“So, we were thinking about driving down to the lodge tomorrow. There’s some shopping, we can take Hayden and Bella to see Santa, grab lunch, and snowboard if the guys want to.” Darcy says, sipping on her white wine.
“I want to be there when Hayden meets Santa, but also down to snowboard.” Tatum says from behind her.
“Same,” Maverick says.
“So, how about Santa, split up, then reunite for lunch?” Kodi suggests.
“Sounds good to me.” Harley says, her typical mint smell mixed with the hot chocolate creates the most intoxicating aroma around us.
“I’m in if my girl is in,” I add.
“If I’m up, I’ll join. If not, I don’t mind hanging here with Stu, Mom, and Dale.” Sin shrugs, “I’m just not holding myself to early mornings while I’m on vacation.”
“That’s valid. I’m in.” Dom adds.
“Same,” Nik says.
“I’ll text Grace and Jason since they decided to turn in early.” Maverick throws out, quickly sending a text, then repocketing his phone.
“Do we have plans yet for the morning of Christmas?” Maverick asks his wife.
“Yes! Everyone has their pajamas, and we’re planning a big breakfast for everyone with the chef of the group. Then we can do presents and just hang out, enjoy a white Christmas.” Kodi’s smile is so wide, it might break her face.
“I can’t wait to see the kids’ faces that morning.” Darcy chimes in, I can’t blame her, it’s Hayden’s first Christmas, and even though he won’t remember it, she and Tatum will.
Quiet chatter continues about Christmas morning, and the rest of the evening passes in quiet tranquility. The guys and myself talking about which hills we want to try tomorrow. All thewhile, the girl of my dreams snuggles tipsily into my chest until she starts snoring, and I decide to take her back to the cabin.
Chapter 8
Mayo
Harley
Waking up the next morning, there’s a heavy weight on my chest, and my eyes feel heavy, causing a slight panic. After forcing my eyes open, I find Precious curled on top of me, along with Collins’ arm draped across my middle. I groan attempting to move my body a bit causing Collins to stir beside me.
“Morning.” He grumbles into the side of my neck, the warmth of his breath causing a shiver to run down my spine.
“Good morning. We need to get up and ready for the day.”
“Nooooo. What time is it?” One thing I’ve learned about Collins is that if he didn’t have morning skates and early flights, he would sleep in every day.
Reaching over for my phone, I check the time, “8:00 AM and we have to meet everyone at the main cabin around 9:00. You can sleep a little more if you’d like, but I need to shower and eat before we head out, so you and Precious will have to cuddle.”
“If you must leave, I will cuddle my Precious.” He says her name in his version of Gollum’s low, raspy, guttural tone.
“Oh God.” I’ve never heard him do that before, and the laugh that escapes me is very unladylike.
“What?” He furrows his brows in offense, “You don’t like my voice?”
“That was downright terrifying.”
“Oh, come here.” He brings the voice back, pulling my body into his further while whispering in my ear, “We forgot the taste of bread.”
“Collins! Stop it!” I attempt to wiggle away again, laughing at his antics.
Rather than saying anything, Collins just holds me for a few minutes before allowing me up to get ready for the day.
“That was a fucking disaster,” Darcy says as she attempts to soothe an inconsolable Hayden.
