The Christmas Plan (Sapphics in the City #4)

17. Taylor

17

TAYLOR

“I’m serious, you better call.” Ari pointed her finger at Taylor, a serious scowl taking over her face.

Raising her hands in surrender, Taylor laughed. “I will, I swear.” She waved goodbye and started looking for Mac who was now stationed in front of the large windows overlooking the city.

“Hey, you.” Taylor smiled as she approached.

Mac’s eyes wandered down her body. “Wow, this dress doesn’t get old.”

Rolling her eyes, Taylor watched Mac’s face. “Someone’s tipsy.”

“Free champagne.” Mac shrugged before grabbing Taylor’s hand. “I want to step out onto the balcony. Come with me and tell me about your chat?”

With a nod, Taylor let Mackenzie guide her outside. Pushing open the glass door, Mac took in a deep breath of the fresh air.

Taylor felt like she’d been smacked in the face by the chilly breeze as her heels crunched the light layer of snow that had gathered on the balcony.

Settling next to the railing, Mac rubbed her hands together before taking off her emerald jacket and wrapping it around Taylor’s bare shoulders. A blush rushed to Taylor’s cheeks as she looked over at Mac’s stunning face.

“So, how’d it go?” Mac smiled.

“Good.” Taylor tucked a curly lock of hair behind her ear. “She was very eager to sign me. But she has a great office and I really liked what she saw for me.”

Nodding, Mac bit her lip. “Do you think this is your agent?”

It was a big question, one Taylor wasn’t entirely sure she was ready to answer just yet. After all, they’d just spoken and the champagne made everything seem like a good idea.

“We’ll see. I want to read the contract tomorrow and see what she comes up with for the commission split.” Taylor crossed her arms.

Mac rested her hand on Taylor’s tensed forearms. “I like this plan.”

As a smile took over Mac’s cheeks, Taylor grew suspicious. The balcony was cold but the massive snowflakes falling to Mac’s brunette hair and the glowing city below made for quite the romantic location.

“Mackenzie Bennett, what do you have planned?” Taylor raised an eyebrow.

Caught, Mac shrugged. “I have something small for you. I know we’ll do bigger gifts on Christmas but I don’t want to wait on this one.”

Trying not to get too excited, Taylor nodded. “Okay.”

Mac pulled her hand from Taylor’s arm and reached into her trouser pocket. Clenching her fist, she hid what was inside. “Close your eyes.”

Normally, Taylor would have argued. But today felt different. She did as she was told and held out her palms for Mac.

Something soft was placed in her hand.

“Open,” Mac whispered, keeping her fingers on Taylor’s open palm.

When Taylor’s eyes opened, her forehead wrinkled with confusion. “What is this?” She lifted the yellow felt to her eyes, reading the burned-in text: Bennett vs Young, 1st Match, June 2012.

Still unsure, Taylor lifted her gaze to Mac’s. “There’s no way, is this…”

“The ball from our first match. That summer back at camp.” Mac bit her lip, nervous it was a lame gift.

Taylor’s eyes softened. “You kept it, all that time?”

Nodding, Mac sighed. “Yeah. I kind of hoped I’d get to do this someday. And I wanted to see it hung on your tree this year. I didn’t want to wait any longer.”

“Mackenzie…” Taylor shook her head, feeling tears beginning to well in her eyes. It was hard to imagine the amount of years that ball had survived. How many moves had Mac remembered to delicately pack the tennis ball away? How many roommates had she kept safely out of reach?

“It’s kind of lame.” Mac rubbed the back of her neck.

Scoffing, Taylor placed her hands on Mac’s neck and pulled her in for a deep kiss, no longer worried about her lipstick. When they pulled apart, Taylor sighed. “It’s perfect. I can’t believe you did this.”

Beaming, Mac smiled. “Good.”

“Actually, I have something for you too.” Taylor bit her lip. “Not to steal your thunder.”

With a laugh, Mac eagerly closed her eyes. “Never, I’m hyped.”

Watching Mac’s strong hands held out in front of her, Taylor pulled her gift from her small purse. A light jungle filled the air as she set the item in Mac's hand. “Your turn.”

As soon as the metal hit Mac’s palm, she knew what it was. Before she even opened her eyes, Mac grinned. “Are you serious?”

“Yes.” Taylor nodded, meeting Mac’s eyes as they slowly opened.

There, in Mac’s huge palm was a small set of keys. She closed her fingers around them. “Is it too fast?”

Taylor shrugged. “Not for me, but if it is for you, that’s okay. I just know your lease is ending soon and I want to really try this. I don’t like that tree being just mine. I want this ornament on our tree next year.”

Mac’s breath hitched in her chest as she wrapped her arms around Taylor, pulling her into a tight hug. Mac’s musk filled Taylor’s nostrils, the warmth of her scent making all of Taylor's fears melt away.

When they finally pulled away, she couldn’t help but laugh.

“Is this how you pictured your year going?” Mac giggled.

Looking out over the city, Taylor shook her head. “Not at all, but thank god it did.” And watching the snowfall, Taylor knew this was exactly where she was supposed to be – standing in the cold with the love of her life.