“I love you too, Grizz,” she says softly. “I love you too.”
CHAPTER 30
CHAPTER 30 - BRYNN
You’d think after what happened that I’d hate the snow.
Never want to see it again.
But as I stand on the porch, watching Grizz and Jovie trudge back from the clubhouse through the deep white powder, I have to admit I’ll be sad when spring comes around and it starts to melt away.
It’s been such an important part of our story so far.
It literally forced us together, and the memories it’s helped to create are unforgettable—even the one where it tried to kill me.
But that wasn’t really the snow’s fault.
I giggle at Jovie as she waddles toward me, her tiny body bundled in so many layers of clothes she can barely bend her knees and elbows. Though it hasn’t stopped her from carrying the candy-cane shaped sock over her shoulder like Santa Claus with a few things balancing precariously on the top.
The boys from the clubhouse have clearly stuffed it full, and I already know I’m going to have to stash some of the candy I can see peeking out if I don’t want hurricane Jovie to be released later.
Grizz’s hair is loose and falling around his face, decorated with a sprinkle of snowflakes. He’s been leaving it out a lot more lately, ever since I made a throw away comment about how hot it is when I watch him push it back from his face.
Damn it, I need to stop.
I clench my thighs together and hold the hot mug of coffee I’m holding a little tighter, just as they stomp up the stairs.
“You good, baby?” Grizz asks, shaking off his coat and dusting the snow from his hair.
“Mmhmm,” I answer, cringing when the sound comes out high pitched and squeaky, making him pause and raise an eyebrow. I quickly clear my throat. “What?”
Before he can respond, Jovie steps around him and dumps her stocking onto the ground, breathing heavily. “Wow, that was hard!” she exclaims, tugging at her thick gloves. “I can’t wait to see what’s in here.”
“Looks like you’re having a very merry Christmas there, kid,” I say with a giggle, and she looks up at me with her rosy cheeks and bright smile on her face. “Let’s get them inside and add them to the rest.”
“Can we open some now? Please!” she pleads, frantically trying to unzip her coat.
“Hell yeah, we can,” Grizz says, helping her get it undone before gathering up her gifts and tucking them under his arm. He pushes the front door open and steps inside, holding it like a gentleman. “We need to remind your Mom to call Aunt Scarlett and let her know there's been a change of plans. My girls are staying with me, non-negotiable.”
“Duh, Grizz. Of course we’re staying together,” she says, rolling her eyes. “Besides, I already heard them talking about you, and Aunt Scarlett said she wants to make sure you’re good enough for us.”
“Jovie, what have I told you about eavesdropping?” I scold, trying to be serious but failing. Grizz doesn't know about the surprise she almost gave away, and I can see her excitement. She scoots past him, heading straight for the Christmas tree with wide eyes and a giddy laugh. I step through the doorway behind her and Grizz puts his hand out, forcing me to pause in front of him so he can press a gentle kiss to my temple.
I close my eyes and inhale deeply.
I swear I’ll never forget to stop and appreciate these moments.
The little ones that may have never been.
His lips linger on my skin for another few seconds before his hand moves behind me and gives me a pat on the ass.
“Let’s go, there’s presents to open,” he says with a smirk and kicks the door closed with his foot. The temperature changes instantly, the heat from the fireplace nipping at my cold nose. I take another sip of my coffee and follow Grizz to the lounge where he sets Jovie’s stocking of chaos under the tree. “Alright Jon Bon, have at it.”
I take a seat, sinking carefully back onto the couch.
I’m still moving slower than normal, mostly because Grizz has been giving me these worried looks every time I jolt or jerk or even flinch. So, it’s just better if I stay cautious and aware and not give him any reason to try and wrap me in bubble wrap.
Grizz settles onto the couch beside me, his hand resting on my thigh. I lean in, laying my head on his shoulder while we watch Jovie rummage around in the small pile of presents that she’s been itching to get her hands on for weeks.
