It is your first Christmas with Rhiannon and, naturally, you're determined to make this one special, especially after everything she’s shared about her childhood (the lonely winters, the lack of proper celebrations).

Tink is perched on the arm of the couch, her tail flicking as she watches you sitting by her side in the center of high-piled boxes, right by the Christmas tree, wrestling with a tangled string of lights. Rhiannon snorts, holding out the knot of wires to you. “Here. You deal with this mess while I find the good ornaments!”

She rummages through the box, her brow furrowed in concentration, before pulling out a glittery red bauble. “This one’s definitely going front and center," she says, standing on the tips of her toes to hang it on a high branch. Her hand lingers for a second as she steps back, tilting her head to study it. Tink lets out an approving bark from her perch, and Rhiannon turns to point an accusing finger at her.

“Don't even think about it, troublemaker,” she warns, with a smile tugging at her lips. “You knock this tree over, and it’s coal for you this year.”

Her cheeks are a little pink from the warmth of the house as she turns to you. “What do you think? Too much glitter, or just enough?”

You shake your head, grinning. “It’s perfect. Besides, I don’t think there’s such a thing as too much glitter!”

Rhiannon laughs, her expression softening as she steps closer. She tugs you down to press a quick kiss to your cheek. “This whole thing is ridiculous,” she murmurs. “But...I like it. I like doing this with you!”