing something," he said, giving her a playful look.
"What's that?" Lucy asked, looking curious.
"Well, us... decorating it!" he laughed, handing her a box of ornaments and she giggled.
"I'm so excited to do this with you," Lucy said, and Tom grinned.
"Me too. It's been ages since I last decorated a Christmas tree. I can't even remember when it was. I'm so glad you suggested that we do this together," Tom said, and Lucy sighed, a thoughtful look in her eyes.
"Well, let's do it together every year going forward," Lucy said with a soft smile, imagining doing it with their kids when they came along.
"Deal," Tom said, and together, they opened the boxes of decorations, which were filled with shiny red and gold ornaments, tiny wooden reindeer, and strings of twinkling lights.
Lucy held up a delicate glass star, her eyes wide with delight. "Look at this one!" she whispered, holding it up to the light.
Tom smiled. "Beautiful," he said, but he wasn't looking at the ornament; he was looking at her.
Lucy giggled, knowing he was referring to her. "I almost forgot we got this," she said with a grin, pulling out the Santa hats in the bag.
Tom chuckled as he caught the hat she threw him, and he put it on while she put hers on as well. Lucy picked up her phone and took a selfie of them standing in front of the tree.
"What dirty thing are you thinking?" She asked, narrowing her eyes suspiciously when she noticed a funny look on his face, and Tom chuckled.
"I never said I was thinking anything, and what makes you think it is dirty?" He asked, and she wagged a finger in front of his face.
"I know you, Thomas Hank. I can see right through you. What are you imagining?" she asked, and he laughed.
"You promised me a little show today, remember?" He asked, wriggling his brows suggestively and she laughed.
"So, what?"
"So, how about you do it with just this hat on," he asked with a sheepish grin, and Lucy looked at him in surprise for a moment and then she burst out laughing.
"I tried to picture that, and it looks ridiculous," she said, and Tom grinned.
"It's not. It looks hot. I could go first if you want," he said with a wink, and Lucy shook her head as she laughed.
"Let's just focus on getting the tree ready. We have to finish early and leave for our date. We can do whatever else when we get back," she said, and they did just that.
They worked in perfect sync, each reaching into the box and choosing an ornament. Tom held up a little Santa with a big belly, and Lucy giggled as he gave it a spot on the tree.
They took turns carefully placing each ornament, sometimes leaning over one another or bumping elbows, which always made them smile at each other.
As they wrapped the twinkling lights around the tree, Tom took one end of the strand and handed it to Lucy, who was standing on a step stool. She carefully looped the lights around the top branches, humming a soft Christmas tune.
Tom tilted his head. "Sing it for me, Jewel."
"I think it's best I hum it so I don't embarrass myself with my terrible voice," she said, and Tom chuckled.
"But your voice is my favorite sound," he said, and something about the way he said it, made Lucy believe him and she blushed.
She gave him a soft smile, and her voice filled the room as she sang, "Jingle bell..." Tom joined her in the song and they both laughed as they sang together making the moment feel even more special.
Once the lights were wrapped all the way down, they both stood back to admire their work. The tree glowed with a warm light, filling the room with a golden glow.
Lucy stepped closer to Tom, leaning her head on his shoulder. "Now we are ready for Christmas. It's perfect."
Tom wrapped his arm around her, squeezing her gently. "Not as perfect as you," he whispered, placing a gentle kiss on the top of her head.
Lucy looked up at him, her eyes shining with affection. "You know, I don't think I'd be this happy if it weren't for you," she said softly.
Tom's eyes softened, and he lifted a small sprig of mistletoe he'd hidden in his hand. "I think this belongs right here," he said, dangling it above them with a grin.
Lucy laughed, her cheeks turning pink as she stood on her toes and kissed him softly.
Done now with the tree, they both went in to get ready for their date. They wore a matching pair of sweaters, both in a rich forest green that complemented the festive spirit.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om
Lucy paired hers with a soft, knitted red scarf, jeans and boots, while Tom opted for jeans and a classic wool coat with boots as well.
Once they were ready, Tom took Lucy's hand and led her out, the chilly evening air wrapped around them as they made their way to the car.
"This is one of those times I miss my apartment. It would have been nice to just walk with you for a while," Lucy said as they got into the car.
"We can walk if you want us to," Tom assured her as he drove out of the compound.
"Why don't we have dinner first? And then we can take a stroll afterward?" She asked, and he nodded.
"That's good too," he said, and they drove to the restaurant where they planned to have
dinner.
As Tom drove, Lucy busied herself with going through the messages on the girls group chat as they debated on the venue of their hangout for the next day.
[I think Amy should decide on the venue since she's handling the bills.] Lucy texted.
[Amy isn't online. She's probably doing things with her fiancé.] Sharon responded, and everyone reacted with a laugh emoji.
[Y'all should hold the celebration until I get there. I should be in Ludus before 7 p.m.] Candace
texted.
[No way. We can't wait for you to get here. Bryan won't let me go out at night.] Sonia texted and Lucy giggled.
[It's not like you're going to be taking alcohol or doing anything really fun apart from dozing off, though. Just saying.] Jade texted in response to Sonia's message and added a wink emoji
to it.
[What does that mean, Jade? You know what? I don't care what you mean. I'm going to screenshot this and keep it as a receipt for when you get pregnant.] Sonia responded and Lucy
giggled again.
"You seem to be having a load of fun," Tom observed.
"These girls are hilarious," she said as she read out the chat to Tom.
[We can as well celebrate on Monday, can't we? It doesn't have to be tomorrow.] Aurora
texted, and finally they all agreed.
"You know, I've been thinking. We can host a pool party tomorrow if you are up for it. I'm sure the guys would want to hang out while you ladies lounge," he said, and Lucy grinned. "That's a good idea. And maybe we can all see a movie indoor. I will find out if they are up for it," Lucy said as she excitedly typed the message on the group chat, and sure enough they all
jumped at the idea.
Finally they arrived at the restaurant where Tom had made their reservation. Tom ordered for a bottle of champagne and he raised his glass in a toast to Lucy. "Congratulations on successfully concluding your therapy, Jewel. You're amazing. I'm proud of you and how far you have come. I can't wait to see you achieve so much more as I know you will. Cheers to your healing and growth," he said, and Lucy giggled, her laughter filling the cozy space around them as she clinked glasses with him.
After that they ordered their meals, sharing bites and stories, laughing over fond memories
and plans for the pool party.
After dinner, they drove to a busy environment, and Tom found a spot to park the car and they both got out and walked down the softly lit streets.
The street was alive with Christmas spirit, each shop window filled with twinkling lights, wreaths, and holiday displays. They strolled hand in hand, stopping occasionally to admire the decorations or share a soft laugh.
They took a walk through a nearby park, where the trees were strung with fairy lights. The snow crunched beneath their feet, and their breath puffed out in little clouds as they laughed and teased each other while taking lots of selfies together.
"I feel alive," Tom said as he slipped an arm around Lucy, pulling her close to shield her from
the cold. "Were you feeling dead?" She joked, and Tom chuckled.
"I'm just enjoying myself so much," he said as they paused at a small frozen pond, where a
group of children were ice skating, their laughter echoing in the crisp night air.
Lucy looked up at Tom, her face lit with pure joy. "Me too. Today has been perfect."
Tom brushed a strand of hair from her face, his gaze tender. "Only because I'm here with you.
Every day with you is perfect."
Without another word, he leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss that was gentle and warm, just like the love they felt for each other.