HEIDI CALDWELL
Joy continues crying as we disembark from the plane. She did not like her first flight—no matter how many cuddles, toys, and snacks we offered her—and now, Griffen is talking about driving back home after Christmas.
Like a nine-hour drive is better than a two-hour flight.
“You’d think she would have tired herself out already,” I say, rubbing circles over Joy’s back while Griffen grabs our checked baggage.
“Toddler stamina is no joke.”
He swings our two extra-large luggage carriers off the metal carousel, and we follow the crowd of travelers heading toward the Arrivals sign and a parking garage.
Soren offered to pick us up, and as soon as we exit the airport, his huge truck comes into view.
“Good to see you, brother.” Griffen and Soren hug before he turns to Joy and me. “Someone’s having a rough day, huh?”
“Hopefully, she’ll calm down on the ride to Suitor’s Crossing.” I mentally cross my fingers, and thankfully, once we’re on the highway, she falls asleep, so the only sound in the truck cab is softly playing Christmas music on the radio.
Relaxing in the front passenger seat, I stare out the window. A forest of trees lines the road as we near the mountains. Snow blankets the highest ridges in a picturesque display, and a part of me misses living here full time.
Montana is gorgeous with its own big sky and mountain views, but I always feel nostalgic when Griffen and I visit Suitor’s Crossing.
This is where we fell in love.
This is where Joy was born.
It was the beginning of our love story, so it’ll always hold a special place in my heart.
When we arrive at Hearthstone Lodge, a staff member collects our luggage and leads us to a prepared suite on the top floor. Soren had a trail ride to prepare for, but Ezra and Lauren are waiting for us once we step outside the elevator.
“There’s my favorite little brother!” Ezra grins and slaps Griffen on the back before going in for a hug.
“Technically, I’m your only little brother.”
“Semantics. How was the flight?” The guys launch into a conversation about crowded airports and inefficient systems, while Lauren and I move to the bedroom.
“She’s so sweet,” Lauren coos, lightly brushing a finger over the back of Joy’s clenched fist. “Are you trying to give me baby fever?”
I laugh at the gleam in her eyes. “You’re still breastfeeding your one-year-olds. Surely, you’re not ready for more yet.”
She rolls her eyes toward the ceiling and sighs. “You’re right, but a girl would be nice. Imagine how cute it would be to have Nash and Ryan as her protective older brothers.”
“I don’t have to imagine it; I’ve heard Kennedy bemoan her brothers’ antics enough times to know what the poor girl would have to endure.”
“You’ve got a point there. And Ezra would be a grumpy Papa Bear.”
“That’s not much of a leap. He’s the grump of the twins already,” I say, carefully laying Joy on the bed and nudging pillows against her sides to keep her from rolling.
“But he’s better than he used to be.”
“Thanks to you.” I grin. The Caldwells love to share how Lauren made their by-the-book brother break the rules. Like punching a guy in a grocery store after he insulted Lauren.
She helped him loosen up.
“Don’t act like you haven’t brought Griffen out of his shell.”
“True… But I doubt that openness will extend to anyone interested in our daughter when the time comes.” An image of Griffen with a frown on his face comes to mind as I study Joy’s adorable sleeping face. “Poor girl will have quite the time dating when she’s older.”
“Who’s dating?” Griffen asks as he and Ezra enter the room.
