Page 8 of Turtle Dove

“I can’t even imagine. I’m surprised he isn’t coming in for Christmas.”

“I asked him to, but he said he agreed to a New Year’s fight in Vegas, so he’ll be there prepping.” She pouts just a bit, but straightens her face quickly. I know she’s sad, even if she tries to hide it.

“You’ll be with us, so none of that sadness.” I nudge her with my elbow.

She looks my way and smiles before turning her attention back to the aisle.

“Do you have everything you need for Operation Santa Claus?”

“I think so. As long as you and Case can do your part, it should work like a charm.”

“We wouldn’t miss it for the world. It’ll be done.”

Grayson

“I think I’ve got it,” Case announces when he walks into the foyer of my house.

Cadence rounds the corner first, attacking him with a hug as I step around. “Uncle Case!”

“Cadence!” he says back, dropping down to her level to give her a hug.

“What do you have?” she asks him.

“I think I know what I am going to get Ms. Nora for Christmas this year.”

“Uh oh. This oughta be good.” She steps back and puts her hands on her hips. “Will it be better than the tool kit you got for my Mamaw last year?”

I don’t even try to hide my amusement. In fact, I basically double over and heave in laughter.

“You both suck,” he says, pushing to his feet.

“I’m just kidding, Uncle Case. Ms. Nora is really nice. She’ll love anything you get for her.” Cadence gives a little twirl, before speaking again. “Well, I’m going to go finish my painting. Bye, Uncle Case!” She races off back to the kitchen before he can even respond.

“Oh, to have that energy,” I say.

“No kidding. Also, fuck you for telling her I suck at gifts.”

“I didn’t say anything. She just knows because it’s fact.”

“Not this year. I know exactly what I’m doing and trust me, it’s going to be the best gift I’ve ever given.”

The honk of a horn in the driveway sounds through the house.

“That’ll be the girls. Let’s go help them carry the groceries in and then you can head to the gym with me and tell me all about this epic Christmas gift.”

Chapter 5

Amelia

Christmas Eve came in like a whirlwind. One minute, it’s five and I’m pinned underneath Gray for a round of sleepy, early morning sex, and the next minute, it’s six in the evening and I’m carving a beautiful prime rib while Gray’s mother, Cora, and Nora tend to the mashed potatoes and dessert.

“Something smells fucking amazing,” a loud voice booms through the kitchen.

“Case Carmichael, watch your mouth,” Cora says with a huff.

“Yeah, Case, watch your mouth,” Nora says, wiggling her eyebrows up and down.

“Sorry, ma’am,” he replies, with a peck on Cora’s cheek, then a he lays a softer kiss on Nora’s neck.

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