“Oh, baby.” He pulled me into a hug and rubbed my back. “You’re pretty even when you’re snotting all over me.”
“Not helping!”
His deep rumble of a laugh vibrated against my face. I snuggled in closer, breathing in his cologne and having a sense of calm wash over me. He waited me out, patient as ever. He never rushed me.
“Okay,” I said, sniffing and glancing up at him. “That is the best idea I’ve ever heard, but now I need to redo this eye makeup situation because I’m a raccoon.”
“But a gorgeous, big-boobed raccoon.”
“Connor.” I pinched his side, making him laugh even more. He countered the attack, and then we ended up laughing and tickling and falling to the ground with me on top of him. He stared at me with those gorgeous, deep gray eyes, and I swooned. I was so lucky.
“I can’t believe you’re mine, you know?”
He scoffed.
“That’s my line, Laney.”
“Okay, how about… I can’t believe we found each other and built this life together? I wouldn’t change a thing, you know.” I chewed on my lip. “I love our story and how we got here.”
“I do too.” He sat up, me in his lap, his arms around me. “Makes me feel like I want to do a vow renewal with you. Whatdo you think? Next year, at our eleventh wedding anniversary? We have a renewal in our backyard. Sam would be walking by then. Maybe you’re knocked up again. I want to tell you and promise you again that I’ll love you and choose you forever.”
I nodded before I had time to think.
“Yes, I’d love that.”
“It’s a date. Don’t make any plans next December, baby—we have some vows to renew.”
And with that, we went back out to the living room where music played, people ate, Sam was cuddled against his grandma, and there was so much joy and happiness everywhere.
I grabbed Connor’s hand and smiled. “Merry Christmas, Connor.”
“You too, baby. Thanks for giving me the best gift ever.”
“What’s that?”
“Our family.”
We shared a smile, and the day passed in a blur. Hours went by, and everyone left for their own places.
The snow fell softly outside, blanketing Cherrywood in a peaceful hush. Inside, the warm glow of twinkling lights wrapped around our Christmas tree while the fire crackled. Connor was sprawled on the couch with Sam in his arms, their matching dark hair a stark contrast to the red blanket draped over them. Sam’s tiny hand grasped Connor’s finger, and my heart melted at the sight.
“You know,” I said, settling into the chair across from them, “today became my favorite Christmas.”
Connor looked up, his eyes softening as they met mine. “Mine too.”
Just as I was about to say more, there was a knock at thedoor. Connor rolled his eyes. “Ten bucks that’s your dad who forgot something.”
“Hey! Our family is quirky but forgetful.” I stood and ruffled Connor’s hair. “And I decline that bet because I’m not getting into your and my dad’s little gambling wars.” I twisted the handle just as he said, “You’re afraid to lose!”
I froze. Connors’s dad stood there, bundled against the cold with a slightly awkward smile on his face. He held a bag stuffed with brightly wrapped presents in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other.
“Mr. Reynolds,” I greeted him, my voice cracking. “Uh, come in, it’s cold.” I stepped aside, my stomach bottoming out at this sudden appearance.
Connor and his dad had exchanged a few emails and a few texts on and off about his grandson. There were no phone calls or apologies. This was beyond a surprise.
“Thanks, Laney,” he said, stepping inside and stamping snow off his boots. His eyes darted toward the living room, where Connor had risen from the couch, Sam still in his arms.
“Dad?” Connor’s voice was cautious, his brow furrowed. “Why are you here?”
