Total pages in book: 134
Estimated words: 131209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 656(@200wpm)___ 525(@250wpm)___ 437(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 131209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 656(@200wpm)___ 525(@250wpm)___ 437(@300wpm)
“Hey, bud, can you do me a favor?”
He eagerly nodded.
“Can you go make sure Santa came by to bring you presents?”
He beamed and took off running.
“Santa works for everything,” he said, kissing my cheek, and pulling me into him. “Merry Christmas,” he added, kissing all over my neck; I squirmed because it tickled.
“Merry Christmas,” I repeated, thrashing around in his arms, laughing.
He kissed me one last time and got off the bed, pulling up his gym shorts on as he stood. “Your clothes are still in the drawer.”
I grinned. “You didn’t get rid of my clothes?”
He grinned back. “Did you get rid of mine?”
I blushed.
“Exactly,” he stated, walking into the bathroom.
I grabbed a pair of cotton shorts, a tank top and a bra that I had left. Normally, I wouldn’t wear one when we were comfortable and lounging around, but with his son there… it changed things. I was hesitant at first; I had never met his son and never seen him as a father. I mean, I knew he was one, but seeing it in front of my very own eyes… is a totally different image.
We walked out to the living room hand in hand, and Ethan was sitting on the floor playing with his cars. Completely forgetting about Santa and the gifts that waited for him under the tree.
“I’ll go make some breakfast,” Devon announced and I made my way toward Ethan.
“Hey there, little man, can I play too?” I asked, sitting beside him and pulling him onto my lap.
He enthusiastically nodded.
“Do you know what sound cars make?”
“Vroom, vroom, vroom,” he responded, catching me off guard.
“Good job, yay!” I celebrated, clapping my hands and he giggled.
I kissed his head and looked up toward Devon; I could feel his eyes on me. I had never seen that expression on his face before. It looked predatory, as if his whole world was sitting right there in front of him. I smiled and blew him a kiss, returning to play with Ethan.
We played until Devon was done making breakfast and coffee. He called us to the kitchen when it was ready. I grabbed Ethan under his arms and placed him on my hip, walking toward the kitchen island with him in my arms. I sat him in his highchair and buckled him in, locking the tray into place. I set his plate, silverware, and sippy cup on top, and kissed his head.
I sat down next to him and took a sip of my coffee, realizing that Devon was sitting across from me, staring.
I lowered my eyebrows. “What?”
He scuffed. “I’m just… surprised… is all...”
I cocked my head to the side. “About what?”
“Just… you… I guess… you’re a Rubik’s Cube. I think I have you all figured out, and then you go and surprise me again.”
I shrugged.
“Do you want kids?” he asked, catching me off guard again.
“I… I mean… I’ve… I don’t know,” I nervously laughed. “I love kids, I think they’re amazing. They’re these little sponges that absorb everything, and you get to teach them that. It’s fun to watch them learn and grow.”
“You didn’t answer my question,” he said in a serious tone.
I bit my cheek. “I’ve never really thought about it.”
“Have you ever thought about the future? What do you want out of life?”
“Wow.” I raised my eyebrows. “Isn’t this a little deep for Christmas morning conversation? Can’t we talk about Santa or something?” I laughed off.
He nodded disappointed, and bowed his head to read the paper. I hated seeing that look on his face.
I took a deep breath. “I have never thought about the future.”
He promptly looked up with a penetrating stare.
“I’ve always thought of myself as a free spirit, and proud of it. Until you…” I paused to let my words sink in. “You make me think about the future, Devon. You make me want a future.”
He smiled bright and high. I couldn’t take his gaze any longer, so I turned to help Ethan with his food; which was all over his tray. We ate in silence and then opened presents.
It was the first time I felt like I was part of something.
And not just anything...
A family.
With Devon.
<>D<>
It was New Year’s Eve; I was at my bar. I had been there since the crack of dawn that morning, getting everything ready for the night of debauchery ahead. Everyone got crazy on New Year’s Eve. It was the night you could start over with a fresh start.
A new year is a bringing of a new day, with new promises, new expectations, and new resolutions.
It’s a chance to start over.
My phone rang as I was in my office, getting together the VIP tables and the guest list.
Brooke’s beautiful face lit up my screen. “Hey, Bambi,” I answered.
“Well, hello there, Mr. Hill. How are you doing this fine late morning?”
“I’m doing great, just trying to get everything in order for tonight. What are you up to?”