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Spot set a small box on the bed next to him.
"I thought we said no gifts this year," said Gracie.
Spot shrugged. "I lied."
Grace sighed, but couldn't help but smile. She picked up the box and untied the small ribbon.
She opened the box and saw a tiny pearl pendant attached to a thin silver chain.
"Spot," she gasped.
Spot grinned. "I thought you might like it."
"Spot, this is…how did you afford this?"
Spot shrugged. "I saved."
"You didn't have to do something this…huge."
"You deserve somethin' pretty."
Grace smiled and hugged him. "Thank you, Patrick."
"You're welcome, Gracie."
"Now I feel like a cad because I didn't get you anything," she said.
"I don't need anything," said Spot. Grace could tell he wanted to say something more, but he kept silent. Instead, he took the necklace from her and put it around her neck, fumbling a bit with the clasp.
Lately things had been different between them. It was nothing obvious or notable; Grace just had a feeling. It was as if every time Spot was around her, he wanted to say something he couldn't bring himself to say.
"Gracie, you know you're my best friend, right?" he said, taking her hand. "Nothing is ever gonna change that."
Grace nodded. "We're family."
Spot grinned and nodded. "We're family."
Grace leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, Gracie," Spot said as he pulled her into a side hug. She rested her head on his shoulder as they watched the snowfall outside.