Brady looked at Reilly, warmth filling in his chest. “She opened my eyes.”
“She has a way of doin’ that,” Donovan chimed in.
Reilly nodded. “I’m good. What can I say?”
“So no more hot chocolate wishes?” Deborah asked, looking at all her kids.
“Oh, there’ll definitely be more,” Tate answered.
“Yeah,” Reilly chimed in. “But we won’t be wishin’ for iPhones anymore.”
Brady chuckled. God, he loved this adorable woman.
***
Two hours later, as everyone remained atthe dining room table chatting about anything and everything, Donovan excused himself so he could start working on the dishes. It was tradition. His mother cooked, and the kids cleaned. And if he expected to get Tate home anytime in the near future, it had to be done.
“You want help in there?” Stone asked.
“No,” he said, meaning it. “I’ve got this.”
“Really?” Reilly asked, looking sincerely concerned.
Donovan grinned. “I’ll even put on some coffee.”
“You know we’re not gonna argue, right?” Stone commented.
Donovan chuckled. “It’s easier if y’all stay outta the kitchen.”
“I’ll help,” Tate offered, pushing back from the table.
“You’re not gonna tell him no, huh?” CJ teased.
“Not a chance.” Donovan looked at Tate. “I’ll take his help anytime.”
Donovan wasn’t about to turn down a few minutes alone with Tate. Anything that would allow him to get his hands on the man. Even if for only a minute.
“Y’all head to the livin’ room,” Reilly told everyone. “I’ll help them clear the table.”
“Don’t have to tell me twice,” Chelsea said as she pushed to her feet, her husband helping her up.
While everyone started moving around, Donovan headed for the sink and flipped on the faucet. The dishes were scattered throughout the kitchen and dining room, but it wouldn’t take long to get it under control. As was the saying, this wasn’t Donovan’s first rodeo. He knew all it took was for him to make the suggestion, and everyone else would start helping so that they could get the dirty part out of the way and move on to the good stuff. Which for them happened to be unwrapping all those gifts under the tree, followed by pie.
Brady joined a moment later. As did Reilly.
Tate came over to start loading the dishwasher as Donovan rinsed everything, setting aside the largest items to be hand-washed when the dishwasher was full.
Five minutes later, Reilly returned with the last stack of plates and silverware. “This is the last of ’em. You sure you don’t want help?”
“We’ve got this,” Donovan assured her.
As soon as she left and he was finally alone with Tate, Donovan turned off the water and grabbed a hand towel.
“There’s still room for—”
Before Tate could finish that sentence, Donovan had him backed up against the counter, tipping his chin up with his fingertip so he could kiss him.
“Mmm,” Tate moaned as Donovan pulled him in close.
