Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 84295 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84295 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
“Fine. I promise. No more presents. I just, well, I’m excited about Christmas now. I never had that growing up, and I want BJ to enjoy it. That’s all.”
“Don’t worry,” I assure him. “This is going to be your best Christmas ever… I promise.”
“No way,” he says, wrapping his arms around my waist. “Nothing could beat our first Christmas together. Two years ago was my best Christmas ever… by far. Nothing could beat it.”
I put my arms up around his neck. “Oh yeah? What was so good about it?” I ask him. I know why it was my best Christmas, but I still want to hear what he has to say.
“I got my first present that year… and it was definitely the best.”
I think back. “You mean the earphones I got you.”
“No, that wasn’t the first present you gave me.”
I just laugh. “I was there, Baker. Yes, it was.”
His arms tighten around me, and my heart starts to race. He always knows just how to hold me. “No, the first present you gave me was you… when you told me you’d marry me… nothing can beat that.”
“Oh you. Who would have thought you’d turn out to be a romantic?”
“What can I say? You bring it out of me.” And then he bends down and presses his lips to mine. Every kiss with him is better than the last. He still makes my toes curl and my belly do flip-flops.
“I love you, Baker,” I tell him, resting my head against his chest.
“I love you too, sweet girl.”
Epilogue 2
Baker
18 years later
The ballroom has been transformed into something magical. For someone that grew up not celebrating Christmas, I've done a complete 180. Now I am always looking for the Christmas spirit in things, and this year is no different.
I had to get here early to make sure everything went off without a hitch. I sent Tara to the salon and gave her a full day of pampering.
Our kids—well, I guess I should say young adults—Baker Junior and Tessie are in on this and have been running around doing last-minute errands. They should be arriving soon.
I tug at the tie around my neck. It's uncomfortable, and I'd prefer to be wearing my jeans, but tonight is special, so suit and tie it is. “The guests are arriving, sir." I nod my thanks to Trevor, the event planner. He's helped me put this whole night together, and he deserves every penny I pay him.
I pull out my phone to call my wife when I hear my name from across the room. I raise my head, a smile already on my face. Tara does that to me, though. To this day, after 20 years of marriage, she still makes me happy.
As soon as I spot her, my heart starts to race in my chest. "Wow," I hear, and when I realize it didn't come from me, I look over at the man that planned this whole night and can barely contain the jealousy raging inside me.
"Eyes off my wife, Trevor."
"Oh, yes, sir," he stutters before turning away from the goddess in the red dress.
I practically sprint across the room, and as soon as she's within arm’s reach, I grab her and hold her close.
My voice is deep, and I'm trying to keep the possessive tone under control. "I was hoping to stay out of jail tonight, baby."
She looks at me in confusion. "Jail? What are you talking about?"
Her lips are painted red, and she looks beautiful. Too sexy to resist. I kiss her like my life depends on it. I put a hand on each of her ass cheeks and pull her against me. My arousal is pressed into her belly, and I would give anything to have her right now. I'm about to find an empty room when I hear, "Mom! Dad!" being hollered from across the ballroom. Our kids have the absolute worst sense of timing.
I look at Tara regretfully and whisper, "I'm going to steal you away tonight. Find us some privacy."
She laughs, and we both turn to our kids as I stand behind my wife to hide my hard-on.
My mother-in-law must have arrived with the kids because she’s standing there with a twinkle in her eye. "Sorry to interrupt, but people are waiting to be let in."
I know I told Trevor to let them in, but it's probably good he didn't. They would have gotten an eyeful.
I grab my wife's hand. "Shall we greet our guests?"
We get to the doors as Trevor opens them. Everyone we know is here. Some of them are smirking as they say hello to us. But thankfully, no one ruins the surprise.
My brother’s family is one of the last to arrive, and the party is in full swing when Tara pats me on the chest. She knows me well, and I should have known I wouldn't be able to pull something over on her.