“Stay.” The word is out before I can stop it. “This is your home, Hollis. We are your home. I know you have a life back in California, and your best friend, but we need you. I need you,” I tell her.
Tears well in her eyes. “I don’t want to go back.” Milo stirs in her arms, lifting his head. A grin lights up his face when he sees her. “Hello, baby boy.” She smiles at him.
“He loves you.”
“I love him too.”
“Stay.”
“There is nowhere else I’d rather be.”
Leaning in, I press my lips to hers. “I love you,” I whisper just as Milo’s tiny hands land on my cheek. “No, hitting,” I tell him firmly. His bottom lip juts out, and it breaks my heart, but he has to learn. I take him from Hollis. “Listen, little man, hitting is bad,” I tell him.
Big fat tears roll down his cheeks as he reaches for Hollis. “Mama,” he mumbles, and a sob breaks free from Hollis’s chest.
“Did he just…” Her voice trails off as she pulls Milo into her arms, giving him a hug. “I’m sorry, Colt. I swear I don’t tell him to call me that. I don’t know where he got it.”
“You’re the closest thing he has to a mother. Other than the time he spent with Gabby, it’s you, Hollis.”
“Oh, sweet boy, how you have stolen my heart,” she tells my son.
“How do you feel about that, Hollis?”
“How do I feel about what?” she asks, making silly faces at Milo. The tears once in their eyes are now masked by smiles.
“Being his momma?”
She freezes and turns to look at me. “What are you asking me, Colton?”
“Milo here, he told me that he chooses you. He knows that it’s special that he gets to choose you, and you’re his pick.”
“Colt.” The tears are back, and this time they slide over her cheeks.
“We both love you, Hollis. We want you in our lives, and I would be honored to have you be the mother of my son and any future children we might have.”
“More?” she asks, a beautiful smile pulling at her lips.
“Milo also told me he wants a brother and a sister.”
“Two more?”
“At least.” I wink.
“Colton, I don’t know what to say. I mean, this is huge.”
“What does your heart say?”
“Yes.” She nods. “My heart and my head say yes. I love you both so very much. I can’t… this is the best day of my life.”
“Did you hear that, Milo? Mommy said that this is the best day of her life. We’re going to have to see if we can top it,” I say, leaning in for a kiss where my son again pushes me away from her. “Listen, little man. She might be your mommy, but she’s going to be my wife.” Hollis gasps, but I keep my eyes on Milo. “So you’re going to have to learn to share her with me. Especially if you want those siblings you were telling me about.” I bop him on the nose with my index finger making him giggle.
“Wife?” Hollis asks.
“Wife. What do you think, baby? You ready to be a Callahan?”
“More than you ever know.” She doesn’t hesitate with her reply.
It’s the day before Christmas Eve, and here I am in the jewelry store picking out a ring. It’s fast, and some might think we need more time before we make this kind of decision. I don’t agree with them. Not with this. I know she’s the one. In my mind, Hollis and I are together, and we will eventually get married and have more kids, but life is short. I don’t want to wait to let her know that’s where I see this going. I want my ring on her finger. A sort of misunderstanding brought her to us, and no way are we letting her go. I know I love her. I know my son loves her. There is nothing that is going to change that. Not even time. No, in fact, time will only make us love her more. I want my ring on her finger, and I need her to plan a wedding. Sooner rather than later.
“Colton?” I hear, and turn to see Gwen smiling at me with a grinning Sophia in her stroller. “Are you waiting until the last minute to get Hollis a present?” She tsks at me.
“No, this is… extra.”
“Extra?” Her brow furrows in confusion.
The jeweler decides this is the right moment to bring my purchase out to me. “You’re in luck.” She grins. “We have her size in stock.” She holds up the ring to show me.
“Oh my God! Are you going to propose?” Gwen asks. She rotates the stroller and comes closer, getting a better look. “Colton, she’s going to love it.”
“Please don’t tell her.”
“Never. I’m so excited for the two of you.”
“Thank you. I know it seems soon—” I start, but she holds her hand up, stopping me.
“When you know, you know. You do what’s best for you, Colt. You and the precious baby boy of yours. She loves him like her own.” She waves her hand in the air. “I know you already know that, but I thought it was worth saying.”
“He loves her too. We both do.”
“You found a good one. When’s the big day?” she asks, handing Sophia a sippy cup.
“Soon.”
She nods. “I figured. You and Chase are a lot alike.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“You should.” Her phone rings. She looks down and then back up at me with panic in her eyes.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Just Hollis is here in the mall. I told her I was shopping, and she and Milo are here now. She wants to know where I am.”
“Shit. Okay, can you distract her at the other end of the mall? This is my only purchase. As soon as I get it, I’m leaving.”
“Where does she think you are?”
“I told her I had to help Dad with something. He’s on board, so is Mom.”
“The things I do for love.” She grins. “All right, Soph. Let’s go visit Aunt Hollis and your cousin Milo.” She looks up at me. “I’ve got this.” She starts pushing the stroller with one hand, her phone at her ear. “Hollis…” I hear her say before she’s out of sight.
I make a mental note to do something really nice for Gwen. Maybe we can watch Sophia for them one night. I’ll have to bring that up to Hollis after I propose, of course. Can’t go giving away the surprise.
I don’t know when I’m going to propose. I’ve gone back and forth with an elaborate proposal, something intimate, Christmas morning, and even when we get together with the gang to celebrate the holiday. My parents are watching Milo on New Year’s Eve, so I thought about doing it then, but that’s a week away. I don’t know if I can wait that long.
I thought that if this moment ever came in my life that I would be nervous. I’m not the least bit nervous. I’m excited to start our life together. The three of us. I’m excited for what’s yet to come. I know we love each other. I know she loves Milo. What I don’t know is when I’m actually going to ask her.
As the jeweler hands me a small black bag and my receipt, one thing is for sure, this ring is going to burn a hole in my pocket.
Chapter 16
Hollis
Christmas Eve is here. The morning is bright, the sun shining, and the temperature just over freezing. But I’m not cold. Oh, no. I’m snuggled into Colton’s naked chest, the sound of his steady heartbeat echoing against my ear and the scent of his soap tickling my nostrils. God, I love waking up like this.
Free.
Free to live my life under my terms.
Free to be with Colton and Milo and build a life together.
Is it too soon? Possibly. Do I care? Nope. I’ve dated my share of duds in the last decade, so why shouldn’t I grasp onto the good? And Colton is the good. He’s the best. We still have a lot to figure out, but being together, falling in love, that’s the one thing I know we got right. So as we’re working out how to live together in his small house and what foods he doesn’t really like, I know our love will still be there on the other side.
My mind focuses on the positives and the negatives. Should I move out? It’s too soon to live with so
meone like this, even if I’m technically in the in-law suite. I mean, it’s not like I’ve actually slept there in the last few weeks. I’ve awakened every morning in Colton’s bed.
“I can hear you thinking,” he mumbles in that sexy, sleepy voice I love. He shifts me in his arms and glances down at me. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” I insist, shaking my head. Yet, I can’t stop the tears from prickling my eyes.
Colton gives me a soft, gentle kiss and smiles. “Liar.”
I shrug and burrow into his shoulder. “I was just thinking.”
“I gathered that part. About what?” His hand lazily strokes my upper arm, shockwaves of lust mix with that sense of calmness he provides.
“About us. Maybe I should move out, you know, so we can date properly.”
Suddenly, I’m moving. Colton has me flat on my back and is hovering over me in the blink of an eye. I’m wearing a tank top and a pair of his boxers that are way too big yet are the most comfortable thing in the world to sleep in, but they’re both quickly gone. Colton’s own boxers vanish moments later, and he’s sheathed in protection.
Painstakingly slow, he presses into my body. Sparks of heat race through me as I hitch my legs on his hips. He makes long, fluid strokes, my lungs forgetting how to pull oxygen, and my brain practically explodes.
“Now, let’s have a little talk about you moving out,” he whispers as he runs his nose along my jaw and presses into my body, all the way to the root.
“What?” I gasp, trying to grasp onto what he’s saying. “You want to talk? Now?”
“Yes, right now, Hollis. It’s important,” he mumbles just before nipping at my earlobe.
Seriously?
“I don’t think I can talk,” I inform him, my nails digging into the flesh in the middle of his back.
“No?” Long stroke. “Then, you can listen.” Grind against my clit. “I don’t want you to go anywhere. I want you to stay here, even if it’s in your own room.” Pull out and press inside with a little force. “We’re going to figure this out. Together.”
My heart starts to pound, and my eyes connect with his.
“Do you hear me, angel? I don’t want you anywhere but here. With me. With Milo.” He stops moving completely. “I love you.”
He blurs from the tears in my eyes, but I’m able to still give him a smile. “I love you too.”
And then he moves, with passion and abandon. His hips flex as his lips claim mine in a bruising kiss that steals my breath. It takes no time at all before I’m teetering on the edge of oblivion, my orgasm right there within my grasp.
Colton reaches between us, his thumb sliding easily over my clit, and like a bomb, I detonate. Blinding white light fills my vision as I gasp his name over and over again. I feel him still under my fingers before he thrusts hard and slams his lips to mine once more, my name both a plea and a salve as his orgasm consumes him.
When the tremors start to subside, he rolls to the side, taking me with him. I’m right back, nestled into my favorite place to be, curled up into his chest, his arm holding me close. I can feel the strong, rapid beat of his heart against my cheek, and can’t help the sigh that slides past my lips.
“I know what I said to you, Hollis, might’ve come across a little stern. I want you to know that if you want to leave, I understand. No, correct that. I don’t understand, but I won’t stop you. I wouldn’t want you to stay here if that’s not what you want, okay? But I will try to change your mind.”
I can’t help but smile against his chest. “I don’t want to leave, Colt. I was just thinking, if we’re going to try this whole dating thing, maybe, it would be best if we weren’t already living together.”
He turns so we’re facing each other and brings his big, warm hand up to cradle my cheek. “First off, we are dating. There’s no going to try. It’s already happening. You’re my girlfriend. I’m not dating anyone else, haven’t even had the urge to do so since I’ve been home. Hell, even before that, I didn’t date. With my Army schedule, it was just too difficult. And second, we may be living together, but only under the same roof. You still have your space, and me, mine. It’s the same as if you had an apartment or a house somewhere else, except better. You don’t have to drive home after spending the night in my bed, but you still have your own space.”
I feel that slight tension ease in my chest. He’s right. We’re living together, but… not. I could go back to my space anytime, and I know he wouldn’t question it. But I also know I love waking up here, in his bed and his arms. I love slipping across the hall and peeking in on Milo. I love getting up and starting breakfast while he hops in the shower. And then I slip into my own place to get ready for the day. It works for us, and I think he’s right.
There’s no reason to change it.
As he gently takes my lips with his, a loud wail echoes across the hall. Colton groans as he pulls his mouth from mine and rests his forehead against mine. “Cockblocker,” he mumbles good-naturedly.
I can’t help but smile. “Why don’t you go take care of the condom and shower. Milo and I will start some French toast,” I tell him, patting his round, hard ass.
“Or you could join me in the shower,” he suggests.
Milo decides he’s done waiting on us and cries louder, making us both laugh. “That’s a nice thought, but we both know that’s not going to happen. Go shower, and then you can come help us in the kitchen,” I suggest as we both slip from the warmth of the bed.
I toss on one of his T-shirts and those soft, discarded boxers, as he heads toward the bathroom. When I slip across the hall, I’m already smiling as I find Milo sitting up in his crib. His arms are already extended my way, a toothy grin spread across his chubby little face.
And there goes the rest of my heart.
“Merry Christmas, Hollis.” Colton’s warm breath tickles my ear as I slowly start to wake. When I glance to the side, it’s not his familiar face I see, but that of his son’s. Milo is there, reaching for me.
“This is the best wake-up call ever,” I announce as I take the happy baby boy and snuggle him into the bed. Milo has other ideas, however, and tries to squirm away, ready to play.
“Milo insisted on waking you up himself,” Colton says, grinning widely.
“He did, did he?” I ask, rolling into my side and sitting up the baby so he can see. Milo instantly grabs the blankets and tries shoving them in his mouth.
Colton nods. “We have a Christmas morning surprise for you,” he tells me as he reaches over and swipes a strand of hair off my forehead.
“I’ve never really been a fan of surprises,” I confess, keeping a close watch on Milo, as he tries to move to the other side of the bed.
“Well, Milo and I were talking about that while I was making his bottle and your coffee.”
I can’t help but smile at how cute he’s being right now.
“Anyway, I told him that since it was his first Christmas, and your first Christmas with us, I wanted to start a few new traditions.”
Again, I’m smiling. “Yeah?”
“Yep,” he replies as he stands up. “Grab the little guy, and let’s go.”
Happily, I take Milo from the bed and get up, thankful to be wearing pants. When we reach the doorway, Colton stops and reaches for his son. “Go do your thing in the bathroom and then come meet us in the living room.” He gives me a quick peck on the cheek and turns and leaves me standing here.
I detour to the bathroom to pee and brush my teeth. When I glance at my reflection in the mirror, I’m already smiling. It’s been awhile since I’ve woke up on Christmas morning and had someone to share those joys with. In fact, I’ve gotten so used to being alone until it was time to visit Grandma at the assisted living complex or go to Tina’s parents’ house that I almost forgot what it’s like to feel excitement and anticipation in the early morning on Christmas.
With a little more spring in my step, I head to the living room to find Colton and Milo. The first thing I se
e is the big tree. Colton insisted on a real one for Milo’s first Christmas, and in true male fashion, we had to get the biggest one he could find. It barely fits the space, and there’s no star on top because there was no room, but that’s okay. It’s kinda fitting of Colton and his personality.
The next thing I notice is the coffee. He has two mugs of steaming coffee sitting on the table, waiting. Colton reaches for the mug he deemed mine and hands it to me. He’s added the perfect amount of creamer, and I can’t help but smile as I enjoy my first sip.
Colton waves to the floor, and I take a seat in the middle of the room. “Okay, so first, we enjoy coffee together, and maybe someday, we’ll watch the snow fall too. That’s tradition number one. Plus, Milo and I already have breakfast warming in the oven. That’s tradition number two.”
My God, could I smile any wider?
“Tradition number three is music.” Colton turns on the satellite radio, and a bubble of laughter spills from my lips as I hear a classic rock version of “Jingle Bells.” He shrugs and sets the remote down. “I mean, it’s still holiday music, right?”
“Right.”
He then takes a seat in front of the tree, beside his son, and pulls out a few presents, sliding them our way. Milo’s eyes are fixed on the bright red bow as he reaches for the gift just out of his reach. “And number four is sitting around the tree, watching those we love open their gifts.”
With that, he pushes that gift with the big red bow on top to Milo and an even smaller one to me. It’s a jewelry-box-shaped gift. My heart starts to pound, and my breath hitches in my throat as I gaze down at it, almost too afraid to open it.
“You won’t know what’s in it until it’s opened,” he says smoothly, giving me a small grin as he helps Milo rip open the Santa Claus paper.
I reach over and snatch a piece of paper from his tiny little grip before he can shove it in his mouth, and Milo takes a moment to let me know he doesn’t approve. “I bet what’s in the package is much better than the paper,” I tell him, a wide grin on my face.
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