“I know, my love, but I feel like it needs an epilogue and I need your help.”
“It’s perfect the way it is.” I pulled him to me. My lips played above his, begging to be kissed.
“You are tempting, darling, but this is important.” He pushed off the couch and stood.
I stared up at him in shock. He was serious.
He held out his hand to me. “I promise I will make it up to you.” A bemused smile played on his lips.
I placed my hand and my trust in his. “Okay. Where are we going so late?”
“The Ranch, so dress warmly.”
I still couldn’t believe we were spending our first night alone in the last few weeks doing book research—for a book that was done, mind you. But there was something cozyabout being bundled up in the car listening to Christmas music and staring at my handsome boyfriend. Boyfriend was weird for me to say. I mean, I was a mother of an almost teen, and Miles was forty. Boyfriend seemed juvenile and didn’t adequately describe what I felt Miles and I shared. Our connection ran so deep that at times we spoke each other’s thoughts before either one of us could express them.
“You’re still planning on speaking at career day next week, right?” Chloe had asked him instead of me, because let’s be honest, his job was way cooler than mine. Though the perks of mine were hard to beat. Cute kid that adored me and a dashing boss whose kisses made not only my toes curl but my entire body zing.
Miles reached over and rested his hand on my thigh. “I’ll be there. My publisher is having some books from their middle grade line shipped for the occasion.”
“Chloe will be excited about that.”
“Have yours and Chloe’s passports arrived yet?”
“Did I forget to tell you? They came yesterday. I can’t believe we will be spending Christmas in London.”
Miles caressed my thigh. “I’m anxious to return and to have you and Chloe with Henry and me. Oscar and Molly have requested we spend Christmas day with them.”
“I would love that. What about Penelope?” I hesitated to ask. Last time I saw her was after Miles and I decided to give this a go. She threw a better temper tantrum than Henry and flew out the door saying it would never last. I was going to do my best to prove her wrong.
Miles cleared his throat. “She will conveniently be on holiday in Rome.”
That was music to my ears. “What a shame.”
Mileslaughed. “You will not go entirely unscathed. My father and my siblings are hoping to meet you.” Miles tried to keep the edge out of his tone.
I rubbed Miles’s hand. “I would be happy to meet any of your family.”
“You say that now, darling. You may rethink our entire relationship after you meet the motley crew.”
I took Miles’s hand between my own. “I’m sorry, but you’re stuck with me. We signed a contract remember?”
He glanced over at me. “That I do, my love.”
“So, what are your plans for the epilogue?”
“You’ll see.” He wagged his brows.
“Why so mysterious?”
“I’m just trying to keep the magic alive in our relationship.”
I laughed at him, but magical was a good way to describe what we had together. It was by no means perfect. Miles was set in his ways and he was still adjusting to not only dad life, but being a partner. For the most part he was amazing, and he tried his best to be present, but it didn’t come naturally for him, and more than anything, I think that frustrated him more than it ever frustrated me.
Sometimes it was hard for me too. Especially letting Chloe grow up. Miles was less cautious by nature and he had to remind me at times to let go of the reins I had held so tightly. Of course, that made Miles Chloe’s favorite. It gave me holy envy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I was happy Chloe had a Miles in her life. Every girl deserved one.
When we pulled into the Ranch in front of the main house, it looked as if we were late to a party we hadn’t been invited to. I recognized Shelby and Ryder’s truck, and Jenna and Brad’s minivan—they were really embracing parenthood. Wetried to talk Jenna out of it, but she loved the roominess. Bobby Jay’s truck towered above them all. I assumed that meant that Emma and Sawyer were probably around too. I wasn’t sure if I should feel slighted or not.
“I’ll get your door,” Miles interrupted me before I could decide if I wanted to get out. He hustled around and opened my door. He took a moment to peer into my eyes. “Aspen, I do love you.”
