I smirk to myself, getting the next load of waffles in the machine. Nel used to say very little to the boys, feeling awkward and uncertain around them but seeing them more often and taking a lead from Jake—who has basically been a third parent to our kids—she’s now the auntie I always knew she could be and one the boys absolutely deserve.
“Ooh it’s Disney!” Oscar says excited as he and Lucas rip the lovely paper to reveal what’s beneath.
I take a quick break from waffle duties to step over and peek, the paper falls away to reveal a Disney Monopoly board and I break out a huge grin. “Wow guys, what do you say?”
They both start chanting thank you and running to hug both Nel and Jake who squeeze them back and kiss their heads with beaming you’re welcomes. I’m so proud of them. Of my boys for being such great kids to give gifts to, always appreciative and always generous in their gratitude. Proud of Jake and Nel for being the best versions of themselves with each other and for being everything we could have ever wished for as aunt and uncle to our babies.
“Can we play?” Lucas asks, grabbing the box off the table and already heading to the door.
“Sure thing, bud, go set up.” Jake stands, automatically heading to the fridge and pulling a bottle of milk out for Mary without asking.
“She ate a lot of porridge this morning, so she might not drink all that,” I tell him.
“Aye Cap’n,” he says with a wave as he takes the kids and Nel through to the living room.
Harry smiles down at me when we’re left in the relative peace of our kitchen, alone. “I see you getting all misty eyed, Mrs Forest.”
I shrug and step up to him to lay my head on his chest, feeling his arms encircle me. “I love our little family.”
“Me too, babe.”
“I know I don’t normally want help in the kitchen, but do you fancy keeping me company?”
“Always.” He kisses my head, and we get to work.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
“Like you weren’t banging your best friend’s sister last Christmas.”
HARRY
Ilove watching Lisa in the kitchen, she gets lost in herself, humming a tune I almost recognise as she puts the waffles in the oven to keep warm. She looks lovely, a flowy dress in Christmas tree green that sways around her knees as she moves around the kitchen. To the untrained eye—like mine—it looks like she’s not wearing makeup, but I know she wouldn’t be ready to receive guests without a little boost. She’s beautiful with or without it, her hair is piled loosely on top of her head in a style that looks both elegant and effortless.
Last night I was absolutely floored when she told me how she’s been feeling. How she’s self-conscious about the changes to her body. Changes that have come about from giving me three amazing children and from growing with me and loving me for fifteen years.
Every change she hates, I can’t help but love. I didn’t fall in love with Lisa’s perfectly flat stomach or her smooth, wrinkle free complexion. I fell in love with her brilliant mind, her sharp wit, and the unwavering need she has to help and look after people.
If I’d known all she’d needed this whole time was the physical representation of how fucking attracted I am to her, I would have been buried deep inside her every night. As it is, in trying to do the right thing, I’ve made her doubt herself even more.Fucking idiot. Kissing her last night, touching her, was the most at ease I’ve felt in months. Of course, we have guests and a temporary roommate, so I was stopped before Iwas able to sink home. Thinking about it now has my dick twitching.
I step out to check on the kids. They’re engrossed in Monopoly, Mary dribbling profusely as she bounces on Jake’s lap, and Lucas and Oscar are having a heated debate over the acquisition of Aladdin’s flying carpet while Nel patiently mediates. On the way back to the kitchen, I check my watch and see that it’s nine o’clock. Guests weren’t downstairs before nine-thirty last year, I’ve got time.
In the kitchen, Lisa’s back is to me. I walk past her to open the door of the pantry and flip the light switch. It’s a tiny space, barely room for one person, let alone two, but it’ll have to do. When my route is unobstructed, I approach my wife and sweep her into my arms, her legs resting over one arm, her back against the other.
“Harry!” She flings her arms around my neck. “What are you doing?”
Pulling her into the pantry, I set her down and pull the door closed. “What I can’t wait to do a moment longer.”
Sliding in front of her until the two of us are wedged between the shelving on each wall, I grip her waist in one hand and cup the back of her head with the other so it doesn’t knock against the shelf behind her. My mouth finds hers on instinct, like we need each other’s air to breathe.
“Harry, the kids–” she whispers against my lips.
“Are preoccupied,” I answer. My mouth moves to hers and I dip my tongue past her kiss-swollen lips.
“My parents–”
“Are still upstairs.” Pushing my hips forward, I press the thickening bulge in my pants against her.
She whimpers into my kiss, fisting my t-shirt at my waist, flicking her tongue gently against mine and melting into my hold. “I’ve missed you,” she whispers.
