When we got up to leave, we had no choice but to walk by Skeeter on the way to the door. I prayed he wouldn’t say anything.

Of course, that was too much to hope for.

“Mr. Prosecutor,” Skeeter said with a smirk, dipping his chin slightly.

“Mr. Malcolm,” Mason returned in a low voice.

“I like your new accessory.”

It took me a millisecond to realize he was talking about me.

Mason took half a step to put himself partially between us. “Are you threatening my girlfriend, Mr. Malcolm?”

Skeeter laughed. “Threatening a pretty little thing like that? God no. She’s safer than you realize.” He picked up his butter knife. “And why would you assume it was a threat? If you don’t mind me saying so, you seem a little paranoid.”

Mason didn’t answer him. Instead, he ushered me out the door and into the parking lot, his breath coming in short bursts. “I don’t want you to be alone today.”

“Why?”

He stared into my face. “He mentioned you for a reason, Rose. Malcolm does everything for a reason. I’m worried that you’re not safe.”

Little did he know how safe I actually was. “Mason, you yourself said he’s trying to keep a low profile. He’s not going to do anything stupid. He’s just tryin’ to rile you up.” I put my hand on his arm. “And look. It’s working. I’m fine.”

He walked me to my truck. “Call or text me today. Multiple times. I mean it. I’ll be crazy with worry most of the day.”

I placed my hands on his shoulders and kissed him, standing on my tiptoes. “I love how protective you are of me, but I’m fine.”

“Maybe you should have a vision.”

“Of how many times I’ll call you today?” I teased.

“No, to make sure you’re gonna be safe.”

My heels dropped to the pavement, and my smile fell. “You’re serious.”

“Yes.”

“Mason, you know it doesn’t work like that. What you’re wanting to know is so general—”

“Then try to have a vision of Christmas. That’s far enough away to make sure Malcolm doesn’t go after you soon.”

I gave a tiny shake of my head. “Mason . . .”

“If our positions were reversed, would you be willing to wait and see?”

“That’s not fair.” But he was right. I would want to know. It was just that there were so many peculiarities in my life, I had no idea what would pop out of my mouth. Things I didn’t want him to know. Yet, there was no denying he was worried for my safety, and the guilt of it was settling on my shoulders like a stack of bricks. “Okay. But if I spoil my Christmas present from you, you better get me something else. Despite my visions, I actually like surprises.”

He kissed me, then took my hands. “Do you want to sit down on the truck seat?”

“Sure.” I opened the door and climbed onto the driver’s seat, turning so my legs hung over the side.

Mason moved closer, pressing his stomach into my legs and taking my hands again. “What do you need me to do?”

I realized I’d never purposely had a vision with him before. “Just keep holding my hands.” I paused. “And promise you’ll still love me no matter what comes out of my mouth.”

Shock widened his eyes. “What could you possibly say that would change my feelings for you?”

I had a whole list, but I wasn’t about to pull it out and dust it off. “Nothing. I just hate doing this.” Indecision flickered in his eyes, making me feel guilty. I was more worried about his safety than my own, but I couldn’t very well tell him why. Who knew, maybe my vision would reassure me. I reached up and kissed him again. “It’s okay, really. Maybe I’ll see something wonderful.”

He looked so serious. “I hope so.”

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, concentrating on Christmas Day. It took longer than I expected—maybe because it was still a couple of weeks away—but the blackness gave way to my living room. A giant real Christmas tree filled the corner with decorations I didn’t recognize. Presents were scattered underneath, and someone’s back was pressed against my chest.

“I think this is the best Christmas I’ve ever had, Mason,” my voice said wistfully.

“Me too,” Mason said.

The vision faded, and I opened my eyes as I blurted out, “It’s gonna be the best Christmas we ever had.”

His face flooded with relief, and he pulled me to his chest. “Thank God.”

I wrapped my arms around his neck. “I didn’t know you were so worried about Christmas,” I teased. “I better be certain to get you the best present ever.”

He pulled back, smiling. “You’re the best present I could ever hope to get. Everything else would pale in comparison.”

“So you’re saying you don’t want a present . . .” I cocked my head to the side with a grin.

“Now I wouldn’t go that far,” he chuckled. “I like presents, no matter how small.”

That was good to know.

“Well, I like presents too, so I’m glad I didn’t see mine.”

A ringing filled the silence. Mason groaned and pulled his phone out of his pocket to check the screen. “Duty calls. I’ve got to get to work.” He lifted his eyes to my face. “What are you up to now?”