“From all of us. It was brutal. But then I held Raven for the first time and felt this overwhelming...joy.”
“I bet you’re a great aunt.” He pushed a lock of hair from her face.
She’d bet he was a great uncle. Pride mingled with protectiveness in his eyes.
Proving further that he took his job as uncle seriously, he said, “I told everyone that Olivia’s gifts had to be wrapped in birthday-themed paper and not holiday wrapping paper. It’s a big deal to have a birthday on Christmas. I mean, she shares it with Jesus. It should stand out.”
An effervescent giggle shook her shoulders. This was what she’d fallen for when she’d first met Chase. His reasoning. His involvement. Just...him.
“My sister’s girlfriend’s birthday is on Christmas and Wendy reminds us every year that there’s absolutely no cheating on the wrapping paper.”
“I’ve decided if it’s pink and makes noise, I’m buying it for Olivia. Serves Zach right for being a pain-in-the-ass little brother for most of my life.”
She could imagine Chase hauling in loads of bubble-gum-colored glitter wrapping paper and stacking it around his tiny niece.
“Raven is a terror but I love her. And now I won’t see her again until Christmas.” A dart of pain pinched her chest. “They live in Virginia.”
More snow fell outside, reminding her that she wasn’t going anywhere soon.
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” She’d called last night to check in on everyone. Her mother said they had “a dusting” of snow, but nothing that would trap them indoors. Miriam then spoke with Ross’s wife, Cecilia, and Raven, and finally, Kris.
Kris had whispered hold on and Miriam had listened to light footfalls as she ran up the stairs. A few seconds later, after she’d escaped the family, Kris let Miriam have it.
What happened! Did you sleep with him yet? Are you in love with him again?
Miriam had answered a stern no followed by a sterner seriously? She’d also asked her sister if she’d recently taken up day drinking. Before they hung up, Kristine issued one last warning.
Don’t let yourself get towed in by a sexy guy in a suit, Meems...but if you do, and who could blame you, make sure you enjoy yourself. No guilt allowed.
No guilt allowed.
In this moment, in front of a cozy fire with a naked, sinfully sexy man sprawled on the floor next to her... Snowed inside a luxurious mansion with anything and everything she could want... Yeah, it was safe to say her reigning emotion wasn’t guilt. She had no problem taking what she wanted—what she’d needed.
Chase was stroking her arm, silent and thinking his own thoughts—whatever those were. She had a pretty good idea what they weren’t. He wasn’t thinking of the past or the future. His concern probably didn’t extend beyond him enjoying himself and making sure she enjoyed herself in the scant amount of time they had left.
“You know, I have frozen waffles,” he said, taking her hand and weaving their fingers together. “And maple syrup and bacon.”
“And peanut butter?” She grinned.
“I’m a bachelor. Of course, I have peanut butter.” He stood and pulled his jeans on and Miriam watched the way he moved, thinking he might be the devil in the flesh for all the temptation he offered.
“Can I help?”
“No. I need you to stay naked and save your strength. I can think of another use for the peanut butter besides slathering it onto waffles.” He snagged his shirt off the floor.
She rolled her eyes but couldn’t deny that she could think of another use for it, too.