“Cookies before dinner? My girl is such a rebel,” I tease as I flick the blinker to go left rather than right.
“You know it. Otherwise, I never would have picked up with you after that first letter.”
“Naughty girl,” I whisper. “Writing one man when you were supposed to be writing another.”
“Oh, the scandal.” Kennedy dramatically places her hand over her heart. “Suitor’s Crossing will never be the same.”
“Sherry will never be the same,” I correct, claiming her hand in mine and resting it on my thigh.
The truth isIwas never the same man after the first time Kennedy wrote Sherry’s son, Chris.
A lonely, deployed soldier, I didn’t get letters from home like the other men in my unit. When Chris received that initial message, then promptly tossed it, my life forever changed.
Thanks to his thoughtlessness, I have a wife I love—myheart sparkas Suitor’s Crossing locals would call her—and a son I adore. Not to mention the extended family of siblings who treat me like one of their own.
Kennedy gave me everything I never dared hope for but am damn grateful to have.
CHAPTER EIGHT
DECEMBER 24
DIANA CALDWELL
Once Wyatt, Kennedy, and Tristan leave, I return to the kitchen to finish preparing for tonight’s Christmas Eve dinner. I appreciate this tradition we started a few years ago once all the Caldwell siblings were coupled up and having children.
As much as I look forward to tomorrow, when everyone will get together, I love having an evening to celebrate the holiday with my husband and kids.
“Hey, baby.” Soren eases behind me and rests his hands on my hips. “Everything smells great. Do you need any help?”
“Can you finish the salad, please?” Raising my voice, I turn toward Sara Beth. “Sara, do you mind wrangling your sister into her booster seat?”
“Got it.” She shoves her phone into her pocket then heads to the living room to scoop Rachel into her arms. My three-year-old giggles and pretends to fly like Santa’s reindeer.
It’s crazy how different life looks these days. I moved to Suitor’s Crossing for change a little over five years ago, and it more than delivered.
From my handsome husband to my two rambunctious girls, taking the leap of faith to quit my old job and come here has been well worth it.
The four of us sit around the dining table, passing food bowls, and chatting about Rachel’s latest obsession—horses—and Sara Beth’s plan for the rest of winter break. It’s cozy and perfect, yet a thrill runs through me once we’re done eating and my youngest daughter runs toward the decorated tree to open a present in honor of Christmas Eve.
The three of us join her as she rattles several boxes searching for the best one to unwrap.
“I don’t think the one you want is down there, kid,” Soren says, shooting a sly grin my way.
Sara Beth plops on the couch and covers a laugh when Rachel glares up at her dad.
“Why not?”
“Because it’s so special we decided to keep it hidden in our room,” I explain. “Wait here with your dad and sister while I go get it, okay?”
Soren and I discussed whether Rachel was old enough for her own pet, but when Sara Beth promised to help her little sister take care of one, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to give Rachel a bunny for Christmas.
Normally, I’m opposed to pets for Christmas, but when a poor baby bunny was brought into the vet clinic where I work, it seemed like kismet.
Dr. Winston and I worked to get the baby healthy, and now she’s ready for our girl. She’s even met Sara Beth’s old bunny, Whiskers, and the two have been sweet cuddled together.
Snagging the white and brown bunny from her place in the primary room’s bath tub, I carefully lower her into a vented and pre-wrapped box.
“Don’t worry. You won’t be here for long.” The bunny shudders, bumping her head against the edge of the box.
