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A warm sensation unfurls within me, spreading through my chest and igniting something deep inside. I find myself drawn to him even more.
“Alright, team captain,” I tease, trying to lighten the mood. “You better get out there and show those kids how it’s done.”
“You bet.” He grins, standing up from the table. “But don’t think I’ve forgotten about our little wager. I fully expect that dessert tonight, Harper.”
“Only if you win,” I remind him playfully, my heart pounding in my chest at the promise of what’s to come.
“I’ll invite the other two.”
“The more, the merrier.”
* * *
Peter and Benedictare sprawled out on the ground, creating intricate snow angels side by side. The sight brings a smile to my lips, and I can’t help but be grateful for moments like these—when my children are surrounded by people who genuinely care for them.
“Watch this, Mom!” Peter exclaims, throwing his arms wide as he creates an even more elaborate pattern in the snow.
“Wow, that’s amazing, Peter!” I call out, clapping my hands together in genuine delight.
My attention shifts to Hudson and Olivia, who are hard at work constructing an impressive snowman. Their breaths crystallize in the frosty air as they mold the snow with their gloved hands, building a round base that rivals my own height. Hudson playfully pats Olivia’s head, his laughter bubbling up like warm honey, leaving me with a sweet ache in my chest.
“Harper,” Antonio says, walking up beside me. His voice is a rich timbre, igniting a familiar sense of longing. “You seem happy.”
I glance at him, my eyes tracing the curve of his jaw as I force myself to focus on his words. “I am. It’s been a while since the kids have had positive male role models in their lives.”
“Looks like you found some good ones,” he replies, his gaze lingering on Olivia and Hudson, admiration in his eyes. “They’re lucky to have them.”
“Mom! Look at our snowman!” Olivia calls out, her excitement contagious.
“Wow! It’s looking good, you two!” I exclaim, clapping my hands together in genuine delight.
“I’m getting closer and closer to that prize, Harper,” Hudson says, his eyes locked onto mine.
“Just wait until you see mine!”
The snow crunches beneath our boots as Antonio and I walk side by side. “Antonio, can I ask you something?” I say, my curiosity getting the better of me.
“Sure, Harper, what’s up?” he replies, his eyes meeting mine with genuine interest.
“Do you like kids?” I blurt out, surprising even myself with the question. Antonio hesitates for a moment, as if carefully considering his answer.
“Generally, no,” he admits, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. “But your kids…there’s something about them that makes it hard not to like them.”
A warm feeling spreads through my chest upon hearing his words. I can’t help but tease him a little. “So there’s a soft side hidden under all that tough exterior, huh?”
Antonio blushes, which only adds to his charm. “I guess you could say that,” he says, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
“Your secret is safe with me,” I assure him, giving him a playful nudge with my elbow. It feels good to see this side of Antonio—he’s not just a smoldering, tempting firefighter, but also a caring and tender human being.
“Thanks, Harper,” he says, his voice warm and sincere. We continue to watch Hudson and Olivia work on their snowman, their laughter filling the frosty air.
A gust of wind whips through the air, sending shivers down my spine. I pull my coat tighter around me.
“Hey, Harper, heads up!” Benedict shouts, moments before the snowball arcs gracefully through the air and collides with my shoulder. A puff of powdery snow explodes on impact, and I gasp at the sudden coldness seeping through my coat.
“Oh, you’re going to pay for that!” I call out.
“Uh oh.”
