Page 25 of Auctioned to the Billionaire
“We’ve built a beautiful life together,” she whispers when she pulls back.
“We have,” I agree, my gaze steady on hers. “And it’s only going to get better.”
She smiles, her hand tightening on mine. “I love you, Hugh Walters.”
“I love you too, Letty Walters.”
We sit like that for a moment, wrapped in the glow of the tree and the quiet of the night, before a yawn from Letty breaks the spell.
“Alright, Mr. Sentimental,” she says, nudging me playfully. “We’ve got work to do.”
We return to our task, and as we work, the conversation shifts to the kids and the upcoming holiday.
“Do you think Emma will like the dollhouse?” Letty asks, her brow furrowing as she ties a bow onto a gift.
“She’s going to love it,” I assure her. “She hasn’t stopped talking about dollhouses since she saw that one in the store.”
“And Max? Do you think he’ll notice if I didn’t get theexactaction figure he wanted?”
I laugh. “He might, but he’ll be too excited about the remote-control car to care.”
“And Charlie?”
“He’s one. As long as it crinkles or makes noise, he’ll be happy.”
Letty laughs, shaking her head. “It’s going to be chaos on Christmas morning.”
“Isn’t it always?” I reply, grinning. “That’s half the fun.”
We wrap and talk for another hour, the pile of presents gradually transforming into a collection of brightly colored packages adorned with ribbons and bows. The room feels warm and cozy, the air filled with the scent of pine and the faint remnants of the cookies Letty had baked earlier.
When we finally finish, I lean back against the couch, letting out a satisfied sigh.
“Mission accomplished,” I declare, surveying our work.
“Barely,” Letty says, but she’s smiling as she rests her head on my shoulder.
I wrap an arm around her, pulling her close. “We make a good team.”
“We always have,” she murmurs, her voice tinged with sleepiness.
As the fire crackles softly in the hearth and the twinkling lights of the tree cast a warm glow over the room, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude.
Five years ago, I never could have imagined this life—this family, this love, this happiness. But now that I have it, I know I’ll do whatever it takes to protect it, to nurture it, to make it grow.
“Letty,” I say softly, and she tilts her head to look up at me.
“Yeah?”
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For loving me. For giving me this family. For being my everything.”
Her eyes soften, and she reaches up to cup my cheek. “You don’t have to thank me, Hugh. You’re my everything too.”
I kiss her, slow and deep, pouring every ounce of love I have into that moment.
When we finally pull apart, Letty yawns, and I chuckle, nudging her toward the stairs. “Come on, let’s get you to bed. You need your rest.”
“Only if you carry me,” she teases, but there’s a sleepy lilt to her voice.
“Always,” I say, scooping her up effortlessly.
She laughs, wrapping her arms around my neck as I carry her up the stairs.
As I tuck her into bed and watch her drift off to sleep, her hand resting protectively over her belly, I can’t help but think about everything we’ve been through—every challenge, every joy, every moment that brought us to this one.
And as I lay down beside her, wrapping an arm around her waist and pressing a kiss to her temple, I know one thing for certain: the best is yet to come.
