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Images of Harper flash through my mind—her smile, her laugh, the way she looks at me when she thinks I’m not watching. And though the idea of sharing her with Antonio and Benedict sends a pang of jealousy through my heart, I know that I can’t walk away from her—not now, not ever.
But the fact that I’ve actually caved, actually fallen for her…
With frustration still lingering in my chest, I head toward the bathroom, desperate for a moment alone to try and sort through the whirlwind of thoughts and feelings that Harper’s presence has stirred up within me. The door clicks shut behind me, offering a brief respite from the tension outside. As I strip off my clothes and turn on the shower, the hot water cascading over my skin offers a small measure of relief.
Harper. Even the mere thought of her name does something to me. I can’t help but wonder how we found ourselves in this situation—how I found myself so deeply entangled with her. She’s a force of nature, captivating and irresistible, and lately, she’s been the center of my world.
Sharing her wouldn’t be so bad, would it?
I step under the showerhead, letting the scalding water wash over me as if it could cleanse my conflicted thoughts. My chest heaves with each deep breath, but there’s no escaping the reality that I’m in uncharted territory here.
My mind drifts back to my playboy days—a time when I didn’t worry about the consequences of my actions or care about anyone’s feelings but my own. A time when love was just a four-letter word with no real meaning, and commitment wasn’t even in my vocabulary.
But then Harper entered my life, turning my carefully constructed world upside down. She ignited a passion within me that I never knew existed, making me crave something deeper, more meaningful. She made me want to be a better man—to leave my past behind and consider the possibility of settling down.
“Damn it,” I mutter under my breath, my fists clenching at my sides. How did I go from being a carefree bachelor to being a lovesick fool, willing to share the woman I love with other men?
31
HARPER
The warmth of the fireplace crackles and dances, casting flickering shadows on the cozy living room. I’m nestled between Benedict and Antonio on the plush couch, each of their strong arms wrapped around me. Hudson sits in a chair off to the side, his piercing gaze fixed on the movie playing on the TV.
On the adjacent couch, Olivia and Peter slumber peacefully, wrapped in soft blankets. The scent of pine from the Christmas tree fills the air, and I briefly remember Hudson’s words from a few days ago about how real trees smell much better than the fake ones.
He was right.
“Harper,” Benedict whispers, his breath hot against my ear, “why did you chooseIt’s A Wonderful Lifeto watch afterThe Grinch? Is there any particular reason it’s important to you?”
“Growing up, my dad loved this movie,” I begin, my voice trembling slightly. “He used to watch it every Christmas Eve. He said it reminded him of the importance of love and community, and he wanted me to remember that too.”
“Your dad,” Hudson repeats. “You never talk about him.”
I pause, my heart heavy with the weight of the memories. “My dad was a policeman. He died in the line of duty when I was younger. This movie…it helps me feel closer to him during the holidays.”
A wave of vulnerability washes over me, and I clutch Antonio’s hand, seeking comfort in his touch.
Hudson’s gaze softens, filled with empathy. “I’m so sorry for your loss, Harper,” he says sincerely from his chair.
“Thank you,” I reply, swallowing hard. “But it was a long time ago. I’ve learned to cherish the memories and live my life in a way that would make him proud.”
Benedict’s hand finds mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “He must have been an incredible man,” he murmurs, his words laced with genuine admiration.
“Indeed,” agrees Antonio, his fingertips gently caressing my thigh, a sensation that sends shivers down my spine. “You carry his strength and determination within you, Harper. I’m sure he’d be proud of the woman you are.”
I blink back tears at his words. “I sure hope so.”
The screen flickers in the dimly lit room, casting shadows as the black-and-white movie plays on. I glance at my sleeping children, Olivia and Peter, who’ve dozed off on the side couch. They look so peaceful, lost in slumber.
“Hey, guys,” I say, looking around at Benedict, Antonio, and Hudson. “I should probably put the kids to bed. I don’t want them to be uncomfortable.”
Hudson stands up from his chair, a determined expression on his face. “I’ll take care of it, Harper.”
“Are you sure?” I ask, touched by his willingness to help.
“Absolutely,” he confirms with a warm smile.
Carefully, Hudson lifts Olivia into his arms, her head resting against his broad shoulder. Then, he bends down to pick up Peter, cradling him gently against his chest. With both children securely in his embrace, Hudson heads toward my bedroom, disappearing down the hallway.
