AllFreeNovel
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We make it down the porch steps before anyone else comes outside, taking in the winter surrounding us. Stealing another moment—just for us.
“It’s so beautiful.” The catch in her voice has me pulling her tighter.
“It is.”Sheis. My woman tips her head and closes her eyes as fluffy flakes fall around us, lightly dusting her hair and lashes.
“It’ll be great skiing tomorrow.” Rowdy stomps outside with Reese at his side, holding Killian and Ox’s hands. “But it’ll make a great snowman tonight.” His eyes light up as he calls the older kids out to get started.
“You wanna help, don’t you?” Frankie’s nuzzles my neck, her cool nose reminding me I need my jacket and gloves.
My smile captures hers for a quick kiss. “I kinda do.”
“Set me on the porch. I’ll watch for a minute, and then make hot chocolate.”
“You sure?” I’m reluctant to release our moment, to trade it in for one with our kids, nieces, and nephews.
Memories. We’re making them every second of every day.
She kisses my cheek. “I love you holding me, Big Man, but I love you playing with our kids too. It’s snowing.” Her eyes shine with emotions and… happiness.
Damn, I’m gonna love on her good tonight. “Who’s on kid duty tonight?”
Taylor’s hand pops up. “Me! I want to be on kid duty.”
“Really?” Cowboy frowns at her before deciding his grumpy ass would do anything for her. “We do.” He smiles, shaking his head.
He has no idea what these rowdy kids can get up to. Honestly, they’ll probably be worn out from the snow, so Tay and Lan might have it easy.
I set my girl down just inside the door, stealing one more kiss. “It’s you and me tonight, Angel.”
Her blush is perfect as she bites her bottom lip. “I can’t wait.”
Neither can I.
I grab my coat and gloves, catch the sight of the boys making snow angels as I slip back outside and close the door to the girls giggling in the kitchen.
I don’t know who suggested a family vacation for Christmas, but I think it should become a tradition. I’m loving every second of it so far.
CHAPTER2
ROWDY AND REESE
“You okay, Kitten?” His concern is unwarranted but welcome. He’s attuned to my every mood and seems to know what I need almost before I do.
I sigh into his warm, wet embrace. A bath with my Shadow is exactly what I needed. “I’m perfect.”
But he’s not asking about my mood. I’ve been feeling yucky. It started on the drive up. I’m not prone to car sickness, but I guess there’s always a first time. Plus, I’ve never been to this altitude before. Never even been out of Vegas until his mom’s funeral and then our wedding and honeymoon. I love the snow, but give me a beach, and I’m one happy clam.
“Need to drink more water. It’ll help with the altitude.”
“Yes, Dr. Durant. As soon as we’re out of the tub in, say, an hour or so.”
He nuzzles my neck. “Maybe two.”
Maybe. I’m in no rush.
I wrap my arms around his and close my eyes. He sinks lower and rests his head on the rise of the tub. His heart thrumming behind me eases me, centers me, comforts me.
The love of my life has been going through a bit of an identity crisis since he found out Cap was his biological dad. For the most part, he’s made peace with his mom and Barrett. But the turning point—the last puzzle piece—was deciding to change his legal name to Durant, after Cap. It was a difficult discussion with his dad, Barrett, but one he had no intention of backing down from. He’s still Jenkins—his adopted name from his best friend in high school who died—in his professional life, but with family—his everyday existence—he’s a Durant.
