Begin Again (The Blake Boys Book 18)

by Rhonda Laurel

Anna Beth cradled a sleeping Brady in her arms while she nibbled on a slice of chocolate cake. Corbett and the men had been gone for a while, but she silently reminded herself there was no cause to worry. She knew Corbett was going to volunteer to help; he’d given disaster preparedness seminars in New Mexico.

  The women kept the party going, mainly so the kids would keep up their jovial moods. Jake asked what was going on, and Morgan told him about the fire. He asked if there was anything they could do, like donate toys, since a few of the Winterbourne children were classmates of the Blake kids.

  The soft sound of Brady’s breathing meant he was down for the count, so Anna Beth put him in the playpen with his brothers and headed to kitchen to help with clean up. She reached for a casserole dish to wash, but Teri-Lyn stopped her.

  “Anna Beth, you sit and relax.”

  She smiled. “I don’t mind helping.”

  “You just helped Cassidy put the triplets to sleep, fixed Mackenzie’s French braid, and you stopped three of my grandsons from peeking at gifts. You deserve a break.” Teri-Lyn patted the seat next to her. “While we’re waiting for our heroes to return, we can dish before they get back. There’s always an interesting story to tell.”

  “Did everyone get their shopping done on time? I made the mistake of going to the mall on Christmas Eve,” Anna Beth said.

  “Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Presents, joy, peace on earth and all that. We’d rather you give us a status update on you and Corbett.” Michelle flashed her a cheesy smile.

  “Yes, we want the juicy details.” Isabelle sat down with a cup of eggnog. “Morgan and I didn’t go through all that trouble of re-arranging the volunteer schedule for nothing.”

  Morgan waved her hand under her chin frantically, signaling for Isabelle to shut up.

  Anna Beth laughed. “No worries. I know Blake matchmaking when I see it. Just like Cassie herding me under the mistletoe when Corbett arrived.”

  Cassidy grinned. “Guilty.”

  Anna Beth wagged her finger at her friend. “I expect more from you, counselor.”

  “Do you really? Because I think you know me well enough to know that was a classic Cassie move.” She waggled her eyebrows.

  “You’re right. You would do something like that, you hopeless romantic.” She giggled. “Thank you, all of you for butting in. It’s nice to know so many people care about my happiness.”

  “It’s the least we can do.” Sam sat down too. “You are the reason the men in this family stay sane at work.”

  “They keep me sane too. I thought my brother Kyle was a little crazy and overly protective about me, but the men in this family are much worse.”

  “I blame John Jacob for that.” Teri-Lyn forked some peach cobbler into her mouth.

  Parker leaned against the kitchen island. “I think it’s nice that they make a big fuss.”

  “Are you serious right now?” Sam scoffed. “Because you hate that kind of treatment.”

  “I do.” Parker shrugged. “But at least J.J. buys me a present when he thinks he’s been too hard on me. And he cut down on lecturing me about what I want to do with my life.”

  “Isn’t that what we all want? Someone to listen and make us feel better when we’ve had a bad day?” Morgan sighed.

  “It’s a nice feeling,” Anna Beth chimed in. “Before Corbett, I felt like I was talking with my heart, but no one was listening. But despite all the noise around us, he heard me.”

  “It happens when you meet your soul mate. Hold on to that sentiment, Anna Beth. I have a good feeling about you two.” Teri-Lyn smiled.

  Parker laughed. “Teri-Lyn’s on a mission to pair up everyone on the planet.”

  “You’re not in the clear, Parker. I think Cupid has already shot an arrow at you, but the trouble is you caught it and shot it back at him,” Michelle mused.

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Riley Sloane.”

  “If we’re soul mates then we are destined to kill each other.” Parker rolled her eyes. “I can’t believe Seth invited him to Christmas dinner. I say let him eat in the stables. He said something about Riley needing my help. Morgan, do you know what it’s about?”

  “I have no clue.” She held her hands up.

  “Come on. Seth tells you everything,” Cassidy said.

  “OK. I’m under orders not to blab.” Morgan scrunched her nose. “And I’m dying to tell someone. Just twenty-four hours to go, and I’ll be free of all secrets. It’s been hard.”

  “I see where Mackenzie gets the loose lips syndrome.” Parker poured herself a cup of hot chocolate. “Whatever it is, it will take a miracle for me to help him.”

  “Where’s your holiday spirit? You might get a visit from Krampus instead of Santa.” Sam gave her a look.

  “Parker, it does smell a little bit like denial of an attraction with some undercurrents of animosity.” Anna Beth laughed.

  “Anna Beth, I thought you were on my side?” Parker went into the fridge and got the canned whipped cream to put on her hot chocolate. “My family is clearly delusional about me and that quarterback chump, but they’re right about you and Corbett. He’s a great guy and he’s lucky to have you.”

  “We both used the love word tonight.”

  “Hot dang it! I hear wedding bells.” Teri-Lyn slapped her knee. “Wait until Bonnie hears about this.”

  “Summer and Avery just love their long talks with Bonnie. I’m sure you will too.” Cassidy smirked.

  “I know we were interrupted tonight, but I know J.J. wanted to talk to you, Anna Beth,” Sam said.

  “I promise I’ll talk to him tomorrow.”

  “Good. I think you’re going to like what he has to tell you,” Sam replied.

  Michelle beamed. “I think you’re going to like it a lot.”

  “This time around I think I’m ready for that talk.”

  * * *

  Three hours later, the men returned to the ranch. Anna Beth listened as they filled everyone in on what had happened.

  The fire squad had contained the blaze. The main house was destroyed, but luckily none of the other buildings had been damaged. John Jacob said there was a lot of crying going on, but everyone was OK. He was pretty sure everyone was still in shock and it would take a few days to sink in. He offered them a place to stay, but Russ said they were going to go stay with his daughter Penny and her family. The Winterbournes would have to rebuild their homestead.

  Everyone looked exhausted, and the children were all asleep. Parents grabbed up the kids and retreated to their homes, but not before they agreed to come to John Jacob and Teri-Lyn’s tomorrow afternoon after their visit to the children’s hospital. Since they both had a place to stay on the ranch, Corbett didn’t mind that Anna Beth wanted to go back to Channing and Cassidy’s guesthouse. She needed to check on her cat.

  “You don’t mind?”

  “Not at all. I’ll swing by Bo’s and pick up my bag.” He grinned and pulled her close. “But I think that cat hates me.”

  “No, he doesn’t.” She kissed him. “He just doesn’t think you’re worthy of me.”

  They’d been together dozens of times, but for some reason she felt anxious. She fumbled so much with the key that he took it from her and opened the door for her.

  “Why so nervous?” He closed the door and put his bag down.

  She put her arms around his neck. “This will be our first time together since we said I love you. It’s different now. It’s a new beginning.”

  “I agree.” He put his arms her waist and pulled her close.

  She smiled. “It’s exciting and full of possibilities.”

  The grandfather clock in the living room struck twelve.

  “Merry Christmas, Anna.” Corbett covered her mouth with his.

  She opened her mouth wider to accept his probing tongue. She’d missed him so much. There was nothing like his touch, his sweet passionate kisses, and the way he made her body tingle. Anna Beth took his hand and led him to the bedroom. H
e picked up his duffle bag on the way.

  She wished she’d had time to light some candles and put on some sexy lingerie but she had to make do. The important things were here. Corbett. Her. Together. What else did they need?

  Anna Beth’s hands were much calmer when she unbuttoned his shirt and ran her hand over his smooth, broad chest and his muscular arms. It had been too long since they’d last touched. The kisses and caresses couldn’t come fast enough. She reached for his belt, but he stopped her.

  “I want you naked now.” He thrust his tongue into her mouth.

  She broke contact. “Please tell me you have condoms?”

  “In my bag.” He grinned.

  She raised her arms when he slowly pulled her dress up her thighs, past her breasts, and over her head. He kissed her down her collarbone until he reached her breasts. He tugged on the straps and took her nipple into her mouth while he rubbed the other one with such a feathery-light touch it drove her insane. She gripped his neck and pulled him onto the bed with her. As soon as she had him on his back, she unzipped his pants and caressed him. He flinched as she ran her fingers up his shaft and ran her finger over his tip. He was hard and ready for her.

  It was his turn to tease. He reached for her panties and moved them aside and caressed her clit.

  Anna Beth gasped when Corbett moved her onto her back, thrust into her, and began to move to that familiar rhythm she loved. He wasn’t a greedy lover. He made sure she was with him for every move and sensation he delivered to her body. She grasped his shoulders and wrapped her legs around his waist as he quickened his pace, plunging into her deeper than he’d ever gone before.

  “I missed you so much,” he growled and nipped at her bottom lip.

  Sweat begin to pour off their bodies as they writhed together for what seemed like an eternity. She never wanted this feeling to end, but she knew it was inevitable. An hour later, he made that familiar sound that meant he was ready to climax, but she knew he wouldn’t until she was ready. He slipped his finger between them and rubbed her as he continued to rock into her. The wave came quick, but she couldn’t control it. She groaned in response and slapped him on the ass. He laughed and started that guttural growl as he pumped into her one last time. When they came together, Corbett collapsed on top of her and kissed her. She looked forward to many future Christmas Eves cuddled in his arms.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Anna Beth let out a deep sigh and snuggled closer to Corbett. The morning sun was filtering into the room, but she felt too sated to get up and close the blinds. Waking up next to Corbett was the best Christmas present ever. She knew they’d promised to be part of the celebration today, but she wanted to stay in bed with Corbett. But the faint meow from the door meant Mr. Whiskers was ready for his breakfast. She pulled on her pajama top and went into the kitchen to get him some food. She turned to fill his water dish at the sink when she felt Corbett’s lips on her neck.

  “Good morning.” He trailed kisses down her neck.

  “Good morning to you too.” She caressed his cheek. “Merry Christmas.”

  “Merry Christmas to you. Why aren’t you in bed?”

  “Because I had to feed Mr. Whiskers, and we have a big day ahead of us.”

  “I say we scrap the plans and hide in here.”

  “That would be a lovely idea if I didn’t think one of the Blakes would come knocking on the door. Or worse, they’ll send the kids. There’s twelve of them now, I think that constitutes a mob. Besides, we may need to go back to the Winterbourne ranch to help out.”

  “I hate it when you say rational things.” He turned her around to face him. “I wanted you all to myself.”

  “I promise after today we can barricade ourselves in my apartment until New Year’s.” She put the food and water dishes on the floor. Mr. Whiskers came running.

  “Great. New Year’s is the perfect time to set some ground rules for our new relationship.”

  “Ground rules?” She squinted at him. “Sounds intriguing.”

  He took her hand and led her back into the bedroom. “Well, we were headed in a good direction before my idiotic lapse in judgment. I apologize again for missing Thanksgiving dinner. I guess that’s going to take some time to smooth things over with your family.”

  “I agree. Kyle and my cousins are going to need some convincing. You may need to take them out to a bar and buy lots of rounds before they soften up. I’m pretty sure my Uncle Jethro still wants to show you his knife collection that he keeps in his car. He holds the county record for skinning a deer and spends weeks at a time at the family cabin in the mountains.”

  “He keeps his knife collection in his car?” He raised an eyebrow. “This just keeps getting better.”

  “Oh, yeah. He’s a real hoot. You should be in the car with him during a police traffic stop. It’s a real adrenaline booster. And I wouldn’t take any orange vests from my Uncle Lester and go for any walks with him. You may find yourself in the middle of a hunting game.” She smiled.

  “You sure have a colorful family. I’m confident that after some civilized machismo, I can get them on my side. I can be very persuasive.”

  “Grammie says we have more than our fair share of crooks and crazies on our family tree.” She laughed.

  “But I can best you on that. I’m pretty sure my dad was an ex-con before he met my mom, and for a long period of time she was still married to Bo while married to him.”

  “Wow. That’s sounds like a juicy eighties soap opera.”

  “Well, I know it’s not as captivating as Walker, Texas Ranger, but it’s all I got.”

  “I think I’m the only person in my extended family whose job doesn’t require a gun. They fondly refer to me as the ‘high sadity college girl.’” She did air quotes with her fingers.

  “My mom is Bonnie in Texas and Evangeline in New Mexico. I’m not sure if she did it for personal reasons or she was running from the law. My dad’s a little embarrassed that Wyatt and I have never been arrested.”

  The both burst into laughter.

  “We make quite a pair.” She sighed.

  “Sounds like our delinquency skipped a generation. Our kids are totally doomed.”

  She blinked. “You’ve thought about kids?”

  “I’ve thought about kids, picket fences, family dinners, growing old. But that’s if you want it too. I think we can compromise as long as we’re together when the dust settles.”

  She leaned in and kissed him. Toothbrush be damned. The man just told her that he wanted a future with her. Corbett gently pressed her against the pillows and covered her body with his. It would have been lovely to stay in bed all day, but they had things to do.

  “Hold it.” She opened the nightstand drawer. “I have a present for you, and I’d really like you to open it now.”

  “If they’re more condoms, I have some in my bag.” He nipped at her bottom lip.

  “No, smarty. It’s something I thought you’d like.”

  “Right now I’d rather have the condoms,” he grumbled.

  “Tough.” She pushed off him and reached into the drawer and pulled out his gift. It was a small rectangular box. “Open.”

  She watched as Corbett purposely took his sweet time opening the gift. She’d seen the man rip open a bag of potato chips in point-zero-three seconds, yet he was content torturing her. Finally he’d taken off the wrapping paper and opened the velvet jewelry box.

  Corbett lifted out a gold pocket watch and held it up. “Anna, it’s exquisite. I don’t know what to say.”

  “I remembered what you said about wearing your watch on your right hand, even though you were right-handed. With this, you have an option to go without something strapped to your writing wrist.” She smiled. “I know it’s kind of old-fashioned. People don’t even tell time by their watches anymore, but when I saw it, I knew it suited you.”

  “No, it’s wonderful.” He ran his thumb over the face of the pocket watch cover, which had an atlas etched on it. On t
he inside it had the engraving Corbett, found you in the nick of time. Love Anna.

  “I’m glad you like it.”

  “I love it. My mom told me an interesting story about why I do that.”

  “Oh, really?”

  “I’ll tell you about it later. Let’s just say it’s classic Bonnie mothering. And I have something for you.” He kissed her hard, then jumped out of the bed and hurried into the living room. He came back a moment later with a small box and a pink envelope. “Open the box first.”

  She took her time unwrapping her gift just as he had, but she did so because she wanted to savor the moment of exchanging presents their first Christmas together. She opened the black velvet box and saw the most exquisite, oval-shaped gold locket with her initials embossed on it dangling off a sparkling chain. She gently fiddled with the tiny clasp until she got it open. It was a picture of her, Molly, and Kyle when they were kids.

  “Oh my gosh.” Her eyes teared up. “How did you get this picture?”

  “I called your mom a few months ago and told her my idea and she loved it. So she sent me copy of the picture.”

  “It’s beautiful. I love it!” She gripped his neck.

  “I know you think about Molly a lot, especially this time of year. Now you have her close to your heart.”

  “She would have loved you.”

  “This.” He waved the pink envelope at her. “Is more of a gift for the both of us.”

  “Oh, yeah?” Anna Beth opened the envelope. It was a vacation package for a seven-day stay at the Executive Desires resort.

  She read the brochure out loud. “The Executive Desires resort, where your tailor-made fantasies come alive.”

  “It’s the same resort where Jared and Autumn met. Only those two would have to go halfway around the world to meet each other.”

  “I remember. Bo was supposed to take this vacation, but he met Summer and gave it to Jared.”

  “Everything is all-inclusive. This package includes a villa with an infinity pool and a personal chef. But there’s also a nature preserve and other cool stuff we can do, like going to the spa and other activities.”