Sheisn’tmine.
She’s only mine for now. He had to remember that.
If he didn’t, he’d be destroyed.
The shush of fabric and the sweep of slippers over a hardwood floor had him stirring.
“Shh. Don’t wake him.”
“It Cwistmas. I gon wake him up.”
“No, Evvie.Evvie.”
Cole fought his smile, keeping his breathing steady so they’d think he was still asleep.
The slightest depression on the mattress let him know Evvie had hoisted herself up. Then, he felt her hot breath in his ear. “Waked up, sweepy head. Waked up.”
A slightly deeper impression let him know Paisley had joined on his other side. Having them right where he wanted, he flung his arms out and pretended to yawn. He turned it into a roar and caught both girls around their waists. At that moment, he was so damn glad he’d put on his training shorts when Hailey had slipped out of his room at dawn to return to hers.
“Who woke up Wild Jack?” He tickled the girls as they shrieked with laughter.
“Nobody,” Paisley cried.
“Oh, somebody did. And I want to know who so I can eat them.”
“I did.” Eyes lit with mischief, Evvie shrieked.
Laughing so hard tears spilled down her cheeks, Paisley pulled her legs up. “Stop, Cole, stop.”
He quickly removed his hand, kissing her on the forehead.
“Merry Christmas.” With her pink cheeks and wet hair, Hailey entered the room looking freshly showered. “Hey, you started a cuddle session without me? Let me in there.” The moment she climbed onto the bed, the three of them attached to her like barnacles.
With the four of them snuggled tightly together, he and Hailey held each other’s gazes, and he knew without a doubt she felt it, too.
This is what life’s about.
This is what matters.
His entire life, he’d chased the next level of success. Driven to be drafted, to earn a spot on the front line, to win games, and to take home the Cup. And he’d done it. He’d had a lot of great moments.
But nothing had been as fulfilling as this moment.
“Can we open presents now?” Paisley asked.
“Presents?” In Wild Jack’s voice, he started to rear up again. “There are presents in this house?”
“Yes.” Both girls squealed in delight.
“They’re mine. Mine. All the presents are mine.”
Hailey jumped out of bed. “Oh, no. There’s only one way to get rid of Wild Jack.”
“How?” Paisley asked, eyes sparkling.
“With waffles. He hates them, and if we can stink up the house, he’ll leave, for sure. Whoever comes downstairs first gets to put the chocolate chips on them.”
“I do it.” Evvie dropped off the bed with a thunk.