The globe

As Tess finished reading from the book, Decker's expression turned serious for a moment. He looked at her with a deep intensity, his eyes searching hers. "Before we go out tonight, I want to tell you something," he said, his voice low and sincere. "Just in case things get real, or worse, just in case you need to know where I stand." Tess's heart skipped a beat as she wondered what Decker was going to say. Was it going to be some grand declaration of love? Or was it something else entirely? But instead of words, Decker simply handed her a small, delicate snow globe. "What's this?" Tess asked, taking the globe and examining it. "It's a good luck charm," Decker said, his eyes locked on hers. "My grandmother gave it to me when I was a kid. She told me it would bring us good fortune, wherever we went." Tess lifted the globe up to her nose, inhaling the scent of pine and snow inside. As she did, she saw that it was filled with tiny, glittering snowflakes that danced around in the liquid. "It's beautiful," Tess said, feeling a sense of wonder at the small, delicate object. Decker nodded, his expression softening. "Yeah, it is. I want you to have it, as a reminder that even if things get crazy tonight, we'll face them together." Tess felt a lump form in her throat as she looked at Decker, the snow globe clutched in her hand. She could see the sincerity in his eyes, and it made her feel...seen. Without thinking, Tess leaned forward and pressed her lips to Decker's cheek. It was a gentle kiss, but it sent shivers down her spine. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of the snowflakes inside the globe. Decker smiled back at her, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Anytime," he said, his voice low and husky.

A closer look

Tess balances it on her coffee cup and heads to her desk