Total pages in book: 39
Estimated words: 37508 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 188(@200wpm)___ 150(@250wpm)___ 125(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 37508 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 188(@200wpm)___ 150(@250wpm)___ 125(@300wpm)
“His is not nearly as intense as Preacher’s,” Antonia argued. “He’s more like a golden retriever in a room full of tennis balls, but in a sexy way.”
“That’s a very specific description.”
“But it’s so very true.”
“So, we have the intense marshmallow dad, strict father figure, and sexy golden retriever?”
“That sounds about right,” Jenna laughed.
“Who’s next?”
“Well, there’s Creed. He’s the VP. He’s quiet and sometimes seems standoffish. He gives that I’ll kill you in your sleep kind of vibe, but when Devin or the kids are around, he’s an old softy.”
“He’s like an onion. He has many, many layers.”
“Understood.”
We all paused to shift our bags, and I was beginning to think they were done telling me about the guys when Antonia’s smirk returned. “We have to warn her about Goose.”
“Oh, no. I think she needs to experience the full Goose effect on her own.”
“The Goose effect?”
“You’ll see.” Jenna scratched the back of her head. “He’s pretty. There’s no doubt about that. He’s also a huge flirt and never backs down from anything, even if it means getting his ass kicked.”
“He sounds like a real gem.”
“Oh, he is.” Antonia laughed. “The guys love him, and we do, too.”
“I look forward to getting to know him better. The other guys, too.”
“And you will. Starting with the family Christmas dinner. It’s a little hectic, but it’s a great time.” Jenna stood as she said, “So, are you a desert or casserole kind of gal?”
“I’m whatever you need me to be.”
“See.” Jenna looked to Antonia. “I knew she was a good one.”
Antonia and I gathered our things and followed Jenna through the crowd. We walked through the food court and grabbed some coffee before heading back into the thick of it. We walked as a group, bags bumping against us as we searched for the perfect gift, and we were laughing and talking the entire time. We absolutely dominated the holiday madness, and I couldn’t remember a time when I’d enjoyed girl time so much.
It was yet another blessing to add to the list.
EPILOGUE
I’d always liked Christmas, but it wasn’t the be-all and end-all. I liked the gifts, the food, and being with the family. But I never made much of a fuss over it. Never had a reason to, but this Christmas was different. This Christmas, I had Laken and Baylor, and I was determined to make it the best Christmas ever.
And I’d come pretty close.
Hell, my living room looked like there had been an explosion of wrapping paper, bows, and giggles. Lots and lots of giggles. Baylor was in the middle of the floor, surrounded by Barbie dolls, clothes, a puzzle that was already missing pieces, and, of course, the bunny.
I don’t know what had come over me, but on a whim, I decided to buy her a real, breathing, tiny white puffball that was currently nibbling on a piece of cardboard box. Laken and I were piled up on the couch, watching as Baylor tried to tie a bow around her neck. Laken laughed, “I can’t believe you actually got her a bunny.”
“Figured she’d get a kick out of it.”
“She loves him, but what happens when she gets tired of him?”
“Doesn’t look like that’s going to happen any time soon.”
“Kids are finicky.”
“We’ll figure it out when or if it happens. For now, she loves it, and that’s what matters.”
“Okay. You’re right.” Laken smiled with that soft, knowing smile that always hit me right in the chest. She inched a little closer as she asked, “Do you like your knife?”
“Hell yeah, baby. It’s badass. Already planning where it’s going in my cut.”
“Good.”
“Question is, do you like that fancy hairdryer thing I got ya?”
“How could I not? I’ve never had anything so nice.” She gave me a nudge. “You really shouldn’t have.”
“I should have. At least, that’s what all the girls on TikTok said.” I wiggled my eyebrows. “They said it was life changing.”
Her mouth fell open with surprise. “Since when do you buy things because TikTok tells you to?”
“Hey, I trust the experts. Besides, you deserve whatever the hell that thing does. Ionic drying? Super-wrap? Hair extraordinaire.”
“Well, thank you. It’s a wonderful gift.”
Baylor squealed, then started chasing the bunny in circles. The kid was happy. Laken was nestled at my side, and the whole place smelled like cider. It was perfect. So perfect that I hesitated to turn to her and say, “We should probably get ready to go.”
“Probably so, but you’re the one who's gonna have to tell Bay that the bunny stays here.”
“She can’t take it?”
“You’re kidding, right?”
“Okay. Okay. I’ll break it to her. You go get ready.”
Laken stood, but before leaving, she turned to me and said, “Hey, thanks for today. I can honestly say that this has been the best Christmas ever.”
“You’re right. It has been, and that’s all because of you.”