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Holiday Heir

Page 157

by Maggie Cole

"You've walked past that same trash can four times."

I stop. "Fine."

"What's up?" she asks.

I admit, "I just want them here."

Her expression softens. "They'll be here."

"I know. I just miss my baby so badly, my arms physically ache."

"Aw." She gives me a soft smile.

His truck finally pulls into the restricted lot.

My heart jumps. I race toward it. By the time I get there, Jagger's already taken Charlie out of her car seat.

His smile spreads. He leans over and kisses the top of my head. "Hey, darlin'."

I hold my hands out. "Come to Mama."

He laughs. "Nice to see you too."

Charlie kicks both feet the second she sees me.

I take her in my arms. Her little hands grab my face. I kiss her cheeks until she squeals. Every ounce of anxiety leaves my body. I tiptoe up and quickly kiss Jagger. "Hi."

"Hey, darlin'."

Paisley appears beside us. "About time you got here! Hey, Charlie!" She holds out her arms. "Come see Aunt Paisley."

Jagger steps between us. "No."

Paisley blinks. "Aw, come on."

"Let Charlie be with her mama for a bit."

My heart squeezes.

Paisley points at herself. "But I'm her favorite aunt."

"You've held her every minute you could since you met her," Jagger points out.

"That's how I maintain favorite status."

"Go maintain it later."

She glares at him.

He doesn't budge.

"I'll let you hold her soon," I offer.

"Okay." She gives Jagger more darts and disappears.

His eyes drop to Charlie, then come back to me.

"What?"