“How generous,” I mutter.
“Oh, Daddy, that’s so sweet,” my wife gushes.
“Isn’t it?” Rose looks me directly in the eyes and smirks.
“Thanks, Sheriff. That’s very thoughtful.”
He nods, sits, leans over, and kisses his wife while I shove a forkful of pot roast in my mouth. It’s delicious, but no one here will ever know how much I like it.
Sylvie joins us at the table and sits next to her daughter. She starts to cut Tim’s meat, but he moves his plate.
“Uncle Rip showed me how to do it last time,” he says.
His mother purses her lips but doesn’t admonish him.
“When do you two leave for New York?” Sylvie asks.
Eden sticks a huge forkful of food into her mouth, and I know she did so she doesn’t have to respond to her sister. It will be a cold day in hell before I talk to her, so I remain quiet.
“Um, tomorrow,” their mom answers.
Sylvie doesn’t ask any more questions.
“Mommy, when is Daddy coming?” Eva asks. “Do you think he’s bringing any more presents?”
“I don’t know, baby.”
“Yes, Mom. We made it.”
I pull Eden’s naked body close to mine.
“Ripley owns an apartment here. I’ll send you pictures later, but I’m fine.” She listens to whatever nonsense her mother is saying on the other end. “Okay. Love you, too. I’ll see you in a few days. We’ll bring some souvenirs for you, daddy, and the kids.” She ends the call and tosses her phone on the floor.
“I’m so glad we got away for a few days. I’m exhausted.”
“After the way you just sucked and rode my dick, I’m not surprised.”
She swats my chest but doesn’t deny it. Lifting her head, she looks at me.
“Did you enjoy Christmas with me? I know we spent time with my family.”
“I enjoy every moment with you. And that gun cleaning kit you got me is my favorite present.”
She rolls her eyes. She got that for me as a joke, but I love it. She also got me clothes, shoes, and a watch.
“But don’t buy me any more presents.”
“Wait until you see what I do for your birthday.”
I swat her naked ass. She climbs on top of me and gives me a soft kiss.
“I think I have the strength for one more ride before I fall asleep.” And she kisses me again.
I’m not shocked to see half of Shadow Cove inside Paulene’s on New Year’s Eve, but I am shocked to see Dax. And Finch, complete with her fake service dog vest.
We left New York a few hours ago to beat an incoming snowstorm. Although we loved being away, Eden was excited to ring in the new year at home with her friends. I spot her parents before she does. She’s in the middle of the dance floor, dancing with Cori and Selene to a Beyoncé song. They all do the same movements.
Her parents spot me, and Serena waves. The sheriff scowls, but that doesn’t stop them from reaching me while I stand in front of the bar.
