Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 34451 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 172(@200wpm)___ 138(@250wpm)___ 115(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34451 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 172(@200wpm)___ 138(@250wpm)___ 115(@300wpm)
The kiss deepened, and she pressed in close. His hand moved to the back of her head as he ran his tongue over hers. A shiver ran through her and she moaned.
“While I usually like watching the two of you make out, we aren’t at the sexy part of the evening yet.”
Autumn drew back from Brody at the Fox’s words. She tried to smile, but it was slightly shaky. “Are you sure your mom is all right now? I really care about her, and the idea of something happening to her is scary.”
Brody wrapped his arms around her. “I promise she’s all right now, Tutu.”
“Sorry. I’m being silly. It’s not like she’s my mom.” She drew away and took in a deep breath. “Do you have enough money for her trip?”
Brody gaped at her. “She is your mom, too.”
“No, she’s not. But it’s nice of you to say so. She’s just your mom. Not mine.”
“Do you want her to be your mom?” the Fox asked fiercely. “Do you want a mom? I’ll find you a mom. I will go out right now and get you a mom.”
Autumn gaped up at the Fox. Then, to her shock, a giggle escaped her. That was not what she’d been expecting him to say.
He was going to get her a mom?
“Daddy, you can’t just get me a mom.”
“Of course I can. Put it on your Christmas list. I will get you one.”
“Santa can’t make me a mom,” she told him. “The elves don’t know how to do that.”
“Then it is time they learned. And Foxy Santa knows how to get you whatever you want.”
Yeah, he did.
Warmth filled her as she stared up at him.
However, this wasn’t something he needed to worry about.
“I’m good, Daddy. Really. I don’t need anything else but the two of you.”
“Autumn,” Brody said, looking awkward and nervous as he fiddled with his glasses. They were the only thing he was wearing, although he didn’t seem to realize he was still naked. “My mom would love it if you thought of her as yours as well.”
“You really think so?”
“I know so,” Brody told her. “And I wasn’t trying to exclude you both. I just wanted to do this myself. It seemed important at the time. I’m her only son. I wanted her to feel proud of what I did for her.”
“Your mother is not proud of you?” the Fox asked. “I will remedy that.” He started to storm off toward the door.
Brody took off after him. “Fox! Wait, what are you doing?” Brody grabbed hold of the Fox’s hand and stopped him just in front of the door.
“I’m going to tell your mother that she must be proud of you.”
“You can’t tell someone to be proud of someone else,” Brody told him.
“Why not?” The Fox sounded genuinely confused.
“Daddy, we’ve talked about this. Feelings are something you can’t control. And no one else can control yours. How would you like it if someone told you not to love us?” Autumn asked.
“I would kill the bastard.”
“Exactly,” Autumn replied.
“I’d cut out his tongue and dangle it in front of his face.”
“Urgh, right,” she said. “Gruesome, but okay.”
“And then I would cut open his insides and use his intestines to strangle him.”
“Papa, remember, Tutu doesn’t like when you get too gruesome,” Brody warned.
Oh, she didn’t like it? Brody was the one who looked a bit queasy.
“Right. I apologize. So you are saying I can’t tell Brody’s mother to be proud of him?” the Fox asked.
“Brody’s mom is proud of him,” Autumn said, wrapping her arm around Brody’s waist. “He might not see it, but she’s so proud of him that it practically shines out of her. All she does when he’s not around is talk about how amazing he is.”
“She . . . she does?” Brody asked.
“Well, why wouldn’t she?” the Fox said. “You are amazing. Smart. Loyal. Gorgeous.”
Brody gaped at the Fox. Then he sniffled. “Right. Of course. Um, excuse me. I need the bathroom.”
“Uh-uh. You’re not going anywhere. Group snuggle.” She wrapped her arms around his waist. Brody was still trying to get away when the Fox wrapped his arms around them both, squishing them tight.
“I . . . can’t . . . breathe,” Brody said, wheezing.
“That’s how you know it’s a really good hug,” Autumn told him.
“It is?” the Fox asked. “Good to know.”
Brody groaned.
The Fox was going to hug them like this every time from now on. She just knew it. Autumn let out a small giggle.
“I was a wombat, wasn’t I?” Brody said with a rueful smile.
“Total wombat,” she agreed.
“I don’t understand the wombat reference. Are they foolish, bad at communicating, and have issues with their mothers?” the Fox asked.
Brody shook his head with a groan at the Fox’s words while Autumn broke into more giggles.
“What? What did I say that was funny?” the Fox asked.