“Grayson is smoking the ham for lunch, and Zoe is bringing the sides. I’m starting the family’s secret lasagna if you want to help me.”
“It’s not a secret if you tell everyone, Alex,” Al Morrison commented from the kitchen table while feeding Ella cheerios.
“She’s family, Dad. She’s grandfathered in.”
I joined the cooking festivities and appreciated the family banter. It had been quiet at our house, and I suddenly realized I missed living at the loft with the comings and goings of everyone.
“You’re quiet. Everything okay,” she asked softly, lifting an inquiring brow to me.
“Yes, we’ve just been so busy with the house and Christmas. Hard to believe today is Christmas Eve. Time has gone so fast.”
“Tell me about it. Those two munchkins are growing way too fast. Wait until you see Levi crawling. He pulls himself with one arm. It’s so cute.”
“Crawling. Wow.”
The green monster had me from head to toe. I excused myself to the restroom and practically face-planted while falling off my designer shoes trying to hide my emotions. It hadn’t been for Cooper coming down the hall at the appropriate time to catch me, I would’ve hit hard for sure.
“Hey gorgeous, why the hurry.”
“Oh, you know. When a girl’s gotta pee.”
“Hmm, looked to me like you were running away.”
“Cooper, do you always have to read people? Can’t you just mind your own damn business?” I said while slamming the bathroom door.
I slid down the door and found myself in a ball of emotion on the cold tile floor. Every side street in my life was pulling me in different directions, but not one would help me give Harrison everything he truly wanted. I had to face it… He’d married half of a woman. I’d never give him a child, something he craved desperately.
After a few moments in my own, gut-wrenching pity party, I pulled myself up and took a look in the mirror. Geez. A normally tan face, now pale and covered with red splotches that extended all down my neck. Freakin’ lovely.
Cool water didn’t help to make the splotching go away, only time would, so I headed out of hiding to face my audience. By now, Zoe and Brent had arrived, and I tried playing with Levi on the floor in a move to hide from adult conversation or prying eyes. Alex was right; Levi’s one-arm-bandit routine was adorable. I took a few videos of him with my phone to show Harrison later. The little guy had a head full of blond fuzz and big blue eyes. He was too cute for his own good.
The guys finally came in from outside. Harrison joined me on the floor with all three babies, trying to coach them into crawling. Paige was more interested in pulling out my earrings, while Ella wanted to fuss.
“I think Ella has altitude attitude,” Harrison joked.
“What’s that?” I asked.
“She’s not happy unless you’re standing around holding her. She doesn’t like being put down.”
That was funny. We all laughed… Well, make that everyone, but Alex.
“My baby is not spoiled,” Alex proclaimed with her hands on her hips.
“Wanna bet,” Grayson chimed in.
“Seriously? Doesn’t matter, lunch is ready.” She walked back into the kitchen with a playful huff.
The afternoon and evening flew by with cheerful banter and football games. Harrison volunteered us for bath and bedtime duty. With water all over the walls and us both, we couldn’t decide who got the better bath. At that moment, I truly admired parents of multiples. I didn’t comprehend how they survived with only two arms, chasing moving targets.
Bedtime didn’t go any easier. Levi wouldn’t let me put him down. Every time, he would arch his back and start to fuss; I think he had my number. Harrison rocked Ella to sleep quickly, but Paige wanted to flirt or maybe batting her eyes was a method of staying awake.
I took Levi to the guest room and managed to get him to sleep.
“Looks like he’s out. Need a hand getting him down?” Harrison whispered in my ear.
I guess he thought I was incapable of getting him down, so I slowly handed Levi over. Harrison snuggled him a few more minutes before laying him in the crib without any problem.
He took my hand and pulled me close to him, simply holding me in his arms. He knew me and could easily read my emotions.
“Someday soon, princess,” he whispered.
***
We’d made the decision to stay at my mom’s house; although, Harrison had asked me many times if I wanted to stay at a hotel. But when we pulled up in the drive, I suddenly didn’t have the courage to go in. When Harrison opened my door and extended his hand, I felt courage pulse through him to me like a gift of new life. He softly smiled and I sensed he felt it to.
When I opened the door and turned on the light, I was stunned to find a small Christmas tree lit up. It had been covered in white lights, red bows, and beautiful ornaments. A small red box with a big bow rested beneath it.
“When did you do this?”
“This afternoon. Grayson helped me. I thought we needed to wake up to our own tree on our first Christmas morning together.”
With surprise and astonishment, I touched his cheek softly before kissing him. I reached around his neck, gripped his thick dark hair and pulled him close with both hands.
“I don’t deserve you,” I uttered against his lips.
“It’s me that’s naked without your skin.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
When I woke to something tickling my nose and eyelids, I gently opened one eye and witnessed two hundred pounds of lean muscle packing bright, shining teeth way too happy and lying next to me…in my mom’s house. That was something I’d never done.
Harrison and I had slept together at my apartment, a hotel, or our loft. Being at my mom’s house together in the same bed was…weird.
“Merry Christmas, princess.”
“Merry Christmas to you, too. You’re way too spunky this morning. What time is it?”
“Six-thirty.”
By now, both of my eyes were open. I picked up my phone and squinted to see the numbers without my contacts. “What do I smell? How long have you been up?”
“I woke up at five, raring to go, so I went for a run. It feels like summer outside; gotta love Texas weather.”
“You’re fixing breakfast?”
“Coffee and omelets. Join me?”
“Sure, after I grab a shower.” I threw the covers back, but before I could get out of bed, he was on me and in one seriously playful mood.
The shower felt great, but not really big enough for two, so we had to make do.
Dressed and enjoying Christmas breakfast together, I had to wonder what was up with him. Afraid to ask and spoil the mood, I hoped the answer came organically. When I looked over to the sweet tree he’d put up for us, I noticed there two packages under the tree when there had only been one the night before.
“Where’d the second present come from?”
“Santa,” he answered with a cocky grin.
“Well, Santa always let me open my presents early,” I said while quickly going from the bar stool to the floor in front of the tree. I realized my present for Harrison hadn’t been put under the tree, so I went and grabbed it out of my bag.
I sat down beside him on the sofa, and he handed me a small box. When I opened it, I found a gorgeous square locket encrusted with diamonds. I opened the locket to find the last photo I took with my mom in the kitchen of the yacht at our wedding. She was so happy. The photo brought tears to my eyes.
“It’s perfect. I love it. It looks vintage.”
“Yes, it is, great eye.”
I handed him my small box. He shook it like a typical kid. Why do people shake the gifts before the open them?
He admired the photo in the frame for a few moments before reading the note inside the box.
“Hope you enjoy the ride for many years,” he read the card aloud. “Baby, I plan on it,” he said before kissing me chastely.
> It was apparent he didn’t realize what his gift was.
“The photo is the selfie we took just after you proposed on the bike. The ride is the bike. I bought it, and it’s on its way.”
“You found a vintage Ducati like the one we rode in Italy?”
“I didn’t find one like it. I bought that exact bike. Luke is taking care of the delivery. It should be there by the time we get home tomorrow.”
“Princess, that’s so awesome. I love it.”
I reached down and picked up the second gift and shook it for fun. It was very light and made a slight knocking noise. When I opened it, I found a business card.
“Pamela Cassavan, specializing in family court?” I paused and searched his eyes. “You’ve given me Pamela’s card. I don’t get it.”
“Whenever you’re ready, Pamela can help us with an adoption.”
“You want to adopt?”
“I saw you with the babies. I noticed you’d been crying. One of these days you will learn you can’t hide anything from me. I had Pamela’s card and thought you could hang on to it and call her when you’re ready.”
“But you’re ready now?”
“I think we both are.”
***
Our holiday time in Dallas flew by quickly. It was tough saying good-bye to our family and friends, but by the time we got to the plane to fly back to Chicago, I was exhausted and slept all the way home on Harrison’s strong shoulder. There was no more discussion about adoption, but I couldn’t get the thought out of my mind and what concerned me more was his need to be father. Was it a way of burying his pain of Victoria?
When Harrison opened the garage door, he saw his motorcycle with a big red bow secured to the handle bars.
“Babe, this is fantastic. Let’s take it out for a spin.” His voice was low and sexy and along with his sparkling eyes, who could resist.
“In the snow?”
“Just a short ride. I’ll take it easy.”
We dressed in leather and went for a quick ride. Although very cold outside, holding on to him and knowing the bike made him happy, warmed me like a nice gulp of hot chocolate. He was all smiles when he parked the bike in the garage. I knew I had a home run with my choice of gift. The bike would give us both more great memories.
Max was so happy we were home he kept whipping me with his tail. I noticed he’d pulled the pillows and throws off the sofa and made a bed for himself in the floor by the window. Luke had kept him at the loft while we were away, except for the last night. I don’t think he liked staying at the house by himself. He needed a playmate. The light bulb went off… We could get a puppy. Harrison would love it, and I knew Max would enjoy having a friend. I needed to think about it long and hard. A puppy was a big decision. What if it was a chewer and feasted on all of my new furniture. Geez! There was a lot to consider. I wasn’t going to rush the decision, but Max’s sweet face was a huge sales pitch. He was such a sweet and loving dog, and he was Harrison’s best friend.
With our suitcases unpacked and laundry going, I picked up a stack of magazines to sort for the trash, when the envelope fell out. Hard to believe I’d temporarily forgotten about it. I quickly scanned around to see where Harrison was and could hear him upstairs in his man-cave. I opened the package and there were photos of the accident and the clipping from the newspaper, but it lacked a note.
I read and re-read the newspaper article. Something stood out to me. The writing indicated that Victoria’s car ran off the road and hit a tree in a curve. Yet, the photos of the accident in the envelope showed damaged to the side and rear of her car. Not many people drive around a wrecked BMW.
As a stylist, I’d learned to study photos over the years and pick up on things that stood out. Something was out of place, and I wanted to know more. I stashed the envelope in my dishes to keep them hidden until I could review them again later.
***
I sat in the bathroom, trying to get my hair and makeup perfect, but failing miserably. I got a glimpse of Harrison in the mirror getting dressed in his tux…adorable and delicious. I, on the other hand, was extremely nervous to be meeting all of his partner’s spouses, clients, and friends.
I slipped on the red dress and closed my eyes as I remembered my wedding gown and how I truly felt like a princess that day. The memory of Mom’s laughter rang in my ears.
“You take my breath away.” Harrison slid his hands around my waist and pulled me back close to him.
“It’s a very sexy dress to be wearing to meet your partners and friends.”
“You’re stunning and will be the envy of the room. I think you’re beautiful. Besides, you’re wearing it for me, right?”
“Right.”
“But you might need this.” He handed me a large box beautifully wrapped in gold paper and a black bow.
My hands trembled, both in nervousness and excitement. I opened it to find a gorgeous fur cape. I raised an eyebrow to him.
“Don’t panic. It’s faux, but done in very good taste. You don’t have to worry about PETA showing up.” He laughed.
“Perfect. I love it.”
I tried hard not to destroy the manicure I’d spent two hours getting earlier in the day, but all I wanted to do was chew my nails off in anxious behavior. I knew this party was coming, but with the craziness of the last month, it was the last thing on my mind…until today.
What if they didn’t like me?
I grabbed my new sparkly clutch bag, took his extended hand, and walked with him to the waiting car out front.
“You’re fidgeting. They’re going to love you. Besides, you’ve already met Zeik, Pamela, and the partners,” he said as he closed the car door.
He held my hand with both of his in a tight grip in his lap. I took a long look at him, and all I could think about was forgetting the party and going back upstairs with him. He looked every bit of the debonair millionaire in his sharp tuxedo.
“That’s a handful of people. There are over a hundred invited. That’s a lot of strangers.”
“Relax. You’re beautiful, and you’re going for me.” He raised our interlocked hands to his lips, sweetly kissing mine.
I caught Tate’s reflection in the rearview mirror of the limo. He gave me a crooked, approving smile.
The party was held at the Drake Hotel’s penthouse, an incredible venue. Harrison kept me close to him. From the moment we checked our wraps, I felt like Cinderella.
“Monica, so glad you’re finally here. I want you to meet Beth Dugan, Kurt’s wife. Beth is a clothing designer, and I told her you two would have a lot in common.”
“Your gown is exquisite. It must be couture. Who designed it?” Pamela asked.
“I did, and Bianca DeLatore did the finishing. It’s a copy of my bridal gown, only in red.”
“Per my request,” Harrison chimed in.
“It’s divine. Do you model?” Beth asked.
“I’ve done a little bit, print only, back in college.”
“I’d love to have you do a print spread of my fall line. Can I call you?”
“She might be busy,” Harrison answered coyly.
“Ah, Harry, do I have to go through you for her calendar?” Beth teased with a southern drawl.
“No, you don’t.” I playfully elbowed him. “I’d love to talk about it, so please call.”
Harrison introduced me to many people, including Cole Howard, the detective for the firm. I knew I would be seeing him again. I wanted to find out more about Victoria’s accident, and Cole would be the one to help me.
The people were lovely, the venue amazing, and it was a delightful evening out on the arm of my adorable husband.
When we got home, he disappeared quickly upstairs. I kicked my shoes off by the door and bent down to play with Max, who was demanding attention. When I climbed the stairs, I heard soft music playing. I followed the sounds to our bathroom, where Harrison had drawn me a bubble bath and lit all the candles.
I removed my jewelry and started
to undress.
“Allow me,” he said before kissing my bare shoulder.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Harrison’s phone rang fairly early for a holiday morning. I thought it might’ve been Grayson, but by the way Harrison spoke, it sounded like business. I jumped out of bed and started the shower.
“We’ve got company coming. Kaci and Luke want to come out. Said she had something to talk to me about. I’m sure it’s the penthouse. Be thinking what you want to do about it.”
“Me? Honey, that’s your place. I’ve only been there once and that was a year ago when we came into town for a Bears game.”
“What’s mine is yours, ours. No pre-nup, remember?”
“You’re the business guy. Does it make sense to sell it or lease it?”
He shrugged and joined me in the shower while Max took a nap on the rug. A dog watching me shower…hmm, watching both of us shower was a bit strange, and I started laughing. I didn’t think Harrison knew what I was laughing at, but he chimed in.
Kaci and Luke wanted to come by, since the bar was closed for the holiday. The last time we saw them was the Christmas party.
I threw on jeans and a sweatshirt and pulled my hair into a messy bun on top of my head, while Harrison dressed and grabbed more wood for the fire.
When Kaci removed her coat, I saw something flash. I grabbed her left hand and squealed. “That’s beautiful. Congratulations.”
“What did I miss?” nosey Harrison chimed in.
Kaci held her left hand over her head, so Harrison could see her ring as he walked into the kitchen.
“Wow, guys. That’s awesome news.” He hugged Kaci and did the one-armed man hug with Luke.
“There are some things we wanted to talk to you guys about,” Luke said with a nervous tone.
“Sure,” Harrison answered, taking a seat on the stool next to Kaci.
I got busy trying to put a lunch together. We didn’t have many groceries, since we’d been out of town. While I bent down to dig in the pantry, I heard, “We’re pregnant.”
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