Page 32 of Holiday Loss

It didn't take long for those sensations to mount and then explode inside her in a rush of pleasure that stole her ability to think. Before it could return he was there, thrusting into her, his fingers working her bundle of nerves, sending her first orgasm spiraling into a second one as she came all over again in a wave that seemed to go on and on forever.

But amazing as it was, when Donovan settled above her, his large body carefully balanced over hers, pressed close enough for her to feel every inch of him but not crushed by his weight, it was so much better. This man had come barreling into her life out of nowhere, helping her learn to trust again. In his arms she felt cherished and protected, she could take care of herself and her son, but it was nice to have someone there on her side to have her back.

This was definitely the best Christmas ever.

Chapter

Twenty-Two

December 25th

6:42 A.M.

This was how he wanted to wake up every morning from here on out.

With Jessica’s warm body snuggled against his side, and her son sleeping in his room across the hall. When he had them close like this, Donovan knew they were okay, although how he was going to cope at the end of winter break when Freddie went back to school and Jessica went back to work, and he had to let them out of his sight he had no idea.

Thankfully, Freddie seemed to have slept through the night without issue, but Jessica had had nightmares. He’d woken a couple of times to her thrashing and whimpering in her sleep. Each time he’d pulled her close, wrapping his body around hers and protecting her the best way he could.

Waking her with soft words and gentle kisses, reassuring her each time that she and her son were safe, that he was there. Each time she would tell him she felt silly reacting the way she was given her job, and he’d remind her being a cop didn't prevent her from being terrifiedwhen her own child was in jeopardy. Eventually, she’d fall asleep again, and he’d doze, wanting to be prepared in case she needed him again.

Never would Jessica struggle alone again.

Not on his watch.

From here on out, she had a partner who would support her in any way she needed him to.

The sound of footsteps in the hall had Jessica stretching, blinking open sleepy eyes. “And so it begins,” she mumbled with a grin.

Seconds later, the door to the bedroom was flung open. If Freddie was in any way worried about seeing him in his mom’s bed the kid didn't show it. His face was animated, and he was bouncing about excitedly.

“Mom, Donovan, come on! Let’s go see what Santa left,” Freddie said, buzzing out of the room with as much energy as he’d entered it.

“If you want I can give you two some time alone,” he offered as Jessica climbed out of bed and slipped on her robe. While he wanted to be involved in this morning’s fun and festivities, he didn't want Jessica to feel like he was forcing his way into her and her son’s lives before she was ready.

“I don’t want, but thanks for offering.” Standing on tiptoe, she brushed her lips across his and then took his hand, leading him down the hall and out into the large living room.

Freddie was already there, standing beside the plate with cookie crumbs and the mostly empty glass of milk. “Look, Santa ate the cookies we baked for him!”

“I'm sure he loved them, you're a good baker,” Jessica told him, dropping a kiss to the top of the child’s head before she dropped down onto the couch.

“I'm going to be even better because Sylvia is going to teach me to bake all the things she makes for her restaurant,” Freddie gushed as he dropped down in front of the tree.

“My mom is a great teacher,” he told Freddie as he handed the boy his Christmas stocking.

The next half an hour flew by. It had been a long time since he’d experienced the joy of Christmas morning from a child’s point of view, not since he and his siblings were kids, and then it was only from achild’s perspective. Now as an adult, sharing in the joy and laughter with Freddie as he opened each gift and gushed about his new toys, he realized how much his mom must have enjoyed these precious moments, and understood why she was angling for grandkids.

There was nothing like the pure joy and love filling this room.

By the time all the presents were opened, wrapping paper and empty gift boxes were everywhere. New Lego sets had made up most of Freddie’s gifts, as well as some clothes, a few miscellaneous stocking stuffers, and the new skateboard he’d wanted. With Jessica’s permission he’d given Freddie an iPad. While he would have loved to buy the boy a new one, Jessica had said it wasn't necessary so it was only an old one he had lying around, but it was loaded with apps, and the boy had been ecstatic about it.

“Mom, can I go ride my skateboard?” Freddie asked.

“Breakfast first. Then you can ride for a bit, but we have to leave at noon for lunch with Donovan’s family. Why don’t you get to work on one of those Lego sets while I give Donovan his gift,” Jessica suggested.

“Can I give him my gift now?” Freddie asked, skateboard forgotten.

“Yep, sure can.”

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