“I won’t. I promise.”
He swooped in for a kiss that mimicked the act they were so vividly engaged in.
And just like that, her insides clenched with the ache only he could soothe. The emptiness only he could fill.
“Let go, Remy. I’ll catch you.”
And he did.
****
Christmas Eve morning dawned bright.
Voices clamored and Remy glanced at her husband. “Are you getting up, or am I?”
He pulled her a little tighter. “Maybe if we ignore them, they’ll go back to sleep.”
“Or they may decide to get cereal for themselves again.”
Her words had the desired effect as he leapt from the bed and reached for his bathrobe. Before he left the room, he leaned down to kiss her.
“I love you, Mrs. Stevens.”
Before she could respond, he was gone.
So it hadn’t been a dream. He did love her. She carried that thought into the shower, and it warmed her as she dressed. Her stomach rumbled as she left the bedroom, following her nose to the kitchen.
The girls sat patiently at the table, watching her with wide eyes.
“What’s going on?”
“Breakfast.” Rusty’s eyes carried a mischievous glint.
“Okay.” She sat as he placed a plate of pancakes in front of her.
“The girls have prepared a Christmas present for you.”
She rolled her eyes. “Silly man, Christmas is tomorrow.”
“This is one you won’t mind getting early.”
He looked at the girls solemnly and pointed to her. “And who is this?”
“Mommy!”
The genuineness of the chorus caught her off-guard. Then her eyes shimmered with tears. He was right, this wasn’t a present she minded receiving early. Clearing her throat, she pointed to him. “And who is that?”
“Silly Mommy.” Calleigh’s grin was a mile wide. “That’s Daddy.”
“Of course it’s Daddy,” Mira chimed in, as if plain for everyone to see. “And Santa Claus is coming tonight.” She paused. “Now can we eat?”
The adults laughed so hard the girls looked at each other, rolled their eyes, and joined in the merriment.
