Dean is a senior in high school now. He’s graduating with a full ride for football. I wanted a bit of space between them and any children Tyson and I had. I also wanted to enjoy some time alone with my own husband before we had little ones under foot.
“I knew it!” he shouts.
“Yeah, apparently before I did.”
“I know this body.” His hand comes to my belly before he presses his mouth to mine in a soft kiss. It doesn’t last long before he’s springing from the bed. “I’ll make breakfast.”
“It’s Christmas,” I remind him before he tries to make a feast thinking he needs to feed me more than I’ll ever be able to eat. We always have a giant dinner in the afternoon on Christmas.
“I know. Parents will be here in a few hours.” I glance at the clock on the nightstand to see it’s nine. “I’ll make something light.”
“You can tell them.” I reach out and snag Tyson around the wrist. “They’re going to be excited.”
“Yeah, Mom is going to lose it.” He leans back down over the bed, brushing some of my hair out of my face. His eyes lock with mine. “Love you.”
“I love you, too.” He kisses me again before leaving me in our bed. I sit up, thinking how different my life is.
My mother has been out of our lives for years. I don’t have any idea where she is. Tyson and his father Rick pulled some strings and got me custody of the boys. I’ll never forget that day when Tyson handed me those papers signed by the judge.
I had no idea how much anxiety I was holding in until he cut me free with that piece of paper. I cried for hours. Tyson held me close, never letting go. Now they’re ours. Not only Tyson’s and mine but Rick and Cherie’s too.
They’ve not only been parents to me but in a way to the boys as well. They fill the spot as grandparents to them too. They're both good at being what any of us need them to be. Last year, we all got our last names changed to Carter.
Dean had asked about it when his name was starting to get noticed. Both Cherie and Rick lost it when we showed them the final papers last Christmas. I suppose a new grandchild is the only way to beat last year's gifts.
I snag my robe from the bathroom before I can go in search of my boys. I pass the living room to see Dean in there with his girlfriend Cara, giving her a present.
They both give me a Merry Christmas as I walk by toward the kitchen. I know Dean and Tyson aren’t related, but sometimes they can be so alike it can be freaky. Like Dean’s obsession with Cara. When I hear her little squeals, I know he gave her the promise ring I’d help him pick out a few weeks ago when we went shopping.
“Do I smell cinnamon?” I ask, stepping into the kitchen.
“My wife is knocked up. Of course you smell cinnamon. I’m making your favorite.” He lifts me off my feet and sets me on the giant kitchen island. He’s already got a cup of hot chocolate waiting for me. “You feel all right?” he asks as Logan comes strolling into the kitchen, plopping down in one of the chairs. He always shows up when the smell of food starts to fill the house.
A house Tyson built for me not far from his parents. Think that’s what I love most about it even in all its beauty.
“I feel amazing.” Tears fill my eyes. “How do our Christmases keep getting better?”
“You,” he says simply, making my insides melt. Tyson always thinks I’m the world. I suppose to him, I am. I shake my head.
“It’s you.” I might have worked my ass off, but I never believed I deserved certain things. Tyson showed me I did. He made me reach for the stars that I thought were impossible. But with his love and support, I no longer doubt myself. I know anything is possible.
“All of us,” Logan says. “Family.”
“Our family,” I add.
That’s what it’s all about. As long as we’re together, it will always be a perfect Christmas.
* * *
My loves,
This is the last book of the year. The year flew by yet I have almost no recollection of it. It’s been a strange couple of years and I’m so thankful that you’ve been with me during this time. Writing these stories and having you read them is the only thing that helped me get through the year. Please stay safe and sane this holiday season. I love you.
xoxo Ella
king’s castle
King built his fortress to keep people out, not in. After his abusive old man kicked the bucket, King took the family fortune and built a haven for women and children who needed protection. He has one rule and that is the women decide when they get to leave. When Hayden shows up, all his self-discipline goes out the window. He’s ready to risk it all to keep her…even against her will.