The Billionaire's Birthday Love
Page 8
He took her breath away.
Jolie bit her lip at seeing the way he was staring at her as she lay there in her swimsuit in the shade holding their baby girl.
“Hey partner,” Max breathed tenderly.
“Hey there yourself,” she replied softly, and then raised an eyebrow to taunt her husband. “Jase wants to swim without a vest today because you don’t wear one.”
“Did you tell him the truth?”
“No, I thought I would let you,” she challenged, putting the ball back in his court. Max threw back his head and laughed, reaching for a towel. He dried his hair a bit and knelt before their son.
“Jase, it’s a tremendous secret,” Max said tenderly. “Can you keep a secret, Jase?”
“Yes, papa.”
“Good, now no one else knows this, but…” Jolie craned her neck to hear the two of them whispering. “… Your mama loves you more than me and would be devastated if something happened to you. You need to wear the life-vest until you can touch the bottom of the ocean, okay? When you can stand up and touch the bottom, you don’t have to wear it ever again.”
“You can touch the bottom of the ocean?” the little boy gaped.
“That’s how you know you are a grownup,” Max said smoothly, evading the answer and glancing at Jolie. She tried to keep from laughing, knowing that Max was exaggerating only because he believed the children would never be old enough to be without one. They both adored the children and the deep water was far too dangerous to chance their precious lives.
“Go get your vest, little one, and I will take you swimming.”
“Yes, papa.”
Jolie stared at her husband heatedly, knowing that every time this man spoke or smiled at her, she fell in love with him all over again. Max walked over and knelt down beside her, kissing Elena’s cheek tenderly.
“You are so beautiful right now,” he whispered, reaching out to trace her lips before he kissed her. She adored the way his blue-green eyes would darken with love when he looked at her.
“It’s because I am head-over-heels-in-love,” she admitted, reaching upwards to cup his neck and pulling him to her in a kiss. She watched as he arched his back to keep from crushing the baby between them and held himself aloft, his arms flexing.
“Elena is drooling milk on your arm, my love,” he teased, kissing her.
“I’m not surprised in the slightest,” she admitted, arching up to meet his kiss.
Jase ran into the room and immediately groaned in disgust.
“Matera, papa, you are always kissing,” he whined. “I want to swim.”
“Your papa won’t take you until that vest is buckled, young man.”
“Mama….”
“Jase…” she warned.
“Is two of them too many for you, my love?” Max teased softly, kissing her cheek and nibbling on her ear.
“I certainly hope not because the third one will be here in seven months,” Jolie confessed softly, feeling Max tense against her. He pulled back slightly, smiling, and looked at her with more love in his eyes than she’d ever seen. She felt herself start to tear up. “I’m pregnant again, Max.”
“I love you so very much,” he breathed.
“I know,” she teased with a wink. “I keep getting pregnant because of it.”
Max laughed and grimaced as Jase grabbed his leg, nearly dislodging his sister. He stood up quickly and shook his finger at his son.
“Just a moment, young man. We have to be gentle with our girls.”
“I’m sorry, papa.”
“It’s okay, just be careful we never hurt them.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Oh, and Jase?” Max hesitated, smiling at Jolie. “I lied earlier. I can’t touch the ocean floor and promise to wear a life vest too. I want to make sure I am here for a long time for your mama to boss us both around.”
“Max!”
“I’m teasing you, love,” he laughed, kissing her quickly on the cheek. “It’s time to lead by example and teach him right from wrong.”
“He’s blessed to have a wonderful papa then.”
“And a wonderful mama,” Max countered easily, “I love you, partner.”
“I love you too.”
Afterword
Thank you for taking the time to read Billionaire Birthday Wish. If you enjoyed it, please consider telling your friends or posting a short review. Doesn’t have to be much, just a simple rating and a few kind words work wonders. Your thoughts, opinions and feedback are much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Ginny
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CPO John Griffin’s story - the book that launched the series Healing Hearts
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About the Author
Ginny Sterling is a Texas transplant living in Kentucky. She spends her free time (Ha!) writing, quilting, and spending time with her husband and two children. Ginny can be reached on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or via email at GinnySterlingBooks@gmail.com
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